SUMMARY REQUIREMENTS:

NOMINATIONS FOR THE HONORARY DEGREE

(revised 9/08)

This degree is the highest award conferred by the University of Minnesota. An honorary degree may be awarded to an individual who has achieved acknowledged eminence in cultural affairs, in public service, or in a field of knowledge and scholarship. Honorary degrees are not awarded to encourage or reward contributions to the University.

The University of Minnesota awards the following honorary degrees:

· Doctor of Humane Letters, for cultural contributions

· Doctor of Laws, for public service

· Doctor of Science, for contributions to knowledge

The honorary degree is conferred by the president of the University or a designated representative on behalf of the University. The University awards several honorary degrees annually. Recipients of honorary degrees need not have been educated at or otherwise associated with the University of Minnesota. A recommendation that a person be considered for an honorary degree should be submitted to the honors committee of the appropriate unit, if one exists, and if not, to the All-University Honors Committee of the University Senate. The following format is to be used:

Nominee -- cannot be a current member of the faculty or staff, or a sitting Regent, but retirees are eligible.

Nominator -- must be an alumnus or alumna of the University or a current member of the faculty or staff. [Board of Regents policy requires that no disclosure is to be made to the nominee, or persons other than those writing supporting letters, until a decision is forthcoming on the nomination.]

Nomination Summary -- 50 words or less, restricted to outlining the nominee's accomplishments, excluding degrees and appointments (see sample citation at the following web address htpp://www1.umn.edu/usenate/alluhonors/citation.html).

Outstanding Accomplishments --one-page summary highlighting the individual's accomplishments.

Biographical Information -- not to exceed 5 pages and to include address, telephone/fax number, date and place of birth, education, employment, membership in professional societies, honors and awards, professional and public service, consulting activities, etc.

Dean. Chancellor, Vice Presidential level Support -- As appropriate (indicated by the cover letter to the nomination).

Selected Publications of Nominee --not to exceed 5 pages (if not appropriate, 5 more pages are allowed for biographical information).

Letter from Nominator -- should focus on personal knowledge of the nominee's career accomplishments and reputation.

Supporting Letters -- at least 3, not more than 5 from the nominee's peers in and outside the University; again, these should focus on personal knowledge as above.

Maximum Length of Dossier -- not more than 25 pages.

Number of Copies -- 30 of each item, collated stapled and clipped (no binders and folders).

Date for Submission -- at least 6 months before the award is presented.

Submit To --the honors committee of the appropriate college, if one exists, and if not, to the All University Honors Committee, c/o Vickie Courtney, University Senate, 427 Morrill Hall, 100 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455.

Note: Persons writing letters of nomination should know that such letters will be legally available to the nominee upon request, even to an unsuccessful candidate who becomes aware of the nomination. Nominators should also make sure that writers of supporting letters are aware that their letters, too, will be available on request.

A nomination approved by the Senate All-University Honors Committee is submitted to the President and, finally, to the Board of Regents for approval. [Board of Regents policy requires that no disclosure is to be made to the nominee while his or her name is under consideration.]

Units sponsoring honorary degrees are encouraged to provide travel support when funds are available. In general, award and citation costs are borne by University Relations, award ceremony costs by the nominating unit, and travel expenses by the awardee.