Office of Advancement & External Engagement
Naming Rights Policy
Naming Rights Policy
Purpose
This policy establishes the guidelines and procedures for naming opportunities at Hampton University. The University recognizes that naming is a significant way to:
- Acknowledge and honor extraordinary philanthropic contributions.
- Recognize individuals or entities whose achievements align with the University’s mission and values.
- Enhance the University’s reputation and visibility.
Guiding Principles
- Alignment with Mission and Values: All naming opportunities must align with Hampton University’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.
- Integrity and Reputation: Naming decisions will uphold the integrity and reputation of the University.
- Philanthropic Significance: Naming is primarily a tool to recognize and incentivize major philanthropic support.
- Institutional Benefit: The naming of a space, program, or entity must provide a demonstrable benefit to the University.
- Legal and Ethical Compliance: All naming agreements and activities must comply with applicable laws and ethical standards.
Scope
This policy applies to the naming of various University assets, including but not limited to:
- Academic units (e.g., schools, colleges, departments)
- Programs (e.g., academic programs, research centers)
- Faculty positions (e.g., endowed chairs, professorships)
- Scholarships
- Buildings and facilities (e.g., libraries, classrooms, laboratories)
- Spaces within facilities (e.g., lecture halls, conference rooms)
- Other University-related entities or initiatives
Authority and Responsibilities
- Board of Trustees: The Board of Trustees has the ultimate authority to approve or disapprove naming proposals, particularly those involving significant facilities or University-wide entities.
- President: The President, in consultation with the appropriate University officials, develops recommendations for naming opportunities and presents them to the Board of Trustees.
- Office of Advancement & External Engagement: The Office of Advancement & External Engagement is responsible for:
- Working with donors to establish naming agreements.
- Ensuring that naming proposals comply with this policy.
- Coordinating the naming process with other relevant University departments.
Criteria for Naming
A naming opportunity may be considered based on one or more of the following criteria:
- Philanthropic Support:
- The donor’s past and potential future financial contributions to the University.
- The amount of the gift in relation to the cost or value of what is being named.
- The gift’s impact on the University’s strategic priorities.
- Honoree Recognition:
- The outstanding achievements and contributions of an individual or organization, aligning with the University’s mission and values.
- The positive impact of the honoree’s reputation on the University.
- Alignment with University Mission:
- The degree to which the naming opportunity advances the University’s academic, research, or service goals.
- The consistency of the proposed naming with the University’s long-term plans.
- Usefulness and Inspiration:
- The degree to which the naming opportunity will inspire students, faculty, and the University community.
- The enhancement of the University’s heritage and reputation.
Naming Opportunity Levels and Minimums
- The University establishes minimum gift levels for various naming opportunities. These minimums may vary depending on factors such as:
- The type of asset being named.
- The visibility and prominence of the asset.
- The long-term costs associated with maintaining the named entity.
- General Minimum: Except as otherwise provided in this policy, the minimum gift requirement for a naming opportunity at Hampton University is $50,000 (which is the minimum level for an endowed scholarship).
- Endowed Funds: The minimum amounts necessary to establish named funds and endowment funds restricted as to purpose are subject to annual review and adjustment by the Office of Advancement & External Engagement.
- Specific Examples (from the document):
- Endowed Scholarship for Students: A minimum balance of $50,000 is required to create an endowed fund scholarship at Hampton University.
- Endowed University Professorships: A minimum of $1 million is required to establish an endowed University Professorship.
- Endowed Lectureship: A minimum of $300,000 is required to establish an endowed lectureship.
- Naming Rights for Capital Projects:
- Naming rights for new facilities require at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the total construction costs to be committed and secured by the donor.
- Naming rights for a building requiring major renovations shall be subject to the same policy of fifty-one percent (51%) that applies to new construction.
- The University reserves the right to adjust these minimum gift levels as deemed necessary.
Naming Procedures
- Proposal: Naming proposals may originate from:
- Donors who express interest in naming opportunities.
- University officials who identify potential naming opportunities.
- Faculty, staff, or alumni who suggest individuals or entities for recognition.
- Review: All naming proposals will be reviewed by the Office of Advancement & External Engagement to ensure compliance with this policy and to assess the proposal’s alignment with University priorities.
- Consultation: The Office of Advancement & External Engagement will consult with relevant University stakeholders, such as:
- Academic deans or department heads (for naming related to academic programs).
- Facilities management (for naming of buildings or spaces).
- Legal counsel (to ensure legal compliance).
- Recommendation: The President will review the naming proposal and, if appropriate, make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees.
- Approval: The Board of Trustees will review the President’s recommendation and make the final decision on naming approval.
- Gift Agreement: A formal gift agreement will be executed between the University and the donor, specifying:
- The name of the program, facility, or entity.
- The purpose of the gift.
- The amount and timing of the gift.
- Any specific terms or conditions related to the naming.
- Hampton University representative(s) authorized to endorse such agreements.
- Public Announcement: The University may choose to publicly announce the naming in a manner appropriate to the significance of the gift and the naming opportunity.
Naming Rights and Duration
- Naming rights are typically granted in perpetuity, subject to the University’s right to:
- Modify or remove the name if circumstances warrant (e.g., changes in University mission, legal requirements, or significant reputational issues related to the honoree).
- Relocate the named program or activity if necessary for academic or administrative reasons.
- The University will make reasonable efforts to consult with the donor or their representatives regarding any proposed changes to naming rights.
- Naming rights are not transferable by the donor.
Unacceptable Naming
- The University will not approve naming that:
- Violates any laws or University policies.
- Promotes discrimination or hatred.
- Compromises the University’s academic integrity.
- Creates a conflict of interest.
- May reasonably be expected to cause damage to the reputation of the University.
Review and Amendment
- This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as needed to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with best practices.
- Amendments to this policy must be approved by the Board of Trustees.
By adhering to these guidelines, Hampton University creates meaningful and enduring connections between its mission, its benefactors, and the legacy it builds for future generations.