POL-U2100.05 Awarding an Honorary Degree

Dates and Approval

Effective Date:

January 4, 2011

Revised Date:

August 15, 2017

Approved by:

President Sabah Randhawa

Who does this policy apply to?

This policy applies to a WWU employee, student or advisory board member wishing to nominate a person for an honorary WWU degree.

Overview

There is no overview for this policy.

Definitions

Honorary Degree

An honorary doctoral degree awarded to persons in recognition of outstanding achievement in arts, sciences, letters, or the professions, or for service in education, government or humanitarian endeavors.

Policy Statements

1. President Receives Nominations for an Honorary WWU Degree

Honorary degree nominations must first be submitted to the President’s Office. Nominations will be accepted throughout the academic year. Nominees must satisfy at least one of the following criteria:

  1. Outstanding original and creative accomplishments in arts, letters, sciences or professions.
  2. Unusual and fruitful service to humanity.
  3. Distinguished career in education, government, business, public service, or in humanitarian endeavors that advance society.
  4. Highly effective leadership on behalf of public education, social justice and the environment and other signature values of Western.

2. Only WWU Employees, Students, or Advisory Board Members May Submit a Nomination

No additional description for this statement.

3. President’s Office Forwards Nominations to Faculty Senate Executive Council for Review

Nominations will be forwarded on the last day of the quarter for consideration the following quarter.

4. Upon Approval, Faculty Senate Executive Council Forwards Recommended Candidate(s) to the President for review. Upon concurrence the President submits recommendation and supporting materials to the Board of Trustees for Consideration and Final Approval.

No additional description for this statement.

5. President Notifies Recipient

The University President will notify the candidate(s) granted an honorary degree by the Board of Trustees. Honorary degrees will typically be awarded during commencement ceremonies.

Policy Information