Conferring of Honorary Degrees
Effective September 1, 1996
Revised April 21, 2005
Supplements System Policy 11.07 and A&M-Commerce Rule 11.07.99.R1

Subject to approval by the Chancellor and The Texas A&M University Board of Regents and in accord with System Policy 11.07 and Texas A&M University-Commerce (A&M-Commerce) Rule A11.07.99.R1, the University may grant honorary degrees according to the procedures outlined below.

1. SELECTION OF RECIPIENTS

1.1 A standing honorary degree committee, consisting of nine members, will be appointed by the University president. The chair is appointed by the University president from the faculty representation on the committee. The committee shall meet as often as it deems necessary to consider the names which have been proposed as recipients.

1.2 Nominations for recipients of honorary degrees shall be made to the University president by University faculty, staff, administration, current students, or alumni. Nominations must be accompanied by a letter of nomination, current vita, and other appropriate supporting material.

2. APPROVAL OF RECIPIENTS AND NOTIFICATION

2.1 Nominations, along with supporting material, are forwarded to the honorary degree committee. All recipients must be approved by the honorary degree committee, the Faculty Senate, and the University president.

2.2 Recommendations for honorary degree recipients shall be forwarded to the Chancellor in accordance with System deadlines for items requiring approval by the Board of Regents.

2.3 The notification of the person selected to receive an honorary degree shall be made by the University president. Attendant publicity shall then be given the granting of the award.

3. AWARDING OF DEGREE

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

References: Prior ETSU Policies II D 1 and F-61 approved August 1, 1980; revised July 13, 1988; prior A&M-Commerce Procedure A11.08, A11.07

***************
CONTACT FOR INTERPRETATION: President