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Georgia State University Naming Guidelines

It is the policy of the University to follow the University System of Georgia Board of Regents Policy 912 “Names of Facilities or Streets,” which follows:

912 The Board of Regents considers the naming of a University System facility or street in honor of a living or deceased individual, corporation, foundation, or organization 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 property owned or leased by the University System of Georgia, including facilities constructed by affiliated organizations of the institutions. The term "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 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.

The act of naming a University System facility or street 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 honoree. 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.

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 living person for outstanding and distinguished service as a public servant, that person must have been disassociated from employment by or service to 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. All proposed namings will be submitted to the Chancellor, or his/her designee, who shall then submit the recommendations to the Board of Regents for approval. The Board of Regents must approve the proposed name of a facility or street, whether to honor an individual, corporation, foundation, or organization or to memorialize a deceased individual.

All namings pursuant to this policy should be subject to periodic review to determine that the naming continues to be consistent with the interest of the institution as described in The Policy Manual.

Since naming often occurs in recognition of a gift or commitment to an institution, institutions will develop guidelines for naming opportunities covered by Board of Regents policy at their campuses, including appropriate financial commitments corresponding to such naming opportunities. These guidelines will be submitted to the Board of Regents for review (BR Minutes, May 2004).

Georgia State University Procedures

Georgia State University will establish a University Naming Committee consisting of the University President and Provost, Foundation President and Vice President, and Associate Vice President for Development.  The Vice President for Development will chair the committee.

The Naming Committee on a case-by-case basis sets specific financial commitments for naming facilities.  It is recommended that one-third of the financial commitment be paid in advance before requesting naming approval from the Board of Regents.

Naming recommendations may be submitted by University Deans or Unit Managers (Rialto and Athletics) and supported by Development staff, board members and others as appropriate.  The recommendation must be submitted in writing to the Committee.

The Committee will meet on a periodic basis as needed.

The Committee will review all facility names on an annual basis to insure that the naming remains appropriate and consistent with Board of Regent Policy.

For interior spaces or those areas not covered by the Board of Regents Policy, the University Naming Committee through the University President will notify the Board of Regents in a timely fashion of any Naming decisions.

Once a decision has been made to recommend a naming to the Board of Regents, a letter, signed by the University President and supporting documentation will be submitted in accordance with Board of Regent Policy.