Naming of Buildings
Physical Facilities Naming Policy
One of the ways the University may pay tribute to persons or corporations who have made a significant contribution to the University is to name physical facilities such as buildings, rooms, roads, gardens, lawns and courtyards in honour of them. The naming of facilities also contributes to maintaining a sense of history in the University. As there is a relatively finite number of facilities available, it is important for the University to ensure that such recognition is given only in exceptional circumstances and to outstanding contributions and that the recognition is relative to the significance of the facilities being names. The University must also ensure it affords the opportunity for future generations to recognise subsequent contributions. It may also be appropriate from time to time to commemorate an event by the naming of a physical facility. This document sets out in policy and procedures form those principals the University will follow to ensure that appropriate review and consistency is achieved when commemorative names are given to facilities.
POLICY
The Council of the University is the only body which has the authority to name University facilities. University facilities for the purpose of this policy are defined to include all property over which the University may secure naming rights. Proposals to name student-managed areas or student-affiliated club, association, activity areas must also be approved by Council.
Facilities may not be named after staff still in the service of the University.
Once a facility has been named, than name should remain. It should not be subject to alteration for at least 25 years unless there are exceptional circumstances.
The permanent naming of a separate building in recognition of a person will generally only be made in respect of someone who has made a highly distinguished contribution to the University or in recognition of a major benefaction towards the construction of a facility.
As a general principle, buildings will not be named after persons distinguished for their contributions to particular disciplines. Such persons should be recognised by the names of parts of buildings such as theatres, laboratories, etc.
The naming of parts of buildings may also be considered when grants or bequests contributing towards new construction or major renovation are made.
Roads, gardens and other places may also be named after persons who have made a distinguished contribution to the University as a whole.
All bequests offered to the University which involve naming, must be referred to Council for acceptance and no bequest with naming rights should be sought from an industry, company or other source not approved by Council.
Plaques/signs in respect of any naming must be in accordance with University policy.
PROCEDURES
Any proposal to name a building, part of a building, or any object shall be made in a formal submission to the Vice-Chancellor.
A proposal to name after a person shall be accompanied by a comprehensive citation. Proposals in recognition of distinction in a particular discipline should, where relevant, be made through the head of department concerned.
Proposals for naming will be referred to the Buildings and Grounds Committee for consideration and recommendation to Council. The Buildings and Grounds Committee may appoint a sub-committee or working group to consider proposals and the proposers may be interviewed.
A proposal, if approved by Council, 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 by Council.
When considering individual applications, Council may choose to vary these policies in appropriate circumstances. NB This document does not deal with policy in respect of naming chairs, departments, schools or centres.
Macquarie University Council, 23 February 1996