Title: #V-14. Guidelines for the Granting of Honorary Degrees at West Virginia

University at Parkersburg

Date: August 18, 2009 [Replaces version dated March 31, 2005]

I. Introduction and Purpose

West Virginia University at Parkersburg confers honorary degrees upon selected candidates who in the field of their endeavors have made distinctive contributions to the well being of humankind, higher education, and/or WVU at Parkersburg. The honorary degree is granted for the purpose of promoting the image of the institution, and to recognize and thereby encourage a standard of excellence, which is exemplary to WVU Parkersburg students.

II. Candidates and categories (no preference indicated by order)

1. Graduates of West Virginia University at Parkersburg who in the fields of their endeavors have made distinctive contributions such as to reflect singular honor upon their alma mater.

2. Persons whose contributions to the well being of humankind and/or the quality of life in society warrant recognition, and which recognition would in turn reflect honor upon WVU at Parkersburg.

3. Persons whose loyalty, dedication, and support to WVU at Parkersburg warrant unusual and special recognition.

III. Honorary Degree Screening Committee

An Honorary Degree Screening Committee shall be appointed annually by the President for the purpose of accepting and screening nominations for honorary degrees. The committee shall be comprised of faculty, staff, administrative, student, and alumni representatives.

IV. Nomination and Selection Procedures:

Nominations for honorary degrees may come from members of the faculty and staff at WVU Parkersburg and the Jackson County Center, from members of the Foundation Board, from alumni, and from others whose services to or interests in West Virginia University at Parkersburg are already established and recognized.

When submitting a name for consideration as a nominee to receive an honorary degree from WVU Parkersburg, a sponsor (whoever makes the nomination) is required to gather and to place in the hands of the screening committee all qualifying information: (1) cover sheet (available in the President's Office), (2) letter of nomination, (3) a one-page vita, and (4) other criteria-supporting information.

A one-page letter may be submitted at anytime during the year for pre-screening. If the candidate is considered viable, a full nomination will be requested.

For Degree Bestowal at the December Commencement:

All qualifying material for a nominee should be in the hands of the Honorary Degree Screening Committee by the second Friday in September for consideration of the candidates for degree bestowal at the December commencement.

The screening committee shall forward no more than two nominations to the Chair of the Faculty Senate by the last Friday in September. The Faculty Senate shall review the nominations in executive session and inform the President of their recommendation by the second Friday in October.

For Degree Bestowal at the Spring Commencement:

All qualifying material for a nominee should be in the hands of the Honorary Degree Screening Committee by the second Friday in November for consideration of the candidates for degree bestowal at the spring commencement.

The screening committee shall forward no more than two nominations to the Chair of the Faculty Senate by the second Friday in December. The Faculty Senate shall review the nominations in executive session and inform the President of their recommendation by the second Friday in January.

The President will present honorary degree recommendations to the Board of Governors whose decision is final.