POLICY

On occasion, Western Oregon University seeks to recognize the efforts 
and contributions of individuals by the naming of buildings, portions of 
buildings, rooms, fixed furniture, and fields.  This policy establishes a 
uniform and consistent procedure to gain approval. 

    PURPOSE

The primary intent of the property naming process is to allow the university
to recognize the importance and/or efforts of an individual to the university
or of someone who represents the ideals of the university.

    PROCEDURES

Functional Naming of Buildings

The permanent use of functional names for major buildings should be avoided.  
Over time, functions within a building will change and the name could result in 
confusion.  Smaller buildings housing functions of general need to the campus or 
community may be referred to with functional names such as Parking Office, 
Security Office.  Names of buildings and facilities with functional names may
be amended to reflect future dedications.

Review and Approval

1. A formal letter of request should be submitted to the Office of the 
   President.  The letter should discuss the importance of the naming to the 
   university; the nature of the gifting and/or meritorious activity; and other 
   conditions, concerns, or impacts of the naming.

2. A resume or discussion of the individual(s) being honored should be included.
 

Plaques Commemorating Namings

The proposed text of all plaques will be forwarded to the Office of the 
President for review and approval.

    AUTHORITY

Selection of Names

Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 580-50-025 "Naming Buildings After Persons," 
does not allow the naming of any building or structure after a living person.  
It allows "exceptions to be considered or made if a donor contributes a 
substantial share of the cost of construction or for other unusually meritorious 
causes."  Those honored with such a naming might be:

: Staff or faculty members, or persons not connected to the university who have
  contributed significantly to the social, academic, scholarly, research, or 
  political life of the university;

: Persons not connected with the university who have contributed, in one way or 
  another, to the growth and development of the institution;

: An illustrious alumni member; or

: An outstanding states-person, educator, or scholar who may or may not be 
  connected to the university or the State of Oregon.

Exceptions to this University Property Naming Policy are allowed only when 
specifically approved by the President.  Namings for living person(s) must be 
approved by the State Board of Higher Education after receiving approval of the 
WOU President.

    APPROVAL

Individuals may not commit the University to namings before formal acceptance by 
the President.  Final approval of property naming rests with the President.