Granting of Honorary Degrees Rule

PURPOSE:  To recognize excellence in the fields of public affairs, the sciences, humanities and the arts, scholarship and education, business and philanthropy, and social services which exemplify the mission and scope of The Texas A&M University System;

to honor meritorious and outstanding service to the academic institution, the State of  Texas, the United States, or to humanity at large; or

to recognize persons whose lives serve as examples of Tarleton State University’s aspirations for its students.

RULE:   1.  Nominations and Approvals
 

1.1  Nominations for honorary degrees may be made by the faculty, the administration, or the Board of Regents, by filing a completed, appropriate form with the Office of Academic Affairs.

1.2  Nominations for honorary degrees will be submitted to the vice president  for institutional advancement for organization and review in order to verify that  the dossiers for nominees are complete and accurate.  The selection committee will determine the information and documents necessary for a complete dossier.

1.3  The verified dossiers will be forwarded to the provost and vice president for academic affairs for additional review prior to submission to the university selection committee.

A maximum of two nominees may be submitted for each category (see System Policy 11.07) per year.

1.4  Upon approval by the selection committee, nominations will be submitted to the president for review and approval.

Nominations must be submitted to the president no less than four (4) months prior to the date proposed for award of the degree.

1.5   Upon approval by the president, nominations are submitted to the Chancellor and Board of Regents for approval and authorization to award the honorary degree.

The selection committee will be appointed annually by the president.  It will be representative as follows:

• the provost and vice president for academic affairs (chair)
• the vice president for institutional advancement
• a dean of one of the colleges (two-year appointment, with a rotation of college)
• a full professor (two-year appointment, with a rotation of college)
• an associate professor (two-year appointment, with a rotation of college)
• the president of the Faculty Senate
• the vice president for student services or designee

3.1  Honorary degrees will not be awarded to current employees of The Texas A&M University System, current members of the Board of Regents, or individuals who have direct political, legal, or budgetary authority over Tarleton State University.

3.2  No honorary degree will be awarded in consideration of any past, present, or future gift or other benefaction to Tarleton State University.

Contact Office:  Academic Affairs