Naming Policy

1. The purpose of our policy 

Our policy sets out the principles under which Adelaide University may approve the naming of its assets in recognition of highly distinguished service, exceptional philanthropic contribution, or appropriate recognition of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander culture and language.

This policy provides the authority to maintain our Naming Procedure.

2. Who our policy applies to

2.1 Inclusions

Our Naming Policy applies to proposals for the recognition, through naming, of Adelaide University assets (both physical and non-physical) of highly distinguished service, exceptional philanthropic contribution, or Traditional Owners or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander languages and culture. Assets include, but are not limited to: 

• campuses, buildings and parts of buildings such as lecture theatres, laboratories, libraries and classrooms
• schools, institutes, centres and programs
• professorial chairs, lectureships, lecture and event series, fellowships, scholarships, grants, bursaries and prizes
• public external spaces such as sporting facilities, or major or minor features such as roads, gardens, benches, seating, pathways, sculptures, gates and trees
• faculty collections and museums
• other sites or features recommended for naming, following consideration and consultation with either Deputy Vice Chancellor, International and External Engagement, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Indigenous, or Chief Advancement Officer, as described in the Naming Procedure.

2.2 Exclusions

This policy does not apply to:

• naming in recognition of sponsorship (refer to the [Sponsorship Policy])
• naming of donated special collections (refer to the [Library and Collections Policy]).

3. Our naming policy principles

3.1 Our principles for naming Adelaide University assets

For a proposed name to be eligible for a particular asset, it must:

• align with the values, strategies and policies of Adelaide University and with community expectations
• comply with applicable legal obligations
• be sensitive to the history and character of Adelaide University
• reflect the diversity of the Adelaide University community
• not cause significant harm to Adelaide University’s reputation or other interests, including our commitment to integrity, academic freedom and freedom of speech.

Naming is generally conferred for 20 years unless otherwise specified or negotiated.

If a physical asset is demolished or destroyed, or a non-physical asset is discontinued, we will determine the naming of any replacement or component in accordance with any legally binding obligation, or through negotiation. We reserve the right to disestablish, revoke or repurpose any named asset at any time, subject to legal obligations, if the association with the name becomes damaging to our reputation or inconsistent with our mission, values, or policies as per the Naming Procedure. Adelaide University may withdraw a naming offer at its discretion.

3.2 Our principles for asset naming in recognition of highly distinguished service

Honorific names for Adelaide University assets may be offered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, International and External Engagement, or nominated by a member of the Adelaide University community, to recognise a person or community for their highly distinguished service.

To be eligible, an individual must have achieved distinction in one or more of the following areas:

• academic service – demonstrated outstanding scholarly distinction with a national or international reputation
• administrative service – demonstrated distinguished service and an exceptional contribution to Adelaide University
• broader service – demonstrated a distinguished contribution to Adelaide University, the community or society, or whose reputation has brought substantial credit to Adelaide University.

The service being recognised must also align with Adelaide University’s mission and values and meet one or more of the following criteria:

• exemplify the highest standards of personal integrity
• demonstrate honourable public service
• contribute significantly and positively to Adelaide University or the foundation universities and/or society
• be recognised as a respected and valued member of the Adelaide University community.

Consideration of the granting of an honorific name will not normally occur until at least two years have passed since the individual’s last involvement with Adelaide University or following their death.

3.3 Our principles for asset naming in recognition of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language and culture

Adelaide University respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land upon which our campuses are built and recognises the endurance and significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and culture. We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have unique languages that connect them to Country, culture and community.

Adelaide University assets will only be named in recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and culture after appropriate consultation, and with the free and informed consent of relevant appropriate community representatives.

Naming of Adelaide University assets to recognise the relationship of an asset to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community may be offered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Indigenous, or Deputy Vice Chancellor, International and External Engagement or may be proposed by a member of the Adelaide University community. The naming offer or proposal may relate to a new asset, the renaming of an existing asset, or the application of a second name to an existing asset.

3.4  Our principles for asset naming in recognition of an exceptional philanthropic contribution

Adelaide University assets may be named in recognition of an exceptional philanthropic contribution that makes a significant impact on Adelaide University. Naming may be offered to a donor in recognition of their generosity and leadership in fostering a culture of giving within Adelaide University and the broader community.

Philanthropic contributions must align with our values, strategic priorities, and compliance obligations, and be voluntary and non-reciprocal in nature, as per the [Philanthropy and Fundraising Policy]. Name recognition is therefore purely honorary and does not confer contractual benefits. For contributions involving promotion, exposure, naming control, commercial return or other material benefits, sponsorship arrangements are available in accordance with the [Sponsorship Policy].

 To be eligible for a naming opportunity, a philanthropic donation must meet the minimum contribution threshold by covering either the full cost or a significant portion of the asset, including ongoing maintenance expenses. Philanthropic gifts that meet or exceed the minimum contributions do not guarantee naming opportunities, but these values provide a guide for donors to contribute sufficient funds to support a particular asset or activity. 

4. Definitions used in our policy

Please refer to our Adelaide University Glossary for a full list of our definitions.

Adelaide University community refers to a broad range of stakeholders who engage with Adelaide University and includes (but is not limited to) all students, staff, and non-staff members of Adelaide University including alumni, honorary title holders, adjuncts, visiting academics, guest lecturers, volunteers, suppliers and partners who are engaging with and contributing to the work of Adelaide University.

Donor means an individual, foundation, non-profit organisation, business/corporation, or other entity that makes a philanthropic contribution to Adelaide University.

Foundation Universities means the University of South Australia and The University of Adelaide. 

Honorific Naming means naming of a physical or non-physical asset to honour an individual or community who has achieved distinction in the service of Adelaide University or to society at large.

Philanthropic Contribution/ Gift means money or other property given to Adelaide University with philanthropic intent that is provided voluntarily and provides no material benefit to the donor. Gifts include bequests, monetary gifts that may or may not support a specific purpose and endowed funds where the income is applied by Adelaide University.

Sponsorship means a commercial (i.e. non-philanthropic) arrangement, where a sponsor provides a monetary contribution or in-kind support with expectation of benefit or entitlements

5. How our policy is governed

Our policy is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.

6. Legislation and other documents related to our policy

7. History of changes

Note on structures, positions and position titles:

At the time of writing, the organisational structure, positions, committees, or any other unknown item etc. for Adelaide University have not been confirmed. Accordingly, square brackets [ ] temporarily enclose such information in this procedure until confirmed.