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Procedure 254: Honorary Degrees

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University Procedure #254

Section 1. Policy

It is the policy of this university to recognize and honor exceptional men and women who have given a substantial part of their lives to serving others, and who have distinguished themselves through their professional careers and/or volunteer service, and to establish a public association between Metropolitan State University and such exceptional men and women.

Section 2. Authority

In accordance with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) Board

Policy 3.18, the president may confer an honorary degree.

Section 3. Effective Date

This procedure shall become effective upon signature by the president, and remain in effect until modified or expressly revoked.

Section 4. Responsibility

The responsibility for implementation of this regulation is assigned to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs.

Section 5. Types of Degrees

The university may select from the following categories of honorary degrees, based upon the intended recipient's field(s) of contribution, achievement, service and distinction:

Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts (Hon. D.F.A.)

Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (Hon. LH.D.)

Honorary Doctor of Laws (Hon. LL.D.)

Honorary Doctor of Literature (Hon. Litt.D.)

Honorary Doctor of Education (Hon. D.Ed.)

Honorary Doctor of Science (Hon. Sc.D.)

Honorary Doctor of Engineering and Technology (Hon. D. Eng. & Tech.)

It is recommended that all Honorary Degrees awarded by Metropolitan State University be Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (Hon. LH.D.)

Section 6. Eligibility Criteria

  1. While recipients may be alumni, former employees, former MnSCU Board of Trustees members, or former public officials, they may not be, at the time of the award, current employees, or incumbent members of the MnSCU Board of Trustees or incumbent officials of federal, state, or local government.
  1. The following criteria should be used in identifying potential awardees:
    1. Eminent contribution to the university, the community, the State of

Minnesota, or society;

  1. Eminent achievement in a particular field of endeavor;
  1. Personal status that will enhance the reputation of the institution and serve

as an example to its students and its alumni; and/or

4. Potential for contribution to the goals or welfare of the institution.

Section 7. Process for Awarding Degrees

A. The president will establish a committee comprised of:

1. a vice president,

2. an academic dean/director,

3. a MSUAASF representative, chosen by MSUAASF, and

4. four faculty members, chosen by the IFO.

B. Presentation of Honorary Degrees

Honorary degrees will normally be awarded during commencement exercises, and, except in special circumstances, the recipient must agree to be present as a condition of receiving the award. On occasion, an honorary degree may be awarded at a convocation or presidential inauguration.

C. Limitations on the Number of Honorary Degrees

In general, no more than two honorary degrees will be granted in an academic year.

Section 8. Review

This procedure will be reviewed every five years.

Section 9. Signatures

Issued on this 30th day of June, 2017.

Carol Bormann Young, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs.

Virginia Arthur, President

Posted 7-24-17