Honorary Degree Policy

Effective: 7/1/16; Reviewed 10/13/21
Updated: 7/25/22
Contact: Office of the President

Purpose of this Policy
William Jewell College awards honorary degrees on a selective basis to distinguished individuals (“Candidates”) who merit special recognition for outstanding achievement or leadership in a field or activity consistent with the ideals and purposes of the College. This policy sets forth the following standards and procedures for granting honorary degrees.

Scope of this Policy
This policy applies to all members of the College community involved in the nomination or selection of Candidates for honorary degrees.

Policy
1. Criteria

  • The selection of Candidates will seek to reflect the breadth of interests and activities of the College.
  • Degrees will normally be awarded consistent with the following descriptions:
  1. Doctor of Humane Letters – acknowledging academic distinction
  2. Doctor of Laws – awarded to professionals in the field of law
  3. Doctor of Literature – honoring extraordinary authors and journalists
  4. Doctor of Science – recognizing revolutionary scientific research and discovery
  5. Doctor of Fine Arts – conferred primarily to musicians, actors, architects and artists
  6. Doctor of Humanities – signifying exemplary public service
  7. Doctor of Divinity – bestowed upon exceptional religious figures
  • Candidate selection will be based upon outstanding contributions or leadership during the course of a career and the extent to which such achievements exemplify the ideals and purposes of William Jewell College, including such persons who have a special connection to the College.
  • The number of honorary degrees awarded typically will range from two to four per year.
  • Honorary degrees ordinarily will not be granted to any College Trustee or to any faculty or staff member employed on a full-time basis at the College.

2. Procedures

  • William Jewell College Trustees, faculty, students, staff, and other members of the Jewell Community may recommend potential Candidates to the Board of Trustees, the Office of Academic Affairs, or the Faculty Council of the College.
  • The Vice President of Academic Affairs, in consultation with Faculty Council, will consider the Candidate recommendations it receives and advise the Academic Affairs and Student Life Committee of the Board with respect to Candidates it recommends for consideration for honorary degrees.
  • The Academic Affairs and Student Life Committee of the Board will make recommendations to the Board or its Executive Committee for the conferment of honorary degrees.
  • The Board or its Executive Committee will consider the recommendations of the Academic Affairs and Student Life Committee of the Board in nominating Candidates, and each of the Board and its Executive Committee also may consider Candidates directly and without consultation.
  • The manner for awarding an honorary degree to Candidates approved by the Board or its Executive Committee is subject to determination of the President, and/or the President’s designees, as established by the President, and/or the President’s designees. Approved Candidates who are not awarded an honorary degree will remain eligible to receive an honorary degree at a later time subject to the requirements of this paragraph.