Physical Entity Naming - Philanthropic Naming Procedures

Parent Policy

Physical Entity Naming Policy

The philanthropic naming of physical entities recognizes the generous support of individuals, corporations, organizations and foundations who have supported the University over time, as well as those who are prepared to offer significant support at a point in time.

Philanthropic namings must be compatible with the vision, mission and values of Monash University.  All gifts must meet the requirements of the Gift Acceptance Policy.

Procedures

These procedures outline the steps that must be followed in the philanthropic naming of physical entities.  

1.  Any proposal to name a building, part of a building, or any object shall be made in a formal submission to the Vice-President (Advancement).

2.  A proposal to name a physical entity after a person shall be accompanied by comprehensive support material. Proposals in recognition of distinction in a particular discipline should, where relevant, be made through the head of department and faculty concerned.

3.  Proposals for naming will be referred to Facilities and Services and Marketing for consideration and recommendation.

4.  A proposal, if approved, will not be publicly announced or implemented unless the approval of the person after whom the naming is made, or if he or she is deceased, the family, is given. If the family of a deceased person cannot be traced, or there is no family, the naming may proceed as approved.

5.  Academic or administrative units must act in accordance with the Gift Acceptance Policy when seeking private sector philanthropic support for naming physical entities.

6.  Prior to securing private sector contributions for a physical entity, academic or administrative units shall submit a naming proposal to the Vice-President (Advancement) for review and endorsement.

7. The philanthropic naming proposal must include:
     a. a letter of request for naming from Dean or Director, indicating faculty support and stating that all gifts meet the requirements of the Gift Acceptance Policy. 
     b.  Where applicable the naming proposal should indicate initial ask amounts, actual gift amount, donor name(s) and a brief description of the donor.

Approval:

1.  Naming proposals which are judged by the Vice-President (Advancement) to have campus-wide implications may be brought forward to the key stakeholder groups for confidential consultation.
2.  Naming proposals which are time-sensitive may be brought forward at any time to the Vice-President (Advancement), to expedite the approval process in the interests of the donor.

 Communication:
1.  The Office of the Vice-President (Advancement) will confirm approval of naming proposals to the appropriate academic or administrative units.
2.  Confirmation of the approved naming proposal is required prior to public announcements or formal celebrations of named gifts.
3.  The Office of the Vice-President (Advancement) will ensure that all necessary parties on campus are notified of any naming or renaming.

Time Limits and Revocation of Naming:

1.  Academic or administrative units shall ensure that donors understand naming may be time limited; this limitation is at the discretion of the University, the academic or administrative unit, or the donor. Naming may be revisited and reconsidered in circumstances where a naming is no longer in the best interests of the University and/or the donor. Any time limit for the naming will be outlined in a gift agreement and donors will understand and agree that naming may be time limited.

2.Naming shall enhance both the University's and the donor's reputation.  If a naming is deemed to no longer be in the best interests of the University and/or the donor, it is possible that the naming may be revoked by the University, the donor and/or the donor's family following consultation with the Vice-President (Advancement) and their approval.

3. Should a building be demolished or replaced, or where the occupancy or usage changes and the former name is no longer appropriate, then a request for a new name may be considered. Where possible, the Office of the Vice-President (Advancement) will contact a family member and/or the appropriate contact person for the former namesake to inform them of the decision to demolish, replace or change the usage of the facility. It may be appropriate to place a plaque in, or on, a new building to indicate that it occupies the site of a building formerly known by another name. It may also be appropriate to name part of the new building after the person, organization, corporation or foundation for which the former building was named. Requests of this nature should be directed to the Vice-President (Advancement) for approval.

4. The revocation of a naming must be approved by the Vice-President (Advancement).

5. When it is requested that a named physical entity within a building be relocated within the same building or to a different building and the new facility or room will serve the same original purpose, the Vice-President (Advancement) may approve the request.

Form and Format of Naming:

This must be reviewed and confirmed with Marketing and Communications and Facilities and Services Division as part of the preparation of a proposal.

Responsibility

Vice-President (Administration)
Vice-President (Advancement)

Content Enquiries: Advancement Policies