University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Policy Name: Honorary Degrees
Policy Number: 222.1
Effective Date: October 21, 1998
Policy
The practice of awarding honorary degrees to various persons who have attained significant recognition for their accomplishment could be beneficial to UA Little Rock and at the same time could serve to honor a number of worthy people.
Honorary degrees are awarded to persons who have attained significant recognition for their academic excellence or service to humankind. Honorary degrees are awarded to persons who have demonstrated appreciation for the ideals and purposes of a metropolitan university. The recipient of an honorary degree is expected to be present for conferral and receipt of the degree. Normally no one shall be recommended for an honorary degree who is a full-time employee of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock or who is a member of the Board of Trustees or who is a candidate for or is an incumbent of elected public office in Arkansas.
Implementation Procedures
Letters of nomination should include biographical information and discussion of the record of accomplishment of service that, in the nominator’s opinion, warrants conferral of an honorary degree. The letter should include information about notable professional accomplishments or notable contributions to the nominee’s business or professions, community, state, or the University, as appropriate. Particular attention will be given to those who have had a close connection to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the greater Little Rock metropolitan region, or the State of Arkansas. Published biographical sketches may be attached.
Letters of nomination should be sent to the chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, who will forward them to the Faculty Senate’s Honors and Awards Committee. Either the chancellor or the committee may request additional information. According to the Faculty Senate constitution, the Honors and Awards Committee “shall, on behalf of the Faculty Senate, select the recipients of specified university-wide honors and awards. This committee also shall advise the chancellor on the awarding of honorary degrees. In such matters, members of the committee shall act with the utmost confidentiality and discretion.”
After receiving the advice of the Honors and Awards Committee, the chancellor will forward his recommendation for honorary degrees, if any, to the president and Board of Trustees. Nominations and documentation should be submitted by October 15 for December commencement and February 15 for May commencement.
Source: University-wide Administrative Memo, October 21, 1998
Revised:
Approved By: Chancellor Charles Hathaway, Oct. 21, 1998
Custodian: Office of the Chancellor