5,210: Dedication, Naming and Signage of Facilities

Revised: September 2020

The term "facilities" as defined within this policy includes rooms, buildings, roadways, green areas, and specific campus locations. This policy applies to all university facilities located within recognized campus boundaries as well as university facilities located beyond recognized campus boundaries, including the Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension facilities, whether owned or rented by the University.

Signage: Signage of any portion of a university facility in the name of an individual, group, or corporate entity must conform to guidelines approved.

Guidelines for approved external signage are as follows:

  1. Signs shall be constructed of materials of a similar nature to and compatible with existing signs in the area and on the campus so as to provide a uniformity to all campus signs. Approved materials for exterior signs include routed redwood and anodized metal.
  2. Building signs located outside the structure shall be restricted to the building name and its designation.
  3. Signs shall be horizontal and located near the building entrance or other location that will assist in identifying the facility.
  4. Signs attached to the building will be restricted to the building name, sized for easy identification from the site (not to exceed 12" in height).

Guidelines for approved interior signage are as follows:

  1. Signs shall be made from materials which are compatible and harmonious with the interior decor of the individual facility.
  2. Signage within an individual facility should be consistent in style, color, and size throughout the facility.
  3. Signage made from tape or paper material is inappropriate and is restricted to temporary usage only.

Building and Donor Signage

  • All building signage associated with the approved name on any portion of a university facility must conform to guidelines and specifications developed and approved by Facility Services at the University of Nevada, Reno.
  • All donor signage must conform to the guidelines and specifications developed by Development & Alumni Relations and must be approved by Development & Alumni Relations in advance. Guidelines and specifications include, but are not limited to, font style, font color and font size for both indoor and outdoor usage.
  • Donor walls must conform to the guidelines and specifications developed and approved by Development & Alumni Relations. Electronic donor walls that can be maintained online and updated regularly are preferable to physical donor walls. Major units that have been approved for a physical donor wall shall maintain it physically, update it annually, and bear the cost of all updates. The University’s Honor Court serves as the main honorific and donor recognition entity for the University.
  • Honorific plaques, both indoor and outdoor, must conform to the guidelines and specifications developed and approved by Development & Alumni Relations. Guidelines and specifications include, but are not limited to, plaque size, plaque material, plaque color, and approved language; prohibited items include images or photos of individuals, pets, logos, etc. In general, these guidelines discourage honorific plaques in indoor areas, and recommend installation within specific garden areas outdoors.
  • Donor signage is typically for the useful life of the building, room, or physical improvement.

For policy regarding naming of university facilities, please see UAM section 1,670.