11.07.99.R1 Conferring of Honorary Degrees
Approved April 21, 2005
Supplements System Policy 11.07

1. GENERAL

1.1 The Texas A&M University System Policy 11.07 provides guidelines for the granting of honorary degrees. The Texas A&M University-Commerce (A&M-Commerce) rule on granting honorary degrees governs the University in matters not detailed in System policy.

1.2 Degrees are conferred at a regular commencement ceremony. No honorary degree should be conferred in absentia.

2. PURPOSE

2.1 To recognize excellence in fields of public affairs, the sciences, humanities and the arts, scholarship and education, business and philanthropy, and social services which exemplify the mission, role, and scope of A&M-Commerce;

2.2 To honor meritorious and outstanding service to A&M-Commerce, the State of Texas, the United States, or humanity at large; and

2.3 To recognize persons whose lives exemplify the aspirations of the University or its students.

3. CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

3.1 Regional, state, national or internationally significant achievement is the overriding criterion for all candidates.

3.2 Degree recipients may be individuals who have distinguished themselves in sustained scholarly activity in the fields identified in the purpose section of this rule.

3.3 A degree may be awarded to an individual from industry or government who has achieved national or international distinction by significant contributions to society at large or scholarly pursuits.

3.4 Individuals not eligible to receive this degree are identified as follows:

3.3.1 Current employees of A&M-Commerce,
3.3.2 Individuals who have direct political, legal, or budgetary authority over the University, or
3.3.3 Individuals in consideration for past, present, or future gift or other beneficiaries of A&M-Commerce.