Policy: Honorary Degrees

Policy Title:
Honorary Degrees

Date of Approval:
July 26, 1996

INTRODUCTION: Clemson University intends to be highly selective in awarding honorary degrees to the highest qualified and most deserving candidates. This policy of the Board of Trustees of Clemson University shall govern the selection of honorary degree recipients.

PURPOSE: A Clemson University honorary degree should represent lasting recognition of unusual and exemplary service of outstanding individuals. Recipients of Clemson University honorary degrees should enhance the reputation of the University and be proud representatives for Clemson.

GUIDELINES: All constituents of Clemson University should be encouraged to submit nominations for an honorary degree. All interested persons may submit nominations of honorary degree candidates.

Nominations should be made on the nomination form outlined in Appendix A. (Carefully note sub-heading: Attributes of Character and Esteem).

The form may be obtained from the office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and should be returned to the office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs or to the President of the University. A cover letter or additional information may be attached to the nomination form.

Appropriate letters of endorsement of a candidate may be helpful, but a letter campaign to promote a candidate is not desirable and must be avoided.

Candidates not selected within three years of the date of the original nomination will be disregarded and a new nomination must be submitted if the candidate is to receive further consideration.

It is desirable for candidates to have a South Carolina connection by birth, residence, education, business or profession. A Clemson connection may be meaningful but should not be overweighed.

It is desirable to have a candidate with outstanding humanitarian achievements or outstanding business, professional, academic or public service achievements. A reasonable balance of recipients in these fields is also desirable.

Clemson University should not award more than two honorary degrees on each graduation day. It is not mandatory to award any honorary degrees. The availability of highly qualified candidates shall control the awarding of honorary degrees. The Honorary Degree Selection Committee may select up to four highly qualified candidates and present them to the President of Clemson University. From these nominees the President shall select no more than two candidates and present them to Board of Trustees for approval.

Also, an honorary degree may be awarded at a significant occasion other than graduation if deemed warranted.

The Honorary Degree Selection Committee consists of:

• Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs - serves as Chairperson
• President of Faculty Senate - serves as Secretary
• Most recent past President of Faculty Senate, currently in employ of Clemson University
• Two Alumni Distinguished Professors, nominated by the Alumni Distinguished Professors themselves (3 year term)
• One Endowed Chair/Title Professor, nominated by their own group (3 year term)
• Chairperson of the Institutional Advancement Committee of the Board of Trustees
• Chairperson of the Board of Trustees or his/her designated Trustee
• Honorary Member with vote, who serves at the pleasure of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees - P. W. McAlister

The Honorary Degree Selection Committee shall meet well in advance of each graduation day to consider candidates for honorary degrees.

Also, the Chairman of the Honorary Degree Selection Committee may call a special meeting when warranted.

APPENDIX A

A COVER LETTER OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE ATTACHED TO THIS FORM. IF DESIRED.

CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

NOMINATION FORM

FOR SELECTION OF HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENTS

PURPOSE

Clemson University confers honorary degrees in recognition of eminent achievement in scholarship or creativity, or of high distinction in service to humanity, including meritorious contributions to the University. The awarding of honorary degrees is to be regarded as a method by which the University expresses its ideals and recognizes exceptional attainments.

Full Name of Nominee___________________________________________
              (First)           (Middle)           (Last)           (Maiden)

Birthplace___________________________________ Birthdate____________________

Home Address________________________________ City________________________
State _____________________Zip_____________
Home Phone___________________

Business Address________________________________ City_____________________
State _____________________Zip_____________
Business Phone_________________

Spouse_________________________
Wedding Date_____________________________
(Include Maiden Name, if applicable)

Children (Names and Birth Dates)

_____________________ ______________________

_____________________ ______________________

_____________________ ______________________

EDUCATION

College/University____________________________________

Degree(s) and Year(s) of Graduation_________________________________________

PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

(Demonstrating eminent achievement in scholarship or creativity)

Present Occupation________________________________________

Special Accomplishments Throughout Career__________________________________________

________________________________________________

Attributes of Character and Esteem__________________________________________

________________________________________________

PUBLIC SERVICE

(Demonstrating high distinction in service to humanity)
May include community, church, civic, and public service.

_______________________________________________

SERVICE TO CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

_______________________________________________

List honorary degrees the candidate has received and institution from which conferred.

_______________________________________________

Nominator

________________________ ________________________
      (Please Print Name)                    (Signature)

________________________ ________________________
         (Phone Number)                          (Date)

Editor's Note
None

Other Versions
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