Introduction and Purpose:
The purpose of this policy is to establish the criteria for the award of honorary degrees to individuals as allowed by the Montana Board of Regents in BOR Policy 322.1.
Policy:
Montana Technological University may award an honorary degree to individuals who:
- Have an association with Montana Technological University and/or the State of Montana by virtue of birth, of residence, of education, of service, or of direct contribution to the well-being of the state’s citizens.
- Have achieved a level of distinction which would merit comparable recognition in his or her profession or area of excellence.
- Will reflect favorably on Montana Technological University, Montana University System, and the State of Montana.
To protect the privacy of nominees, all involved must maintain complete confidentiality at every step of the nomination and approval process.
Long tenure in a position, personal durability and above average service, while praiseworthy do not equate with merit as conceived in these criteria. Honorary degrees are rightfully conferred in acknowledgment of a full and distinguished career or extraordinary impact in their field, and may also be conferred upon distinguished young achievers.
The Office of the Provost oversees the process and procedures related to the nomination, review, and approval of proposed honorary degrees.
Internal control considerations, if applicable: NA
Procedures:
The honorary doctorate is the highest honor Montana Technological University can confer upon an individual. Faculty and any other interested persons may nominate qualified individuals for an honorary degree by submitting a letter of nomination and supporting materials to the Honorary Degree Committee.
Supporting materials may include letters of support from nationally or internationally known leaders in the area of endeavor of the nominee, from faculty/staff/students, past and present, and from others who have been impacted by the nominee. Additionally, documentation such as press articles, professional organization honors, and other materials demonstrating the candidate’s notoriety usually accompany nominations.
Nominees lacking a direct connection to Montana Technological University or Montana but whose extraordinary accomplishments have either benefited Montanans directly, or whose stature will serve as an outstanding role model to young people, may be considered and require special justification.
Current employees of the Montana University System are not eligible.
Nominations for an honorary doctorate to be awarded at Spring commencement must be received by November 10th, preceding the commencement date in May. Nominations for an honorary doctorate to be awarded at Fall commencement must be received by April 10th, preceding the commencement date in December.
The Honorary Doctorate Committee reviews the nominations and provides a list of potential nominees to the Chancellor. If approved by the Chancellor, the nominees are voted on by faculty senate leadership in a closed session held no later than the final week of the semester prior to the commencement in which the degree would be awarded. The names of honorary degree candidates, and supporting material, will be sent to the President of the University of Montana immediately following recommendation by Faculty Senate Leadership.
Upon recommendation by the UM President, the final recommendation is forwarded to the Montana Commissioner of Higher Education and the Montana Board of Regents for ultimate approval.
To protect the privacy of nominees, all persons involved in the process must maintain complete confidentiality at every step of the nomination and approval process.
The Chancellor will contact the successful nominees after the Board of Regents has approved their selection.
The Honorary Doctorate Committee shall include the provost, the Dean of the College of Letters, Science, and Professional Studies, the Dean of the Lance College of Mines and Engineering, and four additional members who will be appointed by the Provost. These shall include 1 faculty member from the College of Letters, Science, and Professional Studies, 1 faculty member from the Lance College of Mines and Engineering, 1 professional employee, and 1 at-large member.