Memorial and Honorary Naming on Campus Policy

For interpretation of this policy, please contact the responsible department: University Advancement (909) 537-5004

Purpose
This policy establishes guidelines for memorial and honorary named spaces on the San Bernardino and Palm Desert campuses to ensure such recognitions are appropriate, thoughtfully reviewed, and consistent with the University's mission, values, and design standards. The purpose of this policy is to maintain the beauty, professionalism, and welcoming atmosphere of California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), while protecting the campus's aesthetic and reputational integrity.

Preferred Recognition
The preferred method for honoring or memorializing individuals who have made significant contributions to the University is through the establishment of a named fund that directly benefits students and/or academic programs, such as endowed or current-use scholarships, program or faculty support funds, or facility enhancement or endowment gifts tied to approved naming opportunities. Endowed funds provide lasting impact and ensure continued benefit to the campus community without the ongoing maintenance obligations associated with physical monuments.

Scope
This policy governs physical memorials or honorary naming's on University property, including but not limited to: plaques, benches, or other installations intended to remain in place long-term. Trees and other living plant material will not be considered for naming opportunities due to their limited lifespan and the potential for loss or removal caused by storms, disease, or future construction. The University seeks to preserve the overall design and visual harmony of the campus landscape and avoid the appearance of an overly memorialized area. This policy does not apply to the naming of campus facilities or programs. For those purposes, the campus community should reference the CSUSB Naming of Facilities and Programs Policy. This policy applies to internal, non-permanent recognitions and/or displays within campus facilities in public spaces, such as:

• Rotating or updateable donor recognition displays
• Displays involving any type of individual or organization name
• Departmental, division or college historical displays (e.g., photos of past employees, faculty, or distinguished alumni)
• Temporary or programmatic acknowledgments

Any proposal related to individual recognition/naming inside a campus building should be approved by a delegated representative from the appropriate Vice President(s) when installations are in buildings under their purview, University Advancement and Facilities, Planning and Management. Permanent exterior memorials, plaques affixed to buildings, or installations in public or shared campus spaces must follow the approval process outlined in this policy and be coordinated through University Advancement and Facilities Management.

Definitions

• Permanent Naming: A fixed, physical designation or plaque intended to remain for the life of the facility, installation, or landscape feature.
• Non-Permanent Recognition: A changeable or temporary display within a college or unit space acknowledging donors or supporters; not affixed to campus property permanently.
• Memorial Designation: A naming or physical installation in memory of a deceased individual associated with the University.
• Honorary Designation: Recognition of a living individual for exceptional service, support, or leadership.

Eligibility and Criteria

1. Connection to the University: The individual being honored must have a significant and demonstrable relationship with CSUSB (e. g. , alumnus, faculty, staff, donor, or community partner).
2. Reputational Review: University Advancement will conduct due diligence to ensure the proposed honoree's reputation aligns with University values and mission. The University reserves the right to decline any naming or memorial request.
3. Gift Requirement
   1. University Advancement will maintain internal guidelines for naming minimums of locations/spaces on campus, in collaboration with Facilities Management and Planning for identification of approved locations.
   2. In cases of extraordinary service or leadership, the gift requirement may be waived at the discretion of the President upon

Review and Approval Process

1. Submit a written proposal to University Advancement, including
   1. Purpose and justification
   2. Proposed text for the plaque or signage
   3. Proposed location
   4. Gift amount or maintenance funding source
2. University Advancement will:
   1. Conduct reputational review
   2. Coordinate with Facilities Management for site feasibility and compliance with the Campus Master Plan
   3. Consult with the appropriate Vice President(s) when installations are in or adjacent to buildings under their purview.
   4. Develop and maintain an ad hoc list of naming opportunities, required gift amount, naming standards, and funding guidelines.
3. Final approval will be made by the University President.

Ownership and Maintenance

All memorials and honorific designations remain the property of the University. The University reserves the right to:

• Relocate or remove installations for safety, maintenance, or construction reasons
• Make reasonable efforts to notify the donor or family prior to such changes.