SP.04.08
March 29, 2004
URBANA-CHAMPAIGN SENATE University Statutes and Senate Procedures
(Final; Action) SP.04.08 Revision to the Bylaws, Part D.13 - Committee on Honorary Degrees BACKGROUND
It has been customary for the Senate to meet in Executive Session when discussing honorary degree candidates. The new language merely codifies this custom. During the discussion on the nomination of 2004 honorary degree candidates at the November 3, 2004 Senate meeting, the question of qualification criteria used by the Committee on Honorary Degrees was raised. The proposed new language will assure that future committees use uniform standards in their recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS
The Senate Committee on University Statutes and Senate Procedures and the Senate Committee on Honorary Degrees recommend approval of the following revisions to the Bylaws. Text to be deleted is indicated in [square brackets] and text to be added is underscored. PROPOSED REVISIONS TO THE BYLAWS, PART D.13 13. Committee on Honorary Degrees
(a) Duties
The Committee shall [is responsible for] initiate[ing] and review[ing] nominations for honorary degrees and make[ing] recommendations to the Senate in executive session.
(b) Candidate selection criteria
The prime, controlling consideration for an honorary degree should be distinction. The nominee should have made a distinguished contribution in the relevant field of endeavor, and should have shown sustained activity of uncommon merit. The contributions may be made in a wide range of activities, including but not limited to: Scholarship, in any discipline: major breakthroughs in knowledge in fields of scholarly work.
Creative Arts, in the broad sense of the term: literature, music, architecture, engineering, science, etc.; the development of new frontiers of creativity.
Professions: distinguished contributions, innovative work of distinction.
Public Service: outstanding achievement in statesmanship, administration, legislative activity, the judiciary.
Business and Industry: outstanding, innovative activity. (c) Membership
The Committee shall consist of:
1. Five faculty members, and
2. Two students.
UNIVERSITY STATUTES AND SENATE PROCEDURES
Joseph Finnerty, Chair
Linda Beale
Geneva Belford
John Campbell
H. George Friedman
Alfred Kagan
Vera Mainz
Robert Plummer
Robert C. Damrau, ex officio
Thomas M. Eakman, Observer
Kathleen Pecknold, ex officio (designee)