Naming of Facilities and Programs

Policy 103.3

Introduction

Naming Responsibility

The authority for naming a facility or program at Appalachian State University rests with the Board of Trustees, acting after receiving the recommendation of the Chancellor. Benefactors or honorees should be informed throughout the naming discussions that final naming approval for all University facilities and programs rests with the Board of Trustees.

Chancellor’s Responsibility

Subject to the responsibilities of the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor shall have responsibility and authority with respect to all naming actions.

1. No facility or program may be named without the early knowledge and prior approval of the Chancellor. The Chancellor shall endeavor to determine that the proposed action is consistent with the interests of the University, to assure that the amount of the contribution warrants the action proposed, and to maintain equity in the relationship of donations for similar naming actions.
2. For academic programs or units, the Chancellor shall assure that representative members of the faculty, staff, and students of the program or unit that is directly affected by the naming have been consulted before acting on the proposal.
3. The Chancellor may recommend exceptions to any of the following naming policies, subject to approval of the Board of Trustees and after consultation with University leadership when appropriate.

Scope

2.1 This policy applies to all property owned or controlled by the State of North Carolina and allocated to Appalachian State University, all property owned or controlled by the Board of Trustees of the Endowment Fund of Appalachian State University, and all operating units and programs of Appalachian State University.

Policy and Procedure Statements

Naming of Facilities, Operating Units and Programs

4.1.1 Each designation is considered and granted or denied on the bases of merit and currently existing circumstances. A naming may be rescinded in the same manner that it was assigned when a change in circumstances warrants such action in the sole discretion of the Board of Trustees. When a facility named in recognition of a gift or person has reached the end of its useful life, and will be replaced or substantially renovated, the new or renovated facility may be named in recognition of another gift or person. When a facility or program named in recognition of a gift or person is eliminated or renamed, the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs, or their respective designees, shall collaborate to provide for continued recognition of the prior honoree(s) in the University's permanent records, and in or on new or renovated facilities, or elsewhere on the campus, as may be appropriate in the discretion of such officials. Persons nominated for the honor of having a facility or program named for them must meet one or more of the following criteria:

1. Must have made a notable contribution to society and the welfare of mankind.
2. Must have achieved distinguished success in a chosen career field or profession.
3. Should have made significant contribution to Appalachian State University through service, leadership, and/or financial support.

4.1.2 A facility, unit, or program shall not be named for a person who is being honored chiefly or solely for services rendered as an employee or trustee until the expiration of at least one (1) year following the person's separation from service by resignation, retirement, expiration of term in office or death. If a naming is proposed to recognize a current gift to the University, the requirement of a delay following separation from service shall not apply. Exceptions to this policy can be made only by action of the Board of Trustees.

4.1.3 The procedure for consideration and approval of nominees for naming designations is as follows:

1. Nominees must meet established criteria.
2. Individuals may be nominated by faculty, staff, students, alumni, or friends of the university.
3. Nominations (in writing) will be received by the Chancellor's Office for transmittal to the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement (after routing through the responsible dean or equivalent officer).
4. All nominations will be acknowledged and filed by the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement. That official will have responsibility for checking the credentials and eligibility of nominees, and securing the approval of other vice chancellors as appropriate.
5. The Chancellor will recommend nominations for approval to the University Advancement Committee of the Board of Trustees.
6. The University Advancement Committee of the Board of Trustees will consider andlor recommend names to the Board of Trustees at any regularly scheduled meeting or specially called meeting.
7. The Vice Chancellor for University Advancement will be responsible for planning and implementing naming and dedication ceremonies.

Original Effective Date

Approved 03/11/90

Revision Dates

Revised 12/8/06