Administrative number: 3-23
Responsible office: President’s Office
Responsible officer: University President

Granting of Honorary Doctorate Degrees Policy

Purpose:

This policy describes the conditions under which Winona State University (WSU) grants honorary doctorate degrees. By granting these degrees, WSU establishes public associations with exceptional individuals, demonstrating the values and principles of the university and furthering institutional goals and objectives in the areas of educational programming, service, and advancement.

Rationale for Revision and Major Changes:

(This is for stakeholder review, not for publishing.)

This policy draft is a proposed update for a legacy regulation:

The policy now clearly states that the President shall make the decision on conferring an honorary degree based on the recommendation of the All-University Committee on Honorary Degrees following consultation with WSU constituency groups. The updated procedure now clarifies the selection process timeline and the presentation process.

Suggested Stakeholder feedback deadline:

Feedback should be provided using this WSU form by 11/01/2024.

Policy:

An honorary doctorate degree is the highest honor bestowed by WSU among awards given outside of earned degrees. WSU grants honorary doctorate degrees to recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves in their professional career and through service to others. Nominations for recipients of the honorary doctorate degree are approved by the President after review and consultation with university constituency groups and the All-University Committee on Honorary Degrees.

Related documents:

Subsequent Procedure:

History:

Date of Revisions: 08/03/2007, 08/11/2009.

Adoption date: 09/27/1993
Implementation date: 01/01/2099