TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - The University of Arizona has announced it is changing its abbreviation from UA to UArizona largely to increase search engine optimization.
The Tucson-based college announced the decision Monday in a news release saying the change would help distinguish the school from other national and international entities that used UA, including the University of Alabama, Under Armour and United Airlines.
Officials say the southern Arizona university was not appearing on the front of Google results when UA was typed into search engines.
University officials say UArizona would be used in its own communication practices including news releases and headlines.
The new name is already reflected in the university's Twitter handle, uarizona.
Officials say there are not yet plans to use the abbreviation on merchandise or in chants at sporting events.
