Social media has been ablaze with mixed opinions of the initials FUA. 

But the university said they believed people would refer to it as FedUni or The Fed.

A reader poll conducted by The Courier showed the majority supported to keep the original name, with just 12.1 per cent voting for Federation University Australia.

The Victorian government introduced legislation into parliament on Thursday to allow for the controversial name change.

The legislative amendment will change the University of Ballarat Act 2010, which determines how the university is governed.

The university’s name change is part of a merger with Monash University’s Gippsland campus, which is still awaiting federal government approval.

Concerns have been raised that the name change will lose its connection with Ballarat.

The Courier asked residents what they thought of the new name.

Tarquin Blackburn, Ballarat: I think it’s pretty ridiculous. When you read the initials it is disgracing the city I guess.”

Henry Koplick, Ballarat: It’s kind of awkward, because it can mean a variety of things."

Bev Perry, Enfield: It’s only a name. I think it would be nice if the Ballarat name was kept somewhere in that.

Amy Norberry,

Mt Helen: It’s pretty funny, especially when the shirts come out. But I reckon it will be a positive, it’ll improve the standing.