University of North Dakota nickname vote to take place in October

Fans and alumni will finally be able to weigh in on the new University of North Dakota team nickname after years of contentious debate.

September 22, 2015 at 6:03PM
The Fighting Sioux logo is pervasive at the University of North Dakota's hockey arena.
The Fighting Sioux logo is pervasive at the University of North Dakota's hockey arena. (Colleen Kelly — Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Fans and alumni can finally weigh in on the new University of North Dakota team nickname in mid-October.

Online voting will begin at 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19, and will conclude at midnight on Friday, Oct. 23.

Voting is open to: current UND students, faculty and staff; UND alumni, retirees and donors; and current season ticket holders for UND athletic events (one vote per account).

During the vote, eligible voters will cast one vote for a single option on the ballot. Here are the options:

- Fighting Hawks

- Nodaks

- North Stars

- Roughriders

- Sundogs

The school retired "Fighting Sioux" three years ago under pressure from the NCAA and many American Indians.

The change is contentious and until recently, there was a sixth option, to have no team nickname and to be known as "North Dakota," which was on the list for consideration until July 21.

During the week of Oct. 12, eligible voters will receive an email with voting instructions. Complete details are available at the UND website.

about the writer

about the writer

Colleen Kelly

Senior Digital Editor

Colleen Kelly guides the Star Tribune's digital content and strategic planning. She focuses on audience engagement efforts such as Curious Minnesota, enterprise project planning and social media.

See More