Georgia Institute of Technology Naming Guidelines
Policy
The Institute's naming policy is consistent with that prescribed by the Board of Regents as follows:
912 NAMES OF BUILDINGS, FACILITIES OR STREETS
The Board of Regents considers the naming of a University System facility or street in honor of an individual to be one of the highest distinctions that it can bestow. In light of the importance and magnitude of this honor, the following policy shall apply to the naming of all physical facilities and streets on all campuses within the University System of Georgia. The term "physical facility" is intended to include buildings of all types, as well as all sports facilities. It is also intended to include all outdoor areas that may not have physical walls but are nonetheless identifiable areas of campus landscape, such as quadrangles, gardens, lakes, recreation fields, etc.
The act of naming a University System facility or street for a person is the conferral of not only a high honor but also a conspicuous honor. It publicly exhibits the judgment and standards of the University System of Georgia and signifies lasting approval of the actions of the person being honored. Given the fact that a name may be on display for decades, the task of naming should not be taken lightly. Rather, each institution should carefully consider each name, seek advice, and use the utmost discretion in ensuring that those upon whom such an honor is bestowed are truly worthy of it.
In the past, the Board has stated that the naming of a building or a street should be a posthumous honor. However, in order to allow for the individual being honored to enjoy and take part in the honor when it is bestowed, the Board of Regents will allow facilities and streets to be named after a living individual if the person to be honored has provided outstanding service to the institution, to the nation, or to society, and has served with distinction.
When naming is to honor a person for outstanding and distinguished service as a public servant, that person must have been disassociated from employment by the University System or from state or federal government employment for at least two years prior to the naming.
In light of the fact that every institution within the University System is different, "outstanding service" is intended, to a certain extent, to be a flexible standard. Each naming situation must be judged on its own merits after taking into account the facts that are relevant to the person being honored and the institution involved. The President of each institution shall endeavor to ensure that the proposed naming is consistent with the interests of the institution and the University System and that the value of service warrants the action proposed. The Board of Regents must approve the proposed name of a facility or street. (BR Minutes, 1937-38, p. 71; 1951-52, p. 313; 1977-78, p. 160, 1995-96).
In general, where the name is to be accorded for recognition of a significant financial commitment, the commitment shall not be less than one-third of the replacement cost of the facility, payable over a period generally not to exceed five years, or as pre-determined by the Office of Development. Certain deferred gifts may be discounted to present value for commemorative naming purposes on a case-by-case review.
In addition to the facilities requiring Board of Regents approval, the Institute retains the right to name internal building features not covered by the Board of Regents policy including but not limited to: lecture halls, auditoriums, laboratories, classrooms, administrative and academic suites and offices, et al.
Unlike a permanent endowment, Institute facilities depreciate over time. Accordingly, the naming of an Institute building, facility or street (as defined by Board of Regents policy) is specific to the named facility. Where appropriate, the naming may be fixed for a term of years; otherwise, the naming will normally terminate when the building, facility or street is demolished, substantially altered, or no longer in use by the Institute. Where feasible, a donor recognized through the naming of an Institute building, facility or street that is being replaced will be provided first right of refusal to provide a naming gift for the replacement facility.
Additionally, the Institute may name academic, research or administrative programs (e.g. Colleges, Schools and Centers) to recognize individuals, corporations, foundations, organizations, et. al, who have provided outstanding service or who have made a significant financial commitment to the Institute or the program to be named. The naming of a program is expected to continue for long as the program, or a substantially similar program, is in existence.
Similar to the Board of Regents policy, the Institute may choose to recognize individuals, corporations, foundations, organizations, et al. who have provided outstanding service to the institution, to the nation, or to society. Where the naming is to be accorded to honor a living person for outstanding and distinguished service as a public servant, that person must have been disassociated from employment by the University System or from state or federal government for at least two years prior to the naming.
All namings pursuant to this policy shall be subject to periodic review to determine that the naming continues to be consistent with the interests of the Institute as described in Board of Regents policy.
In general, where the name is to be accorded for recognition of a significant financial commitment, the commitment shall meet the pre-determined commemorative value established by the Institute's Office of Development, payable over a period generally not to exceed five years. Certain deferred gifts may be discounted to present value for commemorative naming purposes on a case-by-case review.
Institutional signage, recognition plaques, et al. shall conform to standards adopted by the Office of Development Stewardship and the Office of Facilities.
Procedure
The Georgia Tech Naming Committee is constituted by the President of the Institute to implement this policy and make recommendations to the President for action. All proposals should be submitted in writing to the Committee Chair for review and action. Proposals to the committee may be submitted by faculty, staff, and students of the Georgia Institute of Technology and its associated organizations. Student proposals must be approved in advance by the Student Government Association and their recommendation forwarded to the Naming Committee Chair. The Naming Committee will review and make recommendations to the President, who may then forward the recommendation to the Board of Regents where required. The committee meets on an as-needed basis.
The Georgia Tech Naming Committee consists of: Vice President for Development (Chair); Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance; Executive Assistant to the President; two faculty members (appointed by the Provost); alumni representative and student representative (undergraduate Student Body President),both to be appointed by the President of the Institute. The Development Stewardship Office will staff the committee.