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None.

The University President shall annually appoint an advisory committee comprised of the president of the Faculty Senate, two deans of a college or school, at least three faculty members, and one staff member.  The President may choose to appoint additional members as appropriate.  The President will also appoint a chair.

The President shall initiate the nominations process in fall semester of each year, which shall proceed on a timetable that will allow for the timely selection of Honorary Degree recipients and a Commencement Speaker who will appear at the Commencement ceremony taking place in May of the year following the academic year in progress. The advisory committee will be asked to review the nominations submitted and provide their recommendations to the President. 

The President also may consult with the advisory committee on the selection of a Commencement Speaker. The Commencement Speaker may be eligible to receive an honorary degree. The final decision regarding selection of the Commencement Speaker is the President’s.  

The advisory committee will also be asked to review nominations for honorary degrees that may be awarded at ceremonies or special events other than Commencement.

To be eligible for consideration for the award of an Honorary Degree, a nominee must be recognized as accomplished in at least one of three areas:

• Outstanding achievement or service for the benefit of ¶¶Òõ̽̽.
• Outstanding achievement or service for the benefit of the State of Vermont.
• Outstanding achievement or service in the nation or the world.

Of particular importance is to identify Honorary Degree candidates and a Commencement Speaker who have achieved distinction in endeavors aligned with institutional goals and strategic priorities.

Additional considerations include:

• Sustained and dedicated commitment to public life and service
• Significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge 
• Significant contribution to the University’s ability to achieve its mission

Honorary degrees may not be given to current faculty, staff, members of the Board of Trustees, or current holders of political office. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the President.

The authority to revoke a previously awarded honorary degree shall be on the recommendation of the President, made to and approved by, the Board of Trustees. The recommendation shall be based on evidence and guided by the principle of fairness and shall only be made after the President has ascertained the relevant facts related to the case under consideration. An honorary degree may be revoked if, in the judgment of the President and the Board of Trustees, the recipient of the degree has engaged in conduct that: 1) is inconsistent with the mission of ¶¶Òõ̽̽; 2) undermines the accomplishments that were cited as the basis for awarding the honorary degree; 3) is injurious to the reputation of the University; or 4) is subject to official sanction, such as a fine or a reprimand, by an adjudicating body, professional association or other organization.

Training will be provided on an as-needed basis as determined by the Approval Authority or the Responsible Official.