Naming Recognition
Introduction
This policy outlines the University’s position on naming University Assets to honour distinguished persons, families, organizations, corporations, or foundations.
Scope
This Policy governs naming of University Assets including, but not limited to:
• physical assets such as:
o buildings, parts of buildings, and facilities;
o common or green spaces, grounds, physical structures, and streets;
• non-physical assets such as:
o faculties, schools, departments, and other academic units;
o lectureships, special lecture series', awards for excellence in teaching, research, or performance of other academic responsibilities;
o academic and administrative conferences and events; and
• such other entities or University Assets to which the University may see fit to grant a Naming.
This policy excludes naming recognition for research and academic positions which are addressed within the Research Chairs policy RCH-010-010; and naming of research, and non-research, centres and institutes which are governed by the Research Institutes and Centres policy RCH-010-005.
Policy
University Assets, including, but not limited to, spaces, facilities, outdoor areas, and academic units may be named for a person, family, organization, corporation or foundation only in one of the following circumstances:
- The individual, group, or company has made a significant service contribution to the University (i.e. Honorific Naming)
- The individual, group, or company has made a significant contribution to humanity, society or the broader community (i.e. Honorific Naming)
- The individual, group, or company is a major donor/benefactor (i.e. Philanthropic Naming)
Centralized oversight for all naming opportunities is provided by the Office of University Advancement, in consultation with the Office of University Governance, to enable consistent signage and storytelling that provides a strong foundation for community engagement and donor relationship management.
Philanthropic Naming
Philanthropic naming opportunities must have a written gift agreement that addresses the factors outlined in this policy. The Office of University Advancement serves as the Office of Record for all naming proposals, with major gifts (i.e. high-value, high-profile building naming or unit naming) requiring more significant oversight and approval than minor gifts (i.e. honorific re-naming of one room).
All naming recognition resulting from a financial contribution to the University must adhere to the University's Donation and Gift Acceptance Policy GOV-030-005. Naming agreements must have the engagement of University Advancement and follow University Advancement's gift recognition scale as determined by the following parameters:
- Value of gift: the gift covers a substantial portion of the initial cost of the asset or, in the case of an existing structure or area, a substantial portion of the insurable value.
- Period of time: the name will typically remain in place for a maximum of 15 years, based on the value of the gift (naming in perpetuity is possible if the gift amount involves the establishment of an endowment to fund a significant portion in perpetuity).
- Rescinding recognition: if, in the University's sole opinion, the recognized benefactor is no longer in alignment with the University's mission and fundamental values, the University reserves the right to rescind recognition.
- Change of name: the University may entertain a named donor's request to change the original recognition naming, at the cost of the donor, when there has been a:
- change in ownership
- change in business name
- cessation of business or familial relationship. - The University of Regina reserves the right to demolish, retrofit, add to or maintain any University Assets including named assets at its sole discretion
- When undertaking a capital fundraising project, the amount expected for naming will typically be set in advance of soliciting donors and should be adhered to during the capital fundraising campaign.
Honorific Naming
Honorific naming opportunities are rare and normally considered only in exceptional circumstances. All naming recognition, even when not based on a financial contribution to the University, must include the engagement and authorization of the Office of University Advancement. Honorific naming details are recorded in a written naming agreement that is facilitated by the Office of University Advancement.
Re-naming or Recission of Naming
- The University of Regina reserves the right to demolish, retrofit, add to or maintain any University assets including named assets at its sole discretion
- Recission of philanthropic and/or honorific naming will be documented in writing with the official record, including rationale, retained by the Office of University Governance
Naming Faculties, Schools, Departments, and Other Academic Units
- Academic governance approvals, in addition to administrative approvals, are required for any faculty, department, unit or school considering a name change
- Early consultation with the Chief Governance Officer is recommended
Roles and Responsibilities
Board of Governors
- approves proposals for Naming of the following assets:
- Buildings
- Major capital structures
- Roads, grounds and parks
- Faculties, schools, and departments
- Significant public spaces
- makes final decisions to rescind recognition
President
- approves the Naming of assets where the name would be within administrative oversight, and descriptive of function, location or usage such as:
- Individual rooms
- Classrooms
- Laboratories
- Offices
- Temporary recognition opportunities
Executive Director, University Advancement
- collects relevant information and administers the gift agreement process for Philanthropic Naming
- collects relevant information and facilitates the written naming agreement for Honorific Naming
Executive of Council
- recommends naming of academic units to the Senate for approval