Conferring an Honorary Doctorate Degree (Procedure #240.A)

The purpose of this procedure is to outline the process, following Regent Policy Document 4-20, to award an honorary doctorate from UW-Whitewater to an individual.

The Office of the Provost

A.    Formation of the Honorary Degree Committee

1. 1. The Provost will invite representatives from each of the colleges and a community member to serve on the committee.
   2. The Provost will convene the committee once a semester or more often if necessary
   3. The committee will review nominated individuals
      1. Candidates can be nominated by the Chancellor, a cabinet member or a committee member
         1. Nominations should be sent to the Provost.
   4. The committee will obtain the required documents in order to recommend candidates for honorary degrees to the Chancellor
       

B.    Chancellor Approval

If the Chancellor supports the candidate and wishes to put the name forward to the Board of Regents, they will do so at least two months prior to the commencement ceremony at which the honorary degree will be conferred. The Chancellor will forward the following to the Executive Director and Corporate Secretary of the Board of Regents:

1. 1. a letter from the Chancellor indicating the name of the nominee(s) and expressing the Chancellor’s approval;
   2. the curriculum vitae or résumé of the nominee(s); and
   3. letters of recommendation and other documentation of the contributions of the nominee and the merits of the nominee as an honorary degree recipient
       

C.    Board of Regents Approval

Once approved by the Board of Regents, the Chancellor will reach out to the individual, invite them to graduation and connect them with the Chancellor’s staff to order regalia (if necessary), secure travel (if necessary), invite family, friends, supporters, and work through the logistics of the graduation ceremony.

1. 1. Offices/entities to be contacted once the approval is received:
      1. University Marketing and Communication
      2. Provost Office
      3. Registrar’s Office
      4. Chancellor’s Cabinet

Regent Policy Document 4-20, Honorary Doctorate Degrees

First approved: May 14, 2026
Scheduled Review: May 14, 2031

Questions regarding the interpretation of this procedure should be directed to:

Office of the Provost

Telephone: 262-472-1672

Email: provost@uww.edu