University of Oregon

Policy Statement

Title: Naming of Facilities

Purpose: To describe the limitations on and procedures for naming buildings, structures, interior spaces, and landscape elements.

Policy:

Under OAR 580-50-025, the President is authorized to name buildings or structures, and no building or structure shall be named after a living person unless the Oregon State Board of Higher Education makes an exception. The Board's legal staff has defined "structure" to include large outdoor spaces such as courtyards. The Board will consider an exception only for a donor who contributes a substantial share of the cost of construction or for other unusually meritorious reasons. The naming, or renaming, of a building or structure is considered a major event in the history of the institution, requiring due consideration and consultation. The President of the University, by this policy, also is authorized to name parts of buildings, interior spaces (classrooms, atria, conference rooms, seminar rooms, lounges, etc.) and landscape elements (plazas, quadrangles, etc.).

1. NAMING IN RECOGNITION OF A GIFT:

a. Buildings and structures may be named or renamed for a donor when a gift provides funding for not less than 50 percent of the portion of the cost which would not have been available from other sources (state or federal appropriations, student fees, bonds, etc.) Some exceptions may be granted.

2. NAMING FOR AN INDIVIDUAL NOT IN RECOGNITION OF A GIFT:

a. Naming opportunities are generally reserved for donors. However an individual's name may be affixed to a building, part of a building, an interior space, or a landscape element in posthumous recognition of unusually meritorious service to the University or to society at large.
b. Normally, a period of at least one year shall have elapsed between the individual's death and the proposal for naming.

3. PROCEDURES:

a. Suggestions for naming any building, part of a building, an interior space, or a landscape element in posthumous recognition of unusually meritorious service to the University or to society at large will proceed through the appropriate Department Head or Director through the appropriate Dean or Vice President to the Senior Vice President and Provost. Suggestions for naming in recognition of unusually meritorious service should include a description of the activities and circumstances that warrant consideration as unusually meritorious. While “unusually meritorious service” could be operationalized in many different ways, for the purposes of this policy, unusually meritorious service is likely to describe remarkable activities, circumstances, and/or experiences of individuals that directly served to advance or provide inspiration in advancing the values and mission of the University. After consultation with the Vice President for Advancement, the Senior Vice President and Provost will convey the request to the President with a recommendation.

b. On all naming opportunities and requests, the President will make the final, campus-level decision. On naming suggestions involving entire buildings or large open spaces, the President will consult formally in confidence with the Faculty Advisory Council. On namings of a smaller, or more local scale, the President may consult confidentially with any advisory groups that he or she feels appropriate before making a decision on the proposal.

c. Proposals approved by the President that involve naming after a living person will be forwarded to the State Board for final approval.



Supersedes all earlier policies issued on this subject.

Revision recommended and approved by the President's staff: 10/31/06
Originally issued: 2-17-89