Policy #6
CONCORD COLLEGE
POLICY FOR AWARDING HONORARY DEGREES
EFFECTIVE
DATE: September 17, 2003
TITLE: Awarding Honorary Degrees
APPROVED BY: Concord College Board of Governors
WV Higher Education Policy Commission
Concord College will offer a limited number of honorary degrees to recognize the exemplary service of outstanding individuals. This is the highest academic recognition that Concord College may bestow. The degree is governed by deliberate procedure, which includes nomination of the candidate(s), review and approval by the faculty, president, and Board of Governors, and notice to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission by the Concord College Board of Governors.
All nominations for Concord College honorary degrees must be referred through the procedure established and approved by the Concord College Board of Governors. Candidates may be nominated for:
a. Outstanding contribution to the institution, community, state or society
b. Outstanding achievement in a particular field of endeavor
c. Reputation that will enhance the mission of the institution and serve as an example to its students
d. Potential for contribution to the goals or welfare of the institution
e. Major figure in state, regional, federal or international government
a. An Honorary Degree Committee shall consist of the president, the vice president
and academic dean, executive director of the Foundation, and the president of the faculty.
b. The Honorary Degree Committee will meet no less than three (3) months prior to
commencement ceremonies to receive and review nominations. Nominations may be presented to the Committee from any party with an interest in Concord College. Nominations must be presented to the Committee in writing.
c. The Chair of the Honorary Degree Committee will acknowledge in writing all nominations submitted to the Committee.
d. The Committee will apply the criteria as outlined above (see Criteria).
e. All honorary degrees recommended by the Committee shall be awarded as “honoris causa.”
f. The Committee will submit recommendation(s) to the Faculty Senate.
g. After approval by the Faculty Senate, the Chair of the Honorary Degree Committee will submit the recommendation(s) to the president of the College.
h. Upon approval by the president of the College, the recommendation(s) will be forwarded to the Concord College Board of Governors for review and/or approval.
i. The Chair of the Concord College Board of Governors will notify the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission of the forthcoming award of an honorary degree from Concord College.
j. The president of the College shall notify selected candidate(s) in writing of the award.