Print

Policy 70

University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Naming of Facilities and Spaces
Policy #70


1.0 Purpose and Rationale

Tradition in higher education has established a practice of placing the names of distinguished individuals on facilities and spaces as a means of recognition for accomplishments, meritorious service, memorials, and philanthropy. The University of Wisconsin-Parkside has named various facilities in honor of individuals who have played important roles in the development of the institution.

This policy provides guidance to assure fair and equitable treatment in considering facility, space, academic unit, and other naming designations.

2.0 Policy
2.1 Wisconsin Board of Regents

The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents policies regarding naming are set forth in Regent Policy Document 19-14 (formerly 96-1) Naming of University Facilities and Lands and Regent Policy Document 4-19 Naming of University Academic Units.

2.1.1 Naming Authority

Regent Policy Document 19-14 (formerly 96-1) Naming of University Facilities and Lands states that naming of an entire building is subject to prior approval by the Board of Regents. The chancellor of each institution is delegated the authority to name facilities involving less than an entire building, such as rooms, wings, or exterior amenities; and parcels of land.

Regent Policy Document 4-19 Naming of University Academic Units states that naming of a college or school within a UW institution is subject to prior approval by the Board of Regents. The Chancellor of each institution is delegated the authority to name departments, programs, and centers, or other academic units other than colleges or schools.

Requests to name must be made by the Chancellor of the institution following the process set forth in Regent policy. For any naming under these policies, including those delegated to Chancellors, the following factors must be considered:

  1. Whether the individual, corporation or other legal entity has promoted the purpose and mission of the UW System as expressed in s. 36.01, Wis. Stats.;
     
  2. Whether the reputation of the individual, corporation or other legal entity may reflect negatively or adversely upon the UW System or a UW System institution;
     
  3. Whether the individual, corporation or other legal entity is in compliance with any agreements with the UW System or a particular UW System institution;
     
  4. Whether any existing agreements prohibit changing or adding a name to an academic unit or facility;
     
  5. Whether there is a plan for continued recognition of an individual, corporation or other legal entity for whom a facility or an academic unit was previously named;
     
  6. Whether the naming represents a potential conflict of interest, appearance of commercial influence, or could compromise the institution’s academic or research autonomy; and
     
  7. Whether the naming is compliant with applicable laws if the naming will occur in a building financed with tax-exempt governmental bonds.

Facility, space, and academic unit naming’s may be made for individuals, corporations, or other legal entities (any for-profit business or non-profit organization, foundation, trust, or any similar non-university organization).

A naming for an individual shall consider whether the individual was employed by the UW System or has served as an elected or appointed public official. Normally, a waiting period of at least five years must have elapsed from the time the individual’s UW employment ended or the individual left public office. Exceptions may be considered under certain circumstances, including when the individual is no longer living or a gift requests the naming.

2.1.2. Removal of Naming

In certain circumstances, it may be necessary to remove or change a name of a facility, space, or academic unit. The UW System Board of Regents retains the authority to remove or change a naming if the name presents a risk to the institution’s reputation, if the donor or sponsor fails to meet the financial obligations of the naming agreement, or as otherwise deemed necessary by the Board. The Board delegates authority to the UW Chancellor of the institution to remove or change naming’s for facilities, spaces, and units within the Chancellor’s authority, if the name presents a risk to the institution’s reputation, if the donor or sponsor fails to meet the financial obligations of the naming, or as otherwise deemed necessary by the Chancellor.

2.2 University of Wisconsin-Parkside

2.2.1 Eligibility for Naming

Examples of facilities which may be named include: a complete building, a wing or portion of a building, laboratory, foyer, outside area, recreation facility, classroom, complex of related classrooms or offices, conference or meeting room, auditorium, an area of the campus, gallery, or theater. Examples of academic units which may be named include: a college, school, department, center, or program.

2.2.2 Nominations

Nominations for naming of facilities, spaces, and academic units shall be evaluated on the considerations noted above and other factors specific to the nominee, including the following:

  • Exceptional service to the University and to students
  • Exceptional service to the community
  • Significant financial contributions as per recommendation by University Advancement and/or the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Foundation Board of Directors

All nominations shall be directed to the Chancellor of the university. The Chancellor shall refer such nominations to the Chancellor's Cabinet for discussion and recommended action. Upon the Chancellor's Cabinet's recommendation, the Chancellor is responsible for making the decision to grant the naming as requested (in the case of naming’s within the Chancellor’s authority), or to advance the nomination for review by the UW System Office of Capital Planning and Budget, the UW System Office of General Counsel, and ultimately the Board of Regents.

 

*Revised Fall 2022

Scroll to top