Regents' Policy Manual - Section 2.11: Naming University Facilities, Spaces, Endowments, and Programs

Adopted Date: 09-12-1996
Amended: 11-13-2001
Amended: 06-14-2005

Applicability

This policy applies to the naming of facilities including buildings and structures, interior spaces, landscapes, roads, collections, programs, endowed chairs and professorships, schools and colleges on the various campuses of the University.

Policy

The University of New Mexico welcomes the opportunity to honor those who have rendered extraordinary service or support to UNM. Facilities, spaces, endowments or programs may be named for individuals or entities whose accomplishments or generosity advance the academic mission of the University, further the capacity of UNM to meet its teaching and scholarly objectives and to serve its community, and enhance the growth and reputation of UNM. A decision to construct or renovate a building, establish a chair or create a program is to be taken on the basis of established academic and other operational criteria and approved in keeping with the University's established practices and academic mission. Naming will be independent of all appointment, admission and curriculum decisions which the University will continue to make in keeping with its established practices and academic mission. To ensure the appropriateness of the honor, the University will follow the guidelines listed in this policy as it makes decisions on a case-by-case basis with regard to naming facilities, spaces, endowments or programs.

Criteria for Selection of Honorees

Naming a facility, space, endowment or program for an individual, organization or corporation is one of the highest honors that the University can bestow. This recognition is a lasting and powerful affirmation of the honoree's connection to the University's mission. As such, honorees shall have exemplary character, an unqualified reputation for honesty, personal integrity and the highest standards of personal and professional ethics.

1. Extraordinary University Service

   
   

   Honorees who have been employed by the University shall have given extraordinary service to the institution in a teaching, research, service or administrative field with such exceptional distinction that their contributions are widely recognized by their peers, both at the University and elsewhere. The recognition afforded the honoree may also include private financial contributions related to the naming opportunity. Honorees may not be in active service at the University or hold elected office at the time of the naming, unless the circumstances are exceptional.

2. Private Financial Support 

   
   

   Individuals who have not been University employees, corporations and other organizations may be considered for naming recognition if they have made significant financial contributions to the University related to the naming opportunity. Decisions regarding such recognition are made on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the approval process contained in this policy and any other applicable University policies and shall also take into consideration the total cost of the project, the availability of other funds and the level of financial contribution. A bequest or legacy gift from a donor who is still alive will not normally be considered for a naming opportunity.

   The following guidelines should also be taken into consideration in determining a significant level of financial support in a given situation:

   • New facilities--fifty percent (50%) of construction costs or three million dollars whichever is greater.

   • Renovation of facilities--seventy-five percent (75%) of the cost of renovating a facility.

   • Existing facilities without renovation--seventy-five percent (75%) of the fair market value of the facility.

   • Portable items--donation of the collection or at least fifty percent (50%) of the value of the collection.

   • Tribute markers--fifty percent (50%) of the cost or value of associated items (e.g. trees, gardens).

   • Endowed chairs and professorships--full funding of the endowment.

   • Programmatic Entities--determined on a case-by-case basis.

Request for Approval

Since naming facilities, spaces, endowments and programs has a long-term impact on the University, the approval process is designed to ensure such action is in the best interest of the University. All naming requests will be reviewed by the Committee on Naming Facilities, Spaces, Endowments, and Programs in accordance with the guidelines and procedures found in UAP 1020 ("Honorary Naming Recognition"). The Committee will submit recommendations to the President or other official with approval authority. A plan for any naming opportunity that involves private financial support must be submitted in writing to the Committee and the appropriate approving official prior to submission of a request for approval of a specific name. In the best interest of the University and prospective honorees, information relating to any naming request or plan should remain confidential until appropriate approvals have been obtained. 

1. Naming facilities and spaces that are part of the outside environment of the University must be approved by the Board of Regents.

2. Naming facilities and spaces that are part of the interior space of the University must be approved by the President. At the discretion of the President, the request may be forwarded to the Board of Regents for approval. 

3. Naming facilities and spaces that are made up of portable items which are identifiable because of a specific focus or purpose (for example,collections of art and/or artifacts) must be approved by the Provost/Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Executive Vice President for Health Sciences, depending on the location.

4. The display of tribute markers which include plaques, medallions or other markers in association with features such as trees, benches or small monuments must be approved by the Executive Vice President for Administration. 

5. Naming of endowed chairs and professorships must be approved by the Board of Regents.

6. The naming of academic or non-academic programmatic entities (such as departments, schools, colleges, institutes and centers) must be approved by the Board of Regents.

The Board of Regents reserves the right to review for approval, on a case-by-case basis, any naming request not specifically addressed above and not otherwise delegated by the Board of Regents to the President of the University.

Duration of Name

Naming of facilities, spaces, endowments and programs in honor of individuals is generally expected to last the lifetime of the facility, space, endowment or program. Naming of facilities, spaces, endowments and programs in honor of corporations or other organizations will have a set number of years attached to the naming which will be determined on a case-by-case basis and listed in the signed gift agreement. Naming associated with a particular facility, space, endowment or program will not preclude further naming within the facility, space, endowment or program.

Request Processing

Every reasonable effort will be made to ensure that a naming request will be acted upon within sixty (60) days of the initial submission of that request to the Committee.

Recording and Reporting

The University Secretary will be responsible for recording the official decisions on all naming requests and reporting those decisions to the appropriate UNM officials.

Implementation

The President will develop detailed policies and procedures to ensure that the naming of facilities, spaces, endowments and programs is consistent with this Regents' policy. The President shall appoint a Committee on Naming Facilities, Spaces, Endowments, and Programs to review naming plans and requests and to make recommendations for approval. This amended policy does not apply to any arrangements that are in existence at the date the amendment is adopted.

References 

UAP 1020 ("Honorary Naming Recognition”)