Montana State University

Honorary Degree Policy

Subject:Academic Affairs

Policy:Honorary Degree Policy

Effective Date:July 1, 2011

Review Date:July 1, 2014

Responsible Party:Office of the Provost

Introduction and Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to establish the criteria for the award of honorary degrees to individuals.

Policy: Montana State University may award an honorary degree to individuals who:

  • have an association with MSU and/or the State of Montana by virtue of birth, education or direct contribution to the well-being of the state’s citizens.
  • have distinguished themselves in such a manner and at such a level as to have won recognition in their respective areas of endeavor at the state, regional or national levels.
  • will reflect favorably on MSU, the Montana University System, and the State of Montana.

Long tenure in a position, personal durability and above average service, while praiseworthy do not equate with merit as conceived in these criteria. The renown of the candidates should reflect favorably on MSU and Montana. While most honorary degrees are rightfully conferred in acknowledgment of a full and distinguished career, some honorary degrees may also be conferred on distinguished young achievers.

Procedures: Faculty and any other interested persons may nominate qualified individuals for an honorary degree by submitting a letter of nomination to the Honorary Degree Committee.

Nominations for an honorary doctorate to be awarded at Spring commencement must be received by November 10th, preceding the commencement date. Current employees of the Montana University System are not eligible for this honor.

The Honorary Degree Committee reviews the nominations and provides a list of potential nominees to the President. If approved by the President, the nominees are voted on by the faculty at the annual faculty meeting.

The 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 President will contact the successful nominees after the Board of Regents has approved their selection.