THE AWARD OF HONORARY DEGREES

 

            Honorary degrees are awarded by the Board of Trustees to individuals who have distinguished themselves by providing extended unusual service to the University, State or nation, or who are recognized for unusual feats in service to mankind.  Typically, recipients of honorary degrees will have close connections to Auburn University, either as graduates of the institution or as citizens who have rendered significant service to Auburn.  To be recognized, individuals of national or international prominence should have State of Alabama and Auburn University connections.

 

            The following procedures for selection of honorary degree recipients shall prevail:

 

            1.  To preserve the integrity of the honorary degree, only unusual and distinctive circumstances justify such recognition.

 

            2.  Nominations may be made to the President of the University, by any member of the University’s constituencies, who shall assemble documented evidence of significant service to Auburn. 

           

            3.  That information, along with the recommendation of the President, will be forwarded to the President Pro Tem of the Board of Trustees.  Upon the concurrence of the President Pro Tem, the proposal will be placed on the Agenda for consideration by the Board of Trustees.  Issues, if any, concerning the good name and character of candidates shall be discussed in Executive Session.

 

            4.  The Executive Committee may consider nominees for honorary degrees at any of its meetings; however, this matter shall be a regular agenda item for the Committee’s meetings in June and February.

 

            5.  A positive vote of three-fourths of the members present of the Board of Trustees, by  written ballot in Open Session is required for the award of an honorary degree.

 

            6.  Only degree designations appropriate to the academic offerings of Auburn University are to be used.

 

            7.  The President will make arrangements for suitable activities surrounding actual granting of the degree and commemoration of the occasion.

 

                                                                                                ADOPTED:     10/27/89 

 

                                                                                                  REVISED:      4/07/00  

 

                                                                                                  REVISED:       11/7/03

 

                                                                                                  REVISED:       09/16/05