Facilities and Spaces Naming Policy

I. Scope

This policy applies to naming of all Indiana Wesleyan University (“IWU”) buildings, outdoor and interior areas, spaces, features, and objects.

II. Policy Statement

Indiana Wesleyan University recognizes the importance of naming opportunities, and this policy sets forth the University's naming guidelines. Naming actions shall not detract from the institution's values, dignity, integrity, or reputation, nor shall any such actions create a conflict of interest, or the appearance of a conflict of interest, preempt existing contractual obligations, or confer special privileges. Examples of facilities that may be named include:  buildings, sections of buildings, laboratories, classrooms, foyers, exterior areas, works of art, lounges, libraries, meeting rooms, theatres, offices, galleries and dining areas.  In addition, areas of the campus grounds, and/or structures may be named.

It is the policy of Indiana Wesleyan University to apply these guidelines for named gift opportunities in order to recognize:

• those individuals, businesses, or organizations that have made exemplary or meritorious service contributions or enduring financial contributions to the University;
• those individuals, businesses, or organizations whose extraordinary accomplishments advance the University’s mission, its standing in the community, and/or its aesthetic quality.

III. Reason for the Policy

This policy is intended to encourage private support through naming opportunities. In some circumstances, this policy allows structures, facilities, collections and academic entities to be named without a gift. This policy is consistent with the University’s strategic goal of maintaining fiscal responsibility in all operations, programs, and facilities.

IV. Procedures

A. Buildings/Outdoor Areas/Spaces Naming Guidelines – Final Approval by the Board of Trustees

1. Buildings or outdoor areas or spaces or campus streets may be named for a person, or family, associated with the University community who has rendered distinguished service to the University or who has made a significant contribution to society, or for a donor to the University whose gifts represent a "substantial contribution" toward the project cost, provided that the individual or family or donor has a prominent relationship with the University, with a positive image and demonstrated integrity. In the event of changed circumstances, the University reserves the right, on reasonable grounds, to revise the form of or withdraw recognition.
2. Corporations or organizations are encouraged to be major donors to the University by recognizing with naming opportunities a person or family important to their success. Only in rare, exceptional situations will a building or outdoor area or space be named for a corporation or organization whose gifts represent a "substantial contribution" toward the project cost. The corporation or organization must have a prominent relationship with the University and, with a positive image and demonstrated integrity. In the event of changed circumstances, the University reserves the right, on reasonable grounds, to revise the form of or withdraw recognition.
3. A "substantial contribution" is the target gift amount for naming that is set for each project as part of the Project Budget approved by the Board of Trustees in the early stages of project development.
4. Pledges for naming should be paid in full within five years of the commitment.
5. The name will generally remain on the building or outdoor area or space for the life of the building, area, or space. If at some future time the building or outdoor area or space is replaced (which may include a major reconstruction that substantially changes the function or appearance of a building's interior and/or exterior), the use of the existing or a new name for the replacement facility will be subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees.
6. In cases where a corporation or organization name is used, the number of years during which the building or outdoor area or space will be named may be limited. The proposed number of years for naming the project will be identified when it is presented to the Board of Trustees for approval. The gift agreement will specify the number of years during which the building or outdoor area or space will be named and it will include the clause that any name changes during that period will be at the University’s sole discretion, subject to approval by the Board of Trustees.
7. The name will appear on the building, appropriate signage as determined by the University, and University maps and other documents in University approved lettering. 

B. Interior Areas, Features, Objects or Spaces – Final Approval by the President

1. Interior areas, features, objects or spaces may be named for a person or family associated with the University community who has rendered distinguished service to the University or who has made a significant contribution to society, or for a major donor to the University whose gifts represent a substantial contribution toward the project cost or the purchase of the object, provided that the individual or family or benefactor has a prominent relationship with the University, and he or she has a positive image and demonstrated integrity. In the event of changed circumstances, the University reserves the right, on reasonable grounds, to revise the form of or withdraw recognition in consultation with the donor when possible.
2. An interior area, feature, object or space may also be named for a corporation or organization whose gifts represent a "substantial contribution" toward the project cost or the purchase of the object. The corporation/organization must have a prominent relationship with the University and with a positive image and demonstrated integrity. In the event of changed circumstances, the University reserves the right, on reasonable grounds, to revise the form of or withdraw recognition.
3. Naming for a person, family, or benefactor of the University whose gift amounts to a "substantial contribution" to the project cost or purchase of an object must meet the following:
   1. While the desired goal for a naming gift is the cost to provide and equip the area, feature, object or space (which may include an operating endowment), the target gift amount for naming will be set for each project in advance of soliciting donors in coordination with the Vice President for Advancement, who will obtain written authorization from the President on amounts specified. Interior areas, features, objects or spaces that are part of a total building fundraising campaign should be included as part of the Project Budget approved by the Board of Trustees in the early stages of project development.
   2. Pledges for naming should be paid in full within five years of the commitment.
4. Approved names for interior areas, features, objects or spaces will generally not be exhibited on external building walls; the names will be located as close as possible to (and otherwise affiliated with) the funded interior areas, features, objects or spaces.
5. In cases where the name of the corporation/organization is used, the gift agreement will specify the number of years for which the naming applies and will specify that any name changes during that period will be at the University's sole discretion. In cases where the name of an individual or family is used, the name will remain for the life of the area, feature, object or space with appropriate recognition as determined by the President if it is replaced, unless otherwise precluded by Section V.

C. Authorization for Naming

The President is authorized to name facilities when the naming involves less than an entire building, such as rooms, wings, or exterior amenities, or if the naming involves a university structure or grounds area.  If the naming is for an entire building, this request must be brought to the Board of Trustees for formal approval. These requests are to be brought to the University Relations Committee and then to the full Board of Trustees for discussion and then requesting formal Board action.  

D. Authorization for Removal of Naming

The President is authorized to approve the removal of a name when the naming involves less than an entire building.  Name removal may be considered under the following circumstances:

• If the area named is demolished or is no longer to be used for the university’s benefit; 
• If the function of the facility changes to the extent that the purpose for the naming no longer is relevant;
•  If the living individual or entity is involved in activities that conflict with the University’s values or that bring dishonor or embarrassment to the University; or 
• If other special circumstances arise.
• If the name removal is for an entire building, this request must be brought to the Board of Trustees for formal approval.  

E. Naming Process 

1.  The naming process must be initiated in writing to the President’s Office by a university academic or administrative department. The naming recommendation should include documentation to support the rationale for the naming request and the initial plans for securing the private funding commensurate with the naming.
2. Customarily persons may be recognized only after their death. However, if the naming request is for a living individual or an existing corporate entity, the President will appoint a person (or persons) to review the qualifications of the proposed honoree to ensure that the individual or entity being honored has conducted him/her/itself in a manner that reflects the values of the University.  The person(s) should have appropriate knowledge of and/or connections to the individual or entity being recommended so as to make an informed recommendation regarding the appropriateness of the honor.  
3. If the naming request involves a living individual who has been formally associated (includes employment) with the University, or has held a paid public office, a waiting period is required unless a situation is presented where a gift stipulates the naming. Normally at least five years must have elapsed from the time a person who has been formally associated with the University, or has held a paid public office, has terminated that association (retired) or left the paid public office.  This waiting period may be waived with the approval of the Board of Trustees if circumstances dictate.

F. Exceptions

All requests for policy exceptions must be made in writing through the office of the President with final approval being the responsibility of the President and/or the Board of Trustees, depending upon the request.