Charter

Honorary Degrees Committee

The committee considers and recommends candidates for honorary degrees, the Ernest Spaights Plaza marker, and citations for distinguished service. It coordinates campus-wide nomination processes and presents its recommendations in accordance with Faculty Senate procedures.

  1. Membership. The committee is composed of the following members:
    1. two elected Faculty members from each Division;
    2. one additional elected Faculty member from any Division;
    3. three faculty members appointed by the University Committee.
    4. two Academic Staff from the Division of Academic Affairs appointed by the Academic Staff Committee;
    5. two students appointed annually by the Student Association:
      1. one graduate student;
      2. one undergraduate student;
    6. two ex-officio and non-voting members as follows:
      1. the President of the University System;
      2. the Chancellor or designee. 
  2. Chair.
    The Chair of the committee is designated by the Chancellor.
  3. Functions.
    1. Considers and recommends candidates for honorary degrees in accordance with the following procedure.  During the spring semester, the Chair of the Honorary Degrees Committee shall transmit to the Deans, Directors and the Chairs of the Divisions, centers, colleges and departments, invitations for submission to the committee of names of persons to be considered for honorary degrees. A list of previous recipients is to be attached to the call for nominations.  At least one-half of those presented as candidates for honorary degrees should have some connection with the University system, the City or the State.  The Committee shall present its report and recommendation at a meeting of the University Faculty or Faculty Senate in accordance with the provisions of 1.04(8).  A two-thirds affirmative vote of those present and voting at the Faculty meeting or Faculty Senate meeting shall be required to nominate a candidate for an Honorary Degree.
    2. Considers and recommends candidates to be honored on the Ernest Spaights Plaza marker.  During the fall semester, the Chair of the Honorary Degrees Committee shall issue to the UWM community a call for submission to the Committee the names of persons to be considered for nominations.  The Committee shall meet in the spring semester to select candidates for recommendation to the Chancellor.
    3. Considers and recommends, in consultation with the University Committee, candidates for a citation for distinguished service or significant contributions to UWM.  The award is given by the Chancellor.