The state Board of Regents at its meeting this week will consider requiring centers named after elected officials to hold off until that officials is out of office.

The proposed revisions to the Regents’ New Centers and Institutes policy comes after the board in April approved the controversial naming of an Iowa State University public-policy institute after Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa.

The revision would require all proposed honorary names of centers and institutes at the three state universities — including at the UIHC — to obtain specific approval from the regents.

"Before proceeding with any naming, all circumstances surrounding the naming must be carefully considered, including the overall benefit to the institution, whether the name is and will continue to be a positive reflection on the institution, and whether the name is consistent with the purpose and mission of the Board of Regents and its institutions," the proposed change says.

— by Sam Lane