Current through all regulations passed and filed through December 16, 2024
(A)
Purpose. Honorary
degrees have been awarded by American colleges and universities since early
colonial times as a way of recognizing persons of achievement. They have
customarily been awarded to prominent alumni/alumnae of the granting
institution and to professional and civic leaders, national and state leaders
in public affairs, prominent educators, and distinguished contributors to the
arts, sciences and humanities.
(B)
Eligibility. At
Kent state university honorary degrees may be awarded to persons who have
clearly and unmistakably demonstrated achievement in a recognized field of
endeavor, and who have in some measure contributed to the advancement of the
university, or whose contributions are so significant that the benefits are
recognized and acknowledged on a state, national, or international
level.
(C)
Procedure.
(1)
For the award of an honorary degree, the statutes of
Ohio require the approval of the faculty and of the board. By action of the
faculty senate on February 25, 1980, the senate committee on citation and
recognition represents the faculty in recommending and screening nominees for
honorary degrees, making its recommendation through the president to the
board.
(2)
The board will consider only those nominations which
have been screened by the senate committee on citation and recognition and
brought forward by the president with his or her recommendation; however, the
board may also propose nominations to this committee for faculty
consideration.
(3)
To avoid potential embarrassment, deliberations on the
merits of nominations for honorary degrees will be conducted in closed
sessions.
(4)
Nominations of persons to be considered for honorary
degrees must be in writing and may be made at any time to the chairperson of
the senate committee on citation and recognition. Nominations should be fully
documented and carry the names and addresses of at least five persons from
outside the campus who might be asked to endorse the
nomination.
(5)
An earned degree is not to be considered a prerequisite
for an honorary degree.
(D)
Exceptions.
(1)
A person actively
campaigning for public office in the state of Ohio may not be considered for an
honorary degree from this university during the period of the
campaign.
(2)
An honorary degree may not be granted "in
absentia."
(E)
The following honorary degrees are those usually
awarded at Kent state university:
(1)
LL.D (doctor of laws), customarily awarded to a person
distinguished in general service to the state, to learning and to
mankind.
(2)
LH.D. (doctor of humane letters), customarily awarded
to a person distinguished in the humanities.
(3)
Sc.D. (doctor of
science), customarily awarded to a person distinguished in the
sciences.
(4)
Lett.D. (doctor of letters), customarily awarded to an
acknowledged scholar in a particular discipline.
(5)
Mus.D. (doctor of
music), customarily awarded to a distinguished performer or composer.
Replaces: 3342-3- 01.104