Online voting open for Univ. of North Dakota's new nickname

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KMSP) - Online voting is open for the University of North Dakota’s new nickname.

The university has been nameless for three years after the hotly-contested Fighting Sioux name was labeled offensive by the NCAA and subsequently retired by the state Board of Higher Education.

A committee, which is comprised of UND students, student athletes, a professor, the Twins' president, and notable alumni, has narrowed the pool down to five options:

Roughriders
North Stars
Fighting Hawks
Nodaks
Sundogs

Voting opens at 8 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 19 and ends at midnight on Friday, Oct. 23. Students, faculty, staff, donors, alumni, donors, and season ticket holders are eligible to vote.

The results are expected to be announced early next week.