Honorary Degree 1.2-1

SVSU Board of Control Policy - In accordance with Board of Control Bylaws 2.104, #8

Statement of Purpose

An honorary degree is one of Saginaw Valley State University's (SVSU) most significant accolades. SVSU may award honorary degrees to distinguished individuals who merit recognition for distinction for activities that align with the mission of the University. An honorary degree is not given to celebrate minimal standards but rather the breadth and depth of contributions that allow this individual to stand above others.

The purpose of this policy is to outline the criteria, nomination, and selection process for individuals selected for recognition through the conferral of an honorary degree by Saginaw Valley State University.  Only the Board of Control may authorize an honorary degree.

Eligibility Criteria

1. The selection of honorary degree recipients shall recognize exemplary achievement in various fields of endeavor. A degree may be awarded to an outstanding individual who satisfies one or more of the following criteria:
   • Original and creative accomplishment in the arts, sciences and humanities of regional, national or international distinction.
   • Lifelong impact during a career and exemplary leadership in education, government, business, or public service that furthers human relationships or assists in advancing knowledge.
   • Distinguished service by alumni, former faculty or staff whose accomplishments reflect distinction on the University and represent the highest goals of education.
   • A person whose life and/or work represents the highest values of the University and its mission to advance the common good.
2. Persons not eligible for consideration include:
   • Anyone with a documented conflict of interest with the University.
   • Current faculty and staff of Saginaw Valley State University.
3. Board of Control members may only be considered eligible for an honorary degree three (3) years after their term of service with the University.

Procedures and Authority to Name

1. Nominations will be submitted to and reviewed by the University President. If the President further recommends the nomination, it will be forwarded to the Board of Control for consideration.
2. Nominations for honorary degree consideration may be submitted to the President by any current member of the SVSU Board of Control, faculty, administration, professional staff, student, or alumni.
3. Nomination materials need not be extensive but should document the extraordinary nature of the candidate’s contributions and should include the following:
   • A letter of nomination explaining why the candidate is worthy of consideration.
   • A curriculum vitae (if relevant) or other biographical information.
4. All deliberations and recommendations will be kept strictly confidential. Nominators should not solicit letters of support on behalf of the nominee for the same reason.
5. Self-nominations will not be accepted for consideration.

Process Recommendations

1. Except under unusual circumstances, the honorary degree recipient will not receive a speaker's fee or honorarium for accepting an honorary degree or delivering an address.
2. Honorary degrees may be awarded in conjunction with commencement ceremonies or conducted at other times throughout the academic year to best engage students, faculty, staff, and other university stakeholders.
3. Exceptions to the honorary degree policy will only occur under extraordinary circumstances and at the direction of the Board of Control.

Duration

Honorary degrees are awarded for life. Awardees reflect the values and personify the mission of the University. If, at any time during the life of an awardee, the University becomes aware of documented evidence of criminal, unethical, or immoral behavior or activity, SVSU has the right to rescind the honorary degree.

Responsibility

The Secretary to the Board of Control is responsible for maintaining accountability throughout the honorary degree selection process with oversight from the Board of Control.

The Secretary to the Board of Trustees will communicate and implement this policy. It will be posted on the University’s Policy web page.

All communications related to the conferral of honorary degrees will be through the Office of the President and the Office of University Communications.

Appendix

Board of Control Resolution RES-2477 February 13, 2023