Nomination Process

Nominations will be sent to the Office of the President and shall include the following:

1. A letter of nomination, citing the candidate’s contribution to the field, the University, and/or humanity.
2. A biography or curriculum vitae of the candidate. The committee may request additional documentation about the nominee.
3. A minimum of two letters of support in addition to the primary letter of nomination.

CONFIDENTIALITY IS CRUCIAL TO THE NOMINATION PROCESS

Under no circumstances should the nominee be informed that his or her name has been put forward. Not all excellent candidates can be recognized, and knowledge of a failed nomination can be embarrassing and harmful. Further, the nominator should not solicit letters of support on behalf of the nominee from people outside the University. Official notification of the University's wish to confer an honorary degree upon an individual is made by the President on behalf of the President's Cabinet and the Board of Regents.

1. The President's Cabinet shall consider all nominations.
2. Nominees can be accepted, rejected, or put on hold for consideration for a period of five years.
3. The names of potential candidates approved by the committee shall be submitted to the President.
4. The President’s Office will maintain a log of all individuals nominated. The President’s Office will be responsible for all written correspondence with the individual nominating the candidate and with the candidate.
5. The President will submit candidates to the Board of Regents for approval.
6. The resolution to the Board shall contain the committee’s recommendation, a citation, a biography of the proposed recipient, and the President’s recommendation.
7. Upon approval by the Board of Regents, the President’s Office shall notify the recipient and confirm the recipient’s willingness to accept the honorary degree.