University of Southern Maine President Glenn Cummings appeared on the WGAN Morning News Monday to discuss the school’s proposed name change.

The plan would change the name of the school to the University of Maine at Portland.

Cummings said it would clarify the university’s identity and improve its marketability.

He said a survey of prospective students found that many of them don’t know where USM is located.

“Only 14 percent said they had a good command of USM,” Cummings said. “You take on step below Kittery and we just don’t have much marketing.”

(click here to listen to the complete interview with University of Southern Maine President Glenn Cummings)

A recent vote from University of Maine System trustees in Farmington authorized the system’s leadership to seek approval for the name change from the Maine Legislature.

Some lawmakers oppose the move and the cost of the project.

Cummings has said costs would be “roughly in the million dollar category.”