Main Navigation

Home » Compliance & Operations » Naming Policies

Clayton State University Naming Guidelines

Facility Naming Guidelines

The following guidelines are intended to allow for consistency in naming policies across the campus, and to be in compliance with the Board of Regents Naming Policy. The term facility includes buildings of all types, including 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 term "facilities" does not include interior spaces such as rooms, hallways, etc., within buildings and sports facilities. The Board of Regents delegates authority to the Institution Presidents to name such interior spaces. The Board of Regents will be notified for informational purposes only on any such interior space naming on a timely basis.

In order to enhance the ability of Clayton State University to secure, evaluate and recommend naming opportunities there will be an ex-officio naming advisory committee comprised of members of the President's cabinet, deans and the director of development. The President of Clayton State University will be the final arbiter on all decisions related to naming.

The following guidelines are to be followed for naming of facilities at Clayton State University:

  • For Living Persons:
    • Person must have provided truly outstanding service to the institution, the nation or society in general
    • For public servants, the person must have been disassociated from employment by or service to the University System of Georgia, or from state or federal government employment for at least two years prior to the naming
  • For Deceased Persons:
    • The same basic standard applies as for living persons, except the two-year waiting period may be waived upon the person's death
  • For Monetary Donations:
    • The minimum amount for naming new buildings on the campus of Clayton State University shall be $1,000,000.00 (one million dollars). The minimum amount for naming existing buildings shall be $500,000.
    • The following minimums have been established for the facilities, or areas, described below:
      • Outdoor Athletic & Entertainment Venues (i.e. soccer fields, tennis courts, amphitheater, etc.) - $250,000
      • Outdoor Plazas/Quadrangle - $200,000
      • Gardens/Paths - $50,000
    • The minimum amounts and facilities available for naming shall be evaluated at the beginning of each fiscal year, or when new buildings are available for naming, by the President of Clayton State University to ensure that monetary gifts are consistent with the interests of the institution, condition of facilities to be named, and in accordance with USG policies.
    • In order for deferred gifts to be considered for a naming opportunity, the deferred gift must be irrevocable.
  • Length of Time for Naming to be in Effect
    • There will be no assurances made to any donor that the length of naming will last beyond the useful life of a building or facility. Should the building be demolished, a new opportunity for naming will be created.
  • De-Naming/Name Removal:
    • Should someone for whom a facility is named fail to follow through on a financial commitment, fail to maintain the high standards of Clayton State University, or bring dishonor upon him/herself ultimately reflecting upon Clayton State, the President of Clayton State University will have the right to remove the offending name from any facility. Should this step become necessary, the President will note the reasons in the individual's file, providing copies of external documentation, i.e. press coverage, where appropriate and as inconspicuously as possible have the name removed and notify the Board of Regents of the action taken.

If the naming proposal accepted by the President of Clayton State University is in recognition of a monetary donation, the President will ensure that 90% of the total gift, will be in hand prior to recommending the naming opportunity to the Board of Regents. If the naming includes an irrevocable deferred gift, then all documentation containing the terms of the deferral will be on hand.

At such time as the decision to name a facility has been made at Clayton State University, the Naming of facility form shall be completed by the President and submitted to the Secretary to the Board of Regents. he Secretary to the Board of Regents will then coordinate presenting the items to the Board of Regents for approval at the appropriate meeting.

When the University has been notified by the Board of Regents of approval for naming, plans will be enacted to erect appropriate signage and orchestrate suitable recognition ceremonies. Signage will be in compliance with Board Policies 908.03 and 917, and consistent with Clayton State University's Master Plan. The Board of Regents and the Chancellor will be notified of any recognition ceremonies as early as possible prior to the ceremony.