Regulations & Policies

Facilities and Land

I. OBJECTIVE & PURPOSE

This policy delineates actions and standards that must be taken and followed in assigning or changing names of University of North Florida ("University") facilities, buildings, colleges, programs, institutes, centers, schools, campuses, roads, bridges, parks, recreational complexes or other institutional elements (collectively "University Elements"), including those actions taken in connection with honoring individuals in such respects.

II. STATEMENT OF POLICY

The University will consider requests for donor and non-donor naming opportunities to honor individuals (living or deceased), groups, events, places and others when these requests will further the mission of the University. These may include, but are not limited to, the naming of University Elements, acquisitions, endowed professorships, and scholarships. In cases of individual naming, he or she should be a person who, in the judgment of the University, exhibits exceptional personal accomplishments or character. Corporate or foundation named donors should have a high ethical standard of business and personal practice, as determined in the University's sole discretion.

This policy shall be applicable to both naming and re-naming opportunities and shall otherwise be in accordance with applicable Florida Law, including Section 267.062, Florida Statutes, and Florida Board of Governors Regulation 9.005.

The President shall have the final approval on all requests, except that the naming of any building, road, bridge, park, recreational complex, other similar facility or educational site, as defined in Florida Board of Governors Regulation 8.009, (collectively "University Facility") for individuals or groups, shall be approved by the University Board of Trustees as a noticed, non-consent agenda item.

If there is any impropriety on the part of the named individual, group or company that compromises the public trust or the reputation of the University, the University and the Foundation reserve the right to remove the name from any and all places of recognition.

Non-Gift/Non-Donor Naming Requests

University Facilities may be named in honor of an individual or group without consideration of a gift, who have made significant contributions to the University or to the State of Florida or to the fields of education, government, science or human betterment, and who are of recognized accomplishment and character. For other University Elements, nominations of individuals under this category should provide a strong rationale and/or clear evidence of the impact the individual has had on society, the profession, or the University; extraordinary and lasting distinctions achieved; and a wide consensus supporting the individual. Honorary naming of a University Facility is not allowed for any active board member or employee of the Board of Governors or any active employee, student, or trustee of the University. For past University employees, a minimum of 10 years of service is required.

Requests to implement non-gift namings should be submitted in writing through the appropriate Dean, Vice President, or University constituent assembly (i.e., Faculty Association, Administration and Professional Association, University Support Personnel Association, or Student Government) to the Naming Committee for consideration and recommendation. These requests should provide the rationale on how the University's mission will be furthered and document the personal integrity of the individual to be honored.

Upon review and vetting of naming requests, the Presidential-appointed Naming Committee will make a recommendation to the President. The recommendation will include statements on: (a) the relationship of the request to the mission of the University, and (b) the contribution, accomplishment, and character of the individual for whom the University Element is proposed to be named.

Namings may exist for the useful life of the University Element or until such time the University determines the naming is no longer suitable or appropriate due to changes in the program, substantial remodeling, repurposing, or loss.

Gift/Donor Naming Requests

Naming proposals should reflect not only the donor's appropriate financial support, but also the donor's commitment to the mission, vision and objectives of the University.

The gift amount necessary to name a building is generally 35% to 50% of the cost of construction. The amount is determined based on age of the building, usage and location. The Vice President for University Development and Alumni Engagement recommends a specific gift amount for review and approval by the President. Gift agreements shall specify the naming term and address contingencies for termination due to factors such as the University Element reaching end of useful life, substantial remodeling, repurposing, or loss.

The Vice President of University Development and Alumni Engagement works with the UNF Foundation Board to maintain policy and minimum gift requirements for all gift/donor naming opportunities, which include, but are not limited to buildings, outdoor spaces, interior spaces, colleges, schools, departments, program, endowments and other items. The UNF Foundation's Gift Acceptance Policy and Minimum Gift Requirements determine the minimum amounts and acceptable gifts for various elements.

Print Page