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Naming

Many of UC's most cherished places remind us of people whose contributions—in academics, athletics, or service—have changed the university for the better. The names are all around us: McMicken Hall, Tangeman University Center, Richard E. Lindner Varsity Village. We will always seek ways to honor members of the university family who have distinguished UC, whether in the past, the
present, or the years to come.

The university recognizes three distinct types of naming:

  • Functional or Administrative: Related to a building's use or location includes retail or auxiliary spaces.
  • Honorific: Honoring or memorializing a person for distinguished service or extraordinary academic contributions not related to a gift.
  • Commemorative: Acknowledging a private or a corporate gift.
General Criteria Monetary Guidelines Design Standards Naming Request Form

Types of Naming

Dimensional letters identifying University Hall on building façade

University Hall is an example of a functional or administrative name

A functional or administrative name is one that relates to a building's function or location. The approval process is as follows:

  1. The University Architect and the President of the University Foundation discuss whether the request conflicts in any way with current or future fundraising plans or pursuit or donor naming opportunities.
  2. If not, they forward the request to the Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration, who brings the request before the Board of Trustees.
  3. If the Board approves the request, the Office of Campus Planning and Design begins design and implementation.
Plaza and Memorial Bench at Herman Schneider Quadrangle

Herman Schneider Quadrangle and Memorial Bench Dedicated 1953, Rededicated 2006

An honorific name recognizes a member of the university family for distinguished service to the university or extraordinary contributions to an academic field. When proposing an honorific name, be aware that this type of naming may be considered only for persons separated from active university service for five years or more. The approval process is as follows:

  1. The request is submitted to an academic dean or vice president for consideration, as appropriate. If the proposal is to honor a faculty member, the dean seeks input from the department faculty.
  2. The academic dean or vice president consults with the naming committee to assess the feasibility of the request. This discussion addresses how the request fits with the long-term aesthetic of the campus, as well as whether the request conflicts with current or future fundraising plans or donor naming opportunities. The naming committee may determine that the request should in fact become a recognition of fiscal or sponsorship support. In this case, the request will from then on follow the process for commemorative naming (more information in the following drop-down).
  3. If the naming committee determines that the honorific request is viable and valid, the request is forwarded to the Executive Committee of the President's Cabinet.
  4. If approved, the request goes before the President's Cabinet for consideration and approval.
  5. Upon Cabinet approval, the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration brings the request before the Board of Trustees.
  6. If the Board approves the request, the Office of Campus Planning and Design begins design and implementation.

A commemorative name recognizes a private or a corporate gift. For a complete explanation of the financial considerations involved, please see Monetary Guidlines. The approval process for a commemorative naming is as follows:

  1. The request is submitted to the University President, academic dean, or vice president for consideration, as appropriate.
  2. The President, dean, or vice president submits the request jointly to the co-chairs of the naming committee, who determine the financial value and type of recognition appropriate according to criteria established by the UC Foundation. General Counsel must review all agreements for sponsorships or gifts.
  3. The naming committee co-chairs forward the request to the Executive Committee of the President's Cabinet for approval and discussion about how the gift funds are to be allocated.
  4. The UC Foundation President/VP for Development and Alumni Relations transmits the request to the Board of Trustees for approval.
  5. If the request is approved, the Board transmits it to Campus Planning + Design for implementation, and to ensure that university design and signage standards are adhered to.
  6. The UC Foundation President and staff, in coordination with the college or unit involved, coordinate the timing and method of communicating the final decision to all involved.
  7. With permission of the honoree or representative, UC Foundation staff will support and arrange for a dedication ceremony, internal and external publicity, and other activities to maximize the donor's level of recognition, community awareness, and university understanding.