Policy Number: 52
HONORARY DEGREE AWARDS
The University's program of awarding honorary degrees is as follows:
Honorary degrees may be awarded by the Board to persons who have achieved a record of major distinction at the state or national level in such areas as education, public service, research, humanities, business, or the professions. In exceptional circumstances, honorary degrees may be awarded to persons who, though they have not achieved national or statewide recognition, have made an especially outstanding and significant contribution to the University or higher education.
Honorary degrees may be awarded only by approval of the Board upon the recommendation of the President. The President shall establish a representative committee, composed of faculty and academic staff, which shall recommend to the President proposed honorary degree recipients selected from nominations by the faculty, students, staff, and alumni. Before requesting Board approval, the President shall submit to the Board written information concerning the candidate's achievements and any significant contributions to the University, higher education, or the State of Illinois. Unless an exception is approved by the Board, approval of candidates must be obtained at least two months prior to the award of the degree and not more than two honorary degrees may be awarded each year.
Elected or appointed public officials in state or local government, members and employees of the Board, and members and employees of the Board of Higher Education are ineligible for award of an honorary degree during their term of office or employment.
Honorary Degree Committee
The evaluation of candidates and recommendations to the President shall be made by an Honorary Degree Committee composed of seven members from the faculty and academic staff, each representing a separate college, school, or unit.
Members shall be appointed by the President to serve two-year terms. The President shall appoint the Chair of the Committee.
Nominations
The President shall establish the number of candidates to be recommended for consideration. The Committee shall seek nominations from faculty, students, staff and alumni. To augment the nomination process, the President may request individuals or groups of individuals among the various constituencies to actively review prospective candidates and make nominations to the Committee.
In considering the nominations, the Committee shall make its recommendations using the Board criteria listed above. The Committee shall interpret that criteria as it applies to each nominee in terms of the supporting data supplied. Those making nominations shall be responsible for providing supporting data.
Awards
The honorary degree awarded shall be based upon the background of the nominee and the nature of the nomination.
No public announcement concerning persons nominated or recommended for honorary degrees shall be made until after final approval by the Board.
Honorary Degree Schedule
President makes Committee appointments and initiates requests for prospective candidate searches.
Program is actively publicized and nominations are sought.
Committee meets at least twice to review nominations and make recommendations to President. Chair of Committee forwards recommendations to the President.
President reviews the recommendations and submits possible candidates to the Board for informal review with members of the Board.
After review by the Board, candidates are contacted on an informal basis to determine their interest in accepting the award. President's recommendations are submitted to the Board for approval. Board approval must be received at least two months prior to the award of the degree.
After Board approval, recipients are notified.
Degrees are awarded at the selected commencement.
Approved:
President
July 16, 1997
Monitor: President