Policy: Landscape Enhancements and Memorial Plaques
California State University, Bakersfield
California State University, Bakersfield Foundation
VOLUME: Policy
TITLE: Landscape Enhancements and Memorial Plaques
DIVISION: University Advancement
DEPARTMENT: University Wide
I.
BACKGROUND
A.
Early in the development of the campus there was an organized effort to enhance
the campus landscape with the planting of trees. Alumni and friends of the
University participated in a campaign named “Plant a Tree at CSUB”. As a result
of that campaign and a practice that followed, the campus became populated with
a large number of memorials. The memorials honored deceased faculty members,
staff and students and in some cases former students of the University.
B.
In the mid-nineties it was noticed that the tree memorials, a small concrete marker
containing a plaque at the base of a tree was causing problems for the landscape
crew in their efforts to mow the lawn and care for the landscape. At that time, the
practice of the small marker on the lawn was discontinued and the practice was to
place the plaque on a boulder in a flower bed where the tree was planted. From
that grew the practice of a bench (requiring a concrete pad, a tree and a boulder
with a plaque).
C.
The cost of these memorials has been borne by the family of the deceased,
memorial gifts from the campus community or a combination of the two.
D.
As the campus has grown in both facilities and number of students there continues
to be a need for benches, particularly in high pedestrian areas. This policy will
focus upon memorial benches in predetermined areas and in keeping with the
campus master plan. Other major landscape projects may be considered for
memorials but only as they are consistent with the campus landscape master plan.
II.
POLICY
A.
Landscaping enhancements to recognize individuals shall be functional in nature
and add to the physical learning environment of the University. Such recognition
shall be in the form of outdoor benches.
B.
Stand alone plaques on pedestals or monuments do not create the aesthetic
impression we desire for CSUB and therefore are not permitted.
C.
Recognition plaques may be permanently affixed to the bench in a manner that
will minimize the maintenance and potential vandalism to such items.
D.
All elements of the design of the bench and recognition plaque must conform to
University standards.
E.
The location of the bench is governed by the campus master plan, and the campus
landscape master plan.
F.
For the bench plaques the standard shall be fabricated of cast bronze. Aluminum,
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Policy: Landscape Enhancements and Memorial Plaques
G.
steel or imitation materials are not acceptable. Size shall be no longer than the
width of one seat. The plaque background shall be leatherette or pebbled and the
color shall be dark bronze or dark brown. The plaque highlight finish shall be
satin, not polished.
Memorials of trees or landscaping will only be permitted in designated areas and
are limited to materials approved by the designated CSUB landscape architect.
III.
CRITERIA
A.
Only those persons who have had an association with the University will be
considered for a landscape memorial, i.e., student, faculty member, staff
members.
B.
The tenure of that association shall be as follows:
1. Faculty: permanent appointment five years of service.
2. Staff: permanent appointment five years of service.
3. Student: senior standing for undergraduate and at 75 percent completion of
the graduate program at CSUB.
IV.
COST
A.
The donor(s) will be responsible for the entire cost of ordering, preparation of the
site, construction and installation of the bench and plaque as well as a service
charge and reserve fund charge to ensure adequate reserves for maintenance of the
memorial bench.
V.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A.
The Office of University Advancement after consultation with Facilities
Management shall initiate any requests for memorial benches and shall coordinate
the plaque text and design.
B.
University Advancement will forward approved request to Facilities Management
with a project request form, together with the account to be charged for the
procurement of materials and installation of the memorial.
C.
Facilities Management shall complete the project request expediently and provide
a date of completion to University Advancement.
D.
University Advancement shall coordinate any dedication ceremony or
presentations for the individual to be recognized.
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