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Inviting visiting speakers and dignitaries to
participate in Commencements and other events
is a time-honored tradition among colleges and
universities. While enhancing the quality of
the events, prominent speakers raise the University’s
profile in the larger community. Invited outside
speakers may subsequently be motivated to provide
financial, intellectual, organizational or promotional
support to key University initiatives.
In some—but not all—cases, the University
may present such an individual with an honorary
degree in recognition of his or her accomplishments.
The participation of a public figure as a speaker
and/or honorary degree recipient reflects on the
University’s image. Moreover, the manner
and timing in which such individuals are selected
and invited to campus influence an honoree’s
impression of the University.
The following policies and procedures are intended
to ensure that speakers and honorary degree recipients
positively affirm the University’s Mission,
objectives and values, and that all selections
are made and invitations issued in a timely and
respectful fashion.
Honorary Degrees
Nominations may be made by University schools
and departments, administrators, and members of
the Board and the Corporation. Nominations shall
include a letter stating the reasons why the candidate
merits the honor, accompanied by supporting documents
such as a resume or curriculum vita and any other
relevant information.
Nominations shall be submitted to the Provost,
who will present them to the Public Honors and
Events Committee. This Committee is appointed
by the President to evaluate the credentials and
merit of candidates for honorary degrees and other
University awards.
To expedite approvals and invitations, the Public
Honors and Events Committee will evaluate and
recommend candidates to the President on an ongoing
basis, however, for Spring Commencements, all
nominations must be submitted to the Provost no
later than December 1. For formal events held
at other times during the year, the deadline for
submission shall be no later than five months
prior to the occasion’s scheduled date.
The Committee shall consider each candidate’s
suitability based on the following criteria:
- Personal and professional achievements
- Eminent scholarship
- Notable creative work
- Outstanding public service
- Leadership
- Reputation in the community
- Demonstrated or potential service to the University
- Reflection of the University’s Mission
and its underlying Catholic and Spiritan values
Recommendations should be based on assessment
of as many criteria as may apply to the candidate;
reflection of Mission and values should be considered
as a factor in all cases.
The Committee shall vote on advancing the recommendation
of each candidate individually, with those receiving
a majority affirmative vote forwarded to the President
for review and action.
The President, at his discretion, shall then
submit the recommendations and supporting documents
to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.
The Executive Committee will determine the final
list of recipients and degrees to be awarded,
generally by February 1 for Spring Commencements
or three months prior to other events.
Speakers for Commencements and Other University
and School Events
Speakers for University and School Commencements
and events who are not candidates to receive an
honorary degree nonetheless reflect on the image
of the University; thus great care and consideration
should also be applied to their selection and
invitation.
Individuals and committees charged with the
evaluation, selection and invitation of speakers
should assess all relevant aspects of each candidate’s
suitability based on the same criteria used for
consideration of honorary degree candidates:
- Personal and professional achievements
- Eminent scholarship
- Notable creative work
- Outstanding public service
- Leadership
- Reputation in the community
- Demonstrated or potential service to the University
- Reflection of the University’s Mission
and its underlying Catholic and Spiritan values
Selections should be based on assessment of
as many criteria as may apply to the candidate;
reflection of Mission and values should be considered
as a factor in all cases.
Invitations should be issued no later than three
months prior to the scheduled event in order to
allow sufficient time for proper logistical arrangements
and event promotion.
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