University of North Dakota nickname vote to take place in October

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

- 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.