Not long ago The Bee's J. Freedom du Lac wrote a Scene story about the identity crisis at, what's that place called?

Oh, yes, California State University, Sacramento - otherwise known as Sacramento State University, Sac State, CSUS and some other variations.

Beginning today, the, ah, school in question is trying to do something about that. The leadership is asking people to select, via completing a survey, their favorite everyday name.

Nothing will change the school's official title, California State University, Sacramento, but survey results will influence the university's final decision on a common name.

"What we need is a consistent name for everyday use - like a 'William' is often called 'Bill.' There are many possibilities, and currently many are used, which causes confusion," said Frank Whitlatch, coordinator of news services at CSUS.

"We're trying to find out what people prefer. President Alexander Gonzalez wants as much input as possible. And he wants it decided and done."

So, here's your chance to give your two cents on the school, founded in 1947 as "Sacramento State College" and later renamed "California State University, Sacramento."

Here are the choices, including a choice to come up with your own name:

* Cal State Sacramento
* Capital University
* CSU Sacramento
* CSUS
* Sacramento State (Sac State)
* Sacramento State University (Sac State)
* State Capital University
* Other ideas:________________________

The easiest way to participate in the name survey is to visit the Web site www.csus.edu/name and complete it.

If that's not an option, you may pick up a survey ballot on campus (included in the school's newsletter, The Bulletin), grab one at the commencement next month or while attending the Olympic Trials in July, or by calling the school at (916) 278-6156 and asking for one to be mailed to you.

Anyone may participate. Whitlatch said the final decision will be made after students registering for the fall semester have a chance to weigh in.