Honor and Memorial Naming Policy

I. Purpose & Scope:

This policy in conjunction with Board policy El-06 Asset Protection, establishes the standards and procedures for honorific and memorial naming of College assets, ensuring that all naming rights are directly associated with philanthropic contributions made through the College’s Foundation. The guidelines were established by the College Executive Council to provide further focus for employees and others regarding Board established policy for naming of assets. The intent is to:

• Recognize significant financial support
• Promote equity, transparency, and consistency in naming decisions
• Align naming opportunities with institutional priorities and long-term sustainability

II. Policy Statement:

All naming decisions shall:

1. Be based on a documented financial contribution made through the College’s Foundation.
2. Reflect the mission, values, and reputation of the College.
3. Adhere to standards of integrity, transparency, and fairness.
4. Avoid naming based solely on honorary, political, or service-based recognition without a qualifying gift.

This policy applies to the naming of:

• Buildings and major facilities;
• Academic units, programs, and departments;
• Interior spaces (e.g., classrooms, labs, offices);
• Outdoor areas (e.g., plazas, gardens);
• Endowed positions, scholarships, and funds;
• Bricks, plaques, benches and similar items.

III. Procedures:

3.1 Mandatory Contribution Basis

• All naming rights must be tied to a monetary gift or legally binding pledge administered through the OCC Foundation.
• Non-financial contributions (e.g., service, volunteerism, or employment) shall not independently qualify for naming recognition.

3.2 Minimum Gift Thresholds

• The OCC Foundation shall establish a naming gift schedule specifying minimum contribution levels for various asset categories.
• Gift levels are determined based on factors such as: 
  • Construction or renovation cost;
  • Strategic importance of the asset;
  • Market benchmarks and fundraising goals.

3.3 Payment Terms

• Naming approval may be granted upon a signed pledge agreement, but recognition shall typically occur after 50% of the gift is received. 
• Full payment is expected within an agreed timeframe noted within signed agreement. 

3.4 Honorific Naming (Contribution-Based)

• Recognizes an individual, family, organization, or entity providing financial support.
• The honoree may be living or deceased.

3.5 Memorial Naming

• Recognizes a deceased individual, provided: 
  • A qualifying financial contribution is made in their memory;
  • The honoree’s legacy aligns with the College’s values.

3.6 Eligible Donors and Honorees

Naming may be granted in recognition of:

• Individual donors;
• Families;
• Foundations or corporations;
• Named honorees designated by the donor (subject to approval).

All honorees must meet the College’s standards for character, reputation, and alignment with institutional values.

3.7 Approval Process

1. Proposal Submission   

• • • Submitted through Oakland Community College Foundation and/or Vice Chancellor for Advancement Office.

2. Review and Due Diligence   

• • • Includes financial verification, reputational review, and alignment with institutional priorities.

3. Internal Approval 

• • • Reviewed by Vice Chancellor for Advancement, and Executive Council if necessary and appropriate.

3.8 Duration of Naming

• Naming rights are granted for the useful life of the asset, as specified in the gift agreement.
• Endowments may carry perpetual naming recognition where appropriate.

3.9 Revocation and Renaming

The College reserves the right to revoke or modify naming if:

• The donor fails to fulfill the financial commitment;
• The honoree’s actions or reputation significantly conflict with the College’s values;
• The named asset is replaced, significantly altered, or no longer exists.

All revocation decisions will follow a formal review process.

3.10 Documentation and Agreements

• All naming commitments must be formalized in a written gift agreement outlining: 
  • Contribution amount and schedule;
  • Naming designation;
  • Duration and recognition details;
  • Contingency and revocation clauses.

3.11 Administration

The OCC Foundation is responsible for:

• Maintaining naming inventories;
• Monitoring compliance with agreements;
  • Ensuring consistent application of this policy.

IV. Additional Resources:

* Please contact the OCC Foundation to initiate this process or to obtain further detail regarding assigned gift levels.

Change Log:

• Effective Date:  06/15/2026

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