 |
PPM 2-9, Honorary Degree and Commencement Speaker |
|
Responsible Office: President |
1.0 PURPOSE
This policy outlines the authority and procedures for selection of honorary degree recipients and commencement speakers.
2.0 POLICY
2.1 The University shall award honorary degrees to selected individuals whose accomplishments qualify them for such recognition. Extreme care is to be exercised in the selection and nomination of candidates for honorary degrees. Such degrees are to be awarded only for a high plane of accomplishments. All persons suggested or recommended should be protected from publicity, which might provide embarrassment to all parties concerned.
2.2 Beginning with the graduating exercises of June 1965, such awards have been and will be made semi-annually at both the spring and winter commencement exercises as suitable and qualified nominees are recommended and approved.
2.3 The Honorary Degree and Commencement Speaker Committee will be composed of four faculty members, three students, two alumni, one University Advancement representative, the provost, the president, and three members of the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees members will be appointed by the chair of the Board of Trustees.
2.4 The chair of the Honorary Degree and Commencement Speaker Committee will be appointed by the chair of the Board of Trustees.
3.0 PROCEDURE
3.1 Recommendations for nominations for honorary degrees and commencement speakers may be made to the Honorary Degree and Commencement Speaker Committee by (1) members of the Board of Trustees, (2) the president, (3) members of University faculty and staff, (4) University students and alumni, 5) members of the community and (6) other interested parties.
3.2 Solicitations for nominations are distributed to the groups listed above and accepted by the President’s Office each fall semester. The President’s Office compiles submissions for review by the Honorary Degree and Commencement Speaker Committee.
3.3 The President will submit the recommendations to the Board of Trustees with sufficient time to make necessary approvals and arrangements before each respective commencement. The Board of Trustees must approve honorary degree recipients.
3.5 The names of all nominees and recommendations for nominees shall remain confidential.
3.6 The Honorary Degree and Commencement Speaker Committee shall operate according to procedures established by the chair, including methods for voting or making recommendations.
Revision History
Creation Date: 4-19-78
Amended: 9-6-16; 9-19-24