Approver(s):

Academic Council

Authorizes Release:

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Responsible Area:

Academic Affairs

Review Cycle:

Annually or as required

Last Review:

May 2023

Related Policies and Additional References:

None

Process and Procedures for Recommending Nominees

Members of the broader St. Mary’s University community (faculty, staff, administration, alumni, and other interested members of the community) may make nominations for Honorary Doctorates. Such nominations are to be made in writing to the Provost and must include a justification for the nomination. The Provost must receive nominations by October 1 for consideration for award at the December Commencement and by February 1 for the May Commencement.

Academic Council will consider the potential honorees in accordance with the following criteria:

  1. The honoree has made a substantial contribution in at least one aspect of the following areas: the arts; business and labor, science and technology; education; politics and law, public service at local, state, national, and international levels; humanitarian pursuits; religion; sustained service to the university, civil rights; or other areas deemed important by the Academic Council.
  2. Such contributions must be evident and should reflect a long-lived dedication to service to the profession, local university community, city, state, or national common good.
  3. The honoree’s life and accomplishments must bear witness to the University’s mission as a Catholic and Marianist institution.
  4. The honoree must pass whatever vetting and verification by the Academic Council as is reasonable under the circumstances.

No nomination shall be approved without the unanimous consent of the Academic Council, including the Provost. No further approval is required.

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