On behalf of the University Naming Committee (UNC), Norman Arendse has extended an invitation to encourage the submission of proposals for new names or suggestions, along with motivations, aimed at revising current names attributed to the university’s physical and virtual spaces.
The invitation was addressed to the entirety of the University of Cape Town (UCT) community, including its alumni.
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Arendse, the chair of the council, said that the UNC is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and academic excellence, believing in the significance of the names associated with the institution.
The objective of this undertaking is to ensure that these names resonate with the university’s values, historical significance and aspirations, thereby creating an alignment between its physical and virtual spaces and its core principles.
All members of the university community were called upon to contribute their insights and ideas, thereby playing a role in shaping the future identity of the institution. To aid in this process, the terms of reference established by the UNC were made available for review and can be accessed here.
Proposed submissions are categorised into two segments: the naming of physical spaces and the naming of virtual spaces.
The naming of physical spaces includes proposals for the naming of buildings, lecture halls, libraries, laboratories, gardens and other physical locations within the university grounds. This category also provides an opportunity to pay homage to individuals who have significantly contributed to the university, the nation or the global arena.
The latter category, the naming of virtual spaces, recognises the escalating role of digital platforms in shaping education, research and collaboration. As such, the university encourages submissions for the naming of virtual classrooms, online platforms, research centres, digital archives and other virtual arenas that are pivotal to the institution’s academic pursuits.
Several criteria have been laid out for the submission of new names or the revision of existing ones. These include a mandate for the proposed name to be relevant, aligning meaningfully with the individual, group or concept it represents while resonating with the university’s values and vision.
Inclusivity and diversity have been emphasised, necessitating that the name reflect the multifaceted social identities, heritage, cultures and contributions of the UCT community.
Arendse stressed that an essential criterion is that the proposed name should harmonise with the university’s African identity, culture, heritage and values. For names commemorating individuals, their positive impact on the university, society or their field of expertise is important, with their legacy being a lasting tribute worth memorialising.
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Historical significance is another key aspect, as the proposed name should reportedly enhance understanding of the university’s past, present and future within a contextual framework.
Ethical considerations are paramount; proposed names need to be respectful, sensitive and devoid of potential controversy or harm. When suggesting names of individuals, their ethical standing, societal contributions and alignment with UCT’s principles and values need to be considered.
Originality is another prerequisite; proposed names should not replicate existing ones within the university.
The UNC invites the entire university community, comprising students, staff and alumni, to actively participate by presenting their suggestions for new names or revisions. Submissions must include the submitter’s full name, affiliation with UCT, the proposed name or suggested revision and a rationale addressing the criteria.
Submissions must be sent via email before the deadline of Wednesday, 4 October 2023. Any submissions arriving after this date will not be considered.
Speaking on behalf of the University Naming Committee, Arendse expressed gratitude to the university community for their dedication to shaping the institution’s future and ensuring that its physical spaces were a genuine reflection of its values.
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