Honorary Degree Standard Operating Procedure

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SOP #:

ACD 101.026 PR

Executive Owner:

President

Scope:

This degree is conferred to distinguished individuals for their outstanding contributions that are consistent with the mission of the University.

Purpose:

To honor influential individuals for their commitment and accomplishments and inspire our students, faculty, and staff by the honoree’s achievements and example.

Procedures:

Nominations will be sent to the Office of the President and may be made by Academic Leaders, Faculty, or Senior Administration.
The nominator should submit an Honorary Nomination Form indicating the importance of the candidate’s achievements and the reasons why these achievements should be honored by the University, along with a biographical sketch of the candidate. Other documents, such as letters of support for the nomination or articles about the nominee or written by the nominee, are also welcome.
The Office of the President may ask for further information from the nominator if necessary.
The nominations can be submitted throughout the year and no later than May 31 for the following Spring graduation.
On recommendation of the Senior Administration and the President, the Board of Trustees may vote to confer the honorary degree at their Fall board meeting.
The President, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, is the only person authorized to confer the honorary degree.
The President prepares a written citation which is read and presented to the awardee at graduation.
Candidates for the honorary doctorate are expected to be present for the awarding of the degree at the appropriate commencement ceremony.
Should a candidate not be available, his or her nomination may be carried over to a subsequent year for reconsideration.