Naming Opportunities

The naming of a university property, program, or facility is an honor that contributes to the university’s sense of its heritage and is a significant event in the history of the institution. The University President has authority and responsibility for approving the name of buildings and facilities or parts thereof on behalf of the university, and recommending approval by the Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) State College Board of Trustees in accordance with applicable laws and rules.

The naming of buildings, programs, and other facilities at Delta State University, such as laboratories, classrooms, auditoriums, offices and common areas, is one manner in which the university can honor an individual’s contributions to the institution. Any recommendation for the naming of buildings, parts of buildings or outdoor areas of the campus shall be based on what is in the best interest of the university. Each naming proposal should take into account established criteria and other guidelines.

Naming: specific to this document refers to honoring or memorializing individuals, corporations, foundations, and/or organizations.

Facilities: includes, but not limited to, any University buildings, structures, rooms, interior spaces, exterior spaces (gardens, courts, plazas, memorials, markers, etc.) streets, athletic fields, open spaces, landscaped areas, or other physical improvements or natural features of the University campus, and all other tangible and relatively permanent features owned, operated or controlled by Delta State University.

Programs: includes campus-administered academic or non-academic programs, colleges, schools, departments, institutes, centers, and other units associated with University functions. For the purpose of this policy, the term does not apply to endowed faculty positions (e.g. chairs, professorships, etc.) or named funds to support students (e.g. scholarships, fellowships, awards, etc.)

Criteria

Individuals or groups for whom facilities are named must have made significant contributions to the university. To preserve the integrity of the “naming” process, this honor is reserved for individuals of recognized accomplishments and character.  Contributions may be significant financial gifts or distinguished service to or recognition brought to the university.

1. Naming for a Benefactor (financial or in-kind gift required)

The university may recognize a substantial gift benefiting the institution by naming a facility in appreciation of the gift. Each situation should be judged on its own.

1. 1. 1.  A facility may be named for an individual or organization benefactor who makes a significant contribution toward the costs of initial construction or renovation of a building, component of a building, or other physical facility on campus.  The university will establish and regularly revise a list of available naming opportunities and minimum gift expectations for naming.
      2. A naming gift may also be a significant contribution of funds initiating or supporting programs, scholarships, specialized equipment, operations, or other needs of the university. Endowment funding of significance that offers sustained support into perpetuity will be preferred in consideration of naming opportunities.
2. Naming for Service to or Recognition Brought to the University

A naming honor for a building or a major facility may be conferred to recognize individuals who have attained achievements of extraordinary and lasting distinction. Generally, these are individuals who have had direct, substantial, and active association with the university and displayed a distinguished record of scholarship, creativity, leadership, humanitarian service or public service.

A facility, property or program may be named after a member of the university community (faculty or staff) who has been retired from full-time service with the university at least three (3) years or who has been deceased at least three (3) years.

Procedures and Responsibilities

Requests to name a building, facility, program, or other space on campus in recognition of a financial gift, recognition of service, or achievement must be approved by the President of the University in conjunction with the President’s Executive Committee and majority vote of the President’s Cabinet.

Any individual or group associated with the university may submit a proposal to the President’s Cabinet for naming a facility for the reasons indicated above. The President’s Cabinet’s principal task is to review proposals and make naming recommendations to the president.

1. Each proposal shall include:
   1. 1. a description of the facility and the name proposed to be honored;
      2. biographical summary of the person proposed; and
      3. a statement of rationale articulating the distinctiveness of the individual’s contributions to the University.
2. The President’s Cabinet shall give timely consideration to all proposals, weighing them on their individual merits and consulting with the President when appropriate and necessary.

Considering the sensitivity of the matters under consideration and their potential for creating misunderstanding, all stages of the proposal, review and recommendation process must be conducted in confidence.

While being timely in its consideration and approach, the President’s Cabinet will follow a deliberative approach. Those proposing a “naming” are cautioned that the process may take considerable time and involve an extensive review process. The President’s Cabinet generally will not consider proposals in the immediate aftermath of one-time events, as the passage of time ensures greater objectivity.

In recommending the naming of a facility or programmatic unit for a person, family or organization, the President’s Cabinet shall have a reasonable assurance that:

1. 1. 1. the proposed name will bring additional honor and distinction to the university;
      2. the recognition implied by the naming is appropriate for the significance of the contributions by the individual, family, or organization; and
      3. any philanthropic commitments connected with the naming can be realized.

None

Active

Cabinet Approval: 02/25/2014
Revised, Cabinet Approved: 01/20/2015
Revised, Cabinet Approval:  02/18/2019
Revised, Cabinet Approval:  10/26/2021
Reviewed by Office of Human Resources:  02/20/2019