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Guidelines for Naming of Campus Buildings and Grounds Policy

Provides information on the approval process and procedures for the naming of campus buildings and grounds.

Policy Information

Policy Number Policy Owner
5001.3 Institutional Advancement

 

  • 4.0 Policy

    4.1 General Principles

    The Plattsburgh College Foundation serves as the principal fundraising organization for SUNY Plattsburgh and receives and manages private gifts intended to support the University’s mission. Naming opportunities may be granted in recognition of significant gifts, grants, or gift commitments.

    The following principles apply:

    • Naming is appropriate only when a significant gift, grant, or gift commitment is received.
    • Naming recognition implies a commitment to maintain the named space, facility, fund, or program whenever possible.
    • If circumstances require a change, the University will seek an alternative method of recognition in consultation with the donor or the donor’s heirs whenever practical.
    • Gifts supporting naming opportunities may consist of gifts, grants, pledges, irrevocable planned gifts, or a combination thereof.

    4.2 Naming Physical Facilities

    Buildings, campus grounds, or physical facilities will not be named for individuals who are currently employed by SUNY, the State of New York, or SUNY Plattsburgh unless a donor other than the honoree provides the qualifying gift in honor of that individual.

    Naming opportunities may include:

    • Buildings
    • Wings
    • Rooms
    • Lecture halls
    • Campus grounds
    • Other physical facilities

    Naming levels may vary based on factors such as:

    • Utility
    • Visibility
    • Size
    • Location
    • Frequency of use
    • Original or current construction costs

    In accordance with New York State Education Law Article 8, Section 356 governing councils of state-operated institutions, powers and duties, approval for the naming of buildings and grounds is required from the SUNY Plattsburgh University Council.
    Further, where required (e.g. gifts/grants of $1 million or more for naming consideration), the approval of the Chancellor and SUNY Board of Trustees must be sought consistent with the State University of New York Naming Opportunities on State University Campuses Procedure (Document 9525).

    4.3 Naming Endowed Funds

    Restricted endowed funds may be established through significant gifts, grants, or gift commitments for purposes including named scholarships, internships, lectureships, professorships, and departmental support.

    Requirements include:

    • Minimum named endowed scholarship fund with restricted selection criteria: $25,000
    • Minimum named unrestricted scholarship or other named endowed fund: $10,000
    • Donors must satisfy the minimum endowment threshold within five years of a signed commitment.
    • Endowed funds established before May 21, 2007, at lower levels remain fully endowed.
    • Endowments supporting non-physical assets must be sufficient to generate annual earnings needed to sustain the named entity permanently.

    4.4 Naming Departments or Academic Units

    Naming a department or academic unit shall be evaluated individually. Gift proposals will be reviewed by the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and President of SUNY Plattsburgh before being presented to the Plattsburgh College Foundation Gift Acceptance Committee and University Council for approval.

    4.5 Naming Commitments and Removal of Names

    The University and Foundation will make reasonable efforts to honor approved naming commitments permanently. However:

    • If a donor is unable to fulfill a pledge, every reasonable effort will be made to work with the donor or heirs to complete the commitment.
    • In some circumstances, a name may be removed due to failure to complete pledged obligations.
    • Contributed funds will continue to be used, as nearly as possible, for the original purpose.
    • If a naming becomes inconsistent with the reputation or interests of the University or Foundation, appropriate institutional leadership may review and recommend modification or removal of the naming.

For additional information about this policy, please contact the Policy Owner listed above.

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