Facilities, Naming of

Policy Number: 
IV.07.01
Reason for Policy: 

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

Entities Affected by this Policy: 

General UO community

Responsible Office: 

For questions about this policy, please contact University Advancement at 541-346-3016 or advops@uoregon.edu.

 

Enactment & Revision History: 

29 February 2016 – Amended by the university president. Policy number revised from 07.00.02 to IV.07.01

02 February 2010 - Policy number revised from 4.000 to 07.00.02

31 October 2006 - Revision recommended and approved by the university president

17 February 1989 - Originally issued

Policy: 

The naming, or renaming, of a building, structure or external space is considered a major event in the history of the institution, requiring due consideration, appropriate due diligence, and consultation.

Under authority granted by Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 352, and Section 1.7.1 of UO Policy I.01.01 – Retention and Delegation of Authority – the Board of Trustees shall be the sole authority allowed to name any university building or outdoor area in recognition of an individual or organization.

The President of the University, by this policy, is authorized to name interior spaces (e.g. classrooms, atria, conference rooms, seminar rooms, lounges, etc.) in recognition of individuals or organizations.

1. NAMING IN RECOGNITION OF A GIFT:

  • 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:

  • 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.
  • Normally, a period of at least one year shall have elapsed between the individual's death and the proposal for naming.
  • Exceptions to the requirement of posthumous recognition may be granted only upon approval by the Board of Trustees.

3. PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Suggestions for naming any building, part of a building, interior space, or exterior space will be made through the Vice President for Advancement to the President. The vice president may receive recommendations from and shall consult with appropriate others (e.g. provost, dean, department chair, director).
  • 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.
  • Pursuant to this policy, the President shall make a recommendation on naming a building or external space, or any space named after a living individual, to the Board of Trustees for its approval. The President may make a final decision on the posthumous naming of any internal space. On naming suggestions involving entire buildings or large open spaces, the President will consult formally in confidence with the Faculty Advisory Council. On naming of a smaller, or more local scale, the President may consult confidentially with any advisory groups that he or she feels is appropriate.
Chapter/Volume: 
  • Volume IV: Finance, Administration and Infrastructure
  • Chapter 7: Property, facilities and planning; sustainability