Raleigh, N.C. — St. Augustine's College officially became St. Augustine's University Wednesday, a change that coincides with expanded opportunities for students at the historically black college located in east Raleigh. 

Campus signage has been updated, major construction projects are in progress and the school's new branding package is complete, the school said in a statement. Cosmetic updates will continue throughout the academic year. 

"The expectation is that students will return to campus and know that something is different," President Dianne Boardley Suber said in a statement. "The change is not only aesthetic, but also in mindset. Moving to the next level will require commitment from students, faculty and staff and I'm confident that we will rise to the challenge."

St. Augustine's University will expand program for nontraditional students and now offers more options for students in centers for Forensic Discovery, Applied Medical Sciences, and Athletic Facilities and Sports Management. 

The school also hopes to offer its first master's degree program as early as 2014. St. Augustine's University opened in 1867 and has an average enrollment of 1,500.