NAMING OF FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS

Purpose

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) Naming Policy establishes a uniform procedure for naming opportunities for both philanthropic gifts and honorific recognition. This policy provides guidance in naming of university properties, programs, virtual centers, and positions to recognize scholarly distinction and distinguished service. This policy upholds the mission and reputation of the University and complies with University System of Maryland VI-4.00 Policy on the Naming of Facilities and Programs.

Statement of Policy

The University of Maryland Global Campus Foundation acts as the official fundraising arm of University of Maryland Global Campus. Gift-based naming proposals for eligible University facilities and entities require review and approval by the Vice President of Institutional Advancement before being forwarded to the Executive Committee and President for final approval. Names in honorarium require review and approval from the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships before being forwarded to the Executive Committee and President for final approval.

In addition, the President and Executive Committee shall approve the naming of auditoriums, halls, conference rooms or other areas within buildings, along with virtual programs, virtual centers, chairs, and presentations or lecture series.

A high level of consideration and due diligence is required to ensure that the proposed naming upholds the purpose, values, and mission of the University of Maryland Global Campus. It is deemed inappropriate to name any facility, program, or position for any corporation or person whose public image, products, or services conflict with the University’s purpose and mission. The University reserves the right to review naming at any time. The President retains discretion to make exceptions to this policy and to alter criteria or conditions of this policy and the corresponding procedures as appropriate to the circumstances.

Philanthropic Naming

1. Gift Naming

   This policy applies to the naming of a facility or program after an individual or organization whose charitable contributions(s) enhance the vision and mission of UMGC. The Vice President of Institutional Advancement proposes the monetary value of a naming opportunity at University of Maryland Global campus, which will then require the approval of the President and Executive Committee.

   The standard designation for naming gifts is divided into two categories:

   Physical Entity

   1. Buildings, art galleries, conference rooms, classrooms, auditoriums, wings, cafeterias, and laboratories.
   2. Campus grounds, gardens, walkways, garages, and other real properties.
    

   Non-Physical Entity

   1. Colleges, departments, centers, and programs.
   2. Virtual programs and virtual centers.

2. Honorific Naming

   Facilities and programs may be named for a distinguished individuals who have provided exemplary meritorious service to University of Maryland Global Campus.

   Individual names may be sent forth at any time for consideration of honorific naming opportunities. Suggested names will be reviewed when such opportunities present themselves. Names should be sent to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement and provided to the Executive Committee and President for final approval.

3. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

   For any naming opportunities, both philanthropic and honorific, an MOU will be developed outlining the naming agreement between the University and the donor or entity or his or her designee. All MOUs will be reviewed by the UMGC Legal Office. The finalized MOU will be signed by the President or his/her designee and the appropriate administrative officer, confirming the mutual promises, commitments, undertakings, restrictions, and agreements of the involved parties pertaining to a gift to the University.

4. Naming Approval

   As stated above, the Senior Vice President for Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships and Vice President of Institutional Advancement manages the naming approval process in consultation with the President and Executive Committee. For multi-year gifts and bequests, a name may go into effect before the gift is paid or received at the discretion of the Vice President of Institutional Advancement in consultation with the necessary parties. For non-binding revocable gifts, a name will not be placed until gift is received.

5. Naming Duration

   Naming is considered permanent until or unless a physical entity or area is demolished, substantially renovated, or expanded, or an academic unit or other virtual programs or centers are discontinued. In addition, naming opportunities can be revoked due to:

   1. Physical Entity. In the event a physical entity is replaced, demolished, or renovated, University of Maryland Global Campus will consult with the donor or the donor’s designee to determine an appropriate way to recognize and align closely with the original naming gift.
   2. Non-Physical Entity – program, virtual center, or resource. If a program, virtual center, department, center, institute, program, or unit is discontinued, University of Maryland Global Campus will consider alternative recognition that closely aligns with the original intent.

6. Name Changes

   In matters of corporate names, University of Maryland Global Campus will work with the corporation to ensure that any change to the corporation’s name is considered by the University. Similarly, for individual name changes, University of Maryland Global Campus will work with the individual to appropriately address changes in name in a manner that is appropriate for the donor and the University.

7. Removal of Names

   University of Maryland Global Campus may revoke a naming if any of the following conditions occurs:

   1. If the naming was based on a gift, The multi-year pledge obligation is unfulfilled or written off.
   2. University of Maryland Global Campus and the President determines that its association with the individual will materially damage the reputation of the University.
    

   Revocation decisions shall be made be made by the President based on the recommendation of the Vice President of Institutional Advancement. The President will determine whether the Board of Regents should be notified based on the USM policy.

8. Recognition

   For historical purposes, any named facility, space, department, or other opportunities, should include a plaque or similar recognition that explains the individual’s significance to University of Maryland Global Campus.

Process and Procedures

University of Maryland Global Campus will name a physical space or non-physical entity only after carefully considering the potential impact the naming will have on the University and community. Due diligence will be exercised to ensure that the proposed name would be consistent with University of Maryland Global Campus tradition and mission. The University will also evaluate the distinction a proposed name would lend to the University.

1. University System of Maryland VI-4.00 Policy on the Naming of Facilities and Programs