About Naming at Mason

You may notice that many Mason physical locations have unique names; Colgan Hall, Fenwick Library, Katherine Johnson Hall, and so on. These names build context for our campus, our history, and our future.

How does a space get its name? 

Bestowing names to the features of our campus environment is a considerate process. The university's naming committee, comprised of representatives from faculty, staff, and students, advises on the naming of all new campus facilities, roads, and other public spaces on campus where funding is not associated with private support.

The naming committee is advisory in nature, providing recommendations to the Executive Council on the naming of physical spaces at George Mason University.

The committee is chaired by the Vice President of Communications and Marketing or appointee.

Membership is represented by a senior member or appointee of:

  • Business Services
  • Campus Planning
  • Housing and Residence Life
  • Intercollegiate Athletics
  • Parking and Transportation
  • Regional Campuses
  • Special Collections Research, University Libraries
  • University Advancement
  • University Information
  • University Counsel

And by appointed representatives from:

Recommendations are communicated by the chair to the university executive council and president.

The executive council, with the approval of the president, have approval authority on the naming of a center, part of a building, grounds, or a non-degree granting institution within George Mason University.

Philanthropic naming opportunities are governed by University Policy 1123, Appendix B. Such opportunities are approved by the Gift Acceptance Committee, the president of the university, and, when required, the Board of Visitors.

The Board of Visitors provide approval for buildings, schools, colleges, and degree-granting institutions with the endorsement of the university president.