POLICY:

The Board of Trustees may grant Honorary Doctoral Degrees to recognize persons of outstanding accomplishment. Lake Superior State University, as a leading public university in the State of Michigan, recognizes a particular responsibility to acknowledge and honor persons of outstanding achievement who have significant ties to the State or to the University. As an institution located on an international border, Lake Superior State University has an equally important responsibility to identify and honor persons of national and international eminence who are the leaders of their fields of creative or professional endeavor.

The honorary doctoral degrees that may be awarded are the Doctor of Law (L.L.D.), Doctor of Science (Sc.D.), Doctor of Literature (Litt.D.), and Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.).

The honorary doctorate is the highest academic recognition Lake Superior State University can bestow. Thus, candidates for the honorary degree must have demonstrated the highest levels of excellence as scholars, artists, professionals, or elected officials. Equally high expectation is placed on their personal integrity and concern for the public good. In recognizing such persons, the University identifies women and men who can serve as role models for students, faculty, and alumni of Lake Superior State University, indeed for all persons of the State, to respect and emulate.

Candidates for an honorary doctorate can be suggested to the President by any member of the University family. Supporting materials need not be extensive but should indicate the extraordinary nature of the candidate's life and contribution. The following initial documentation is suggested:

1. A letter of support from the primary nominator.

2. A short (one page maximum) narrative explaining why the candidate is worthy of an honorary doctorate from Lake Superior State University.

3. A curriculum and/or personal vitae.

The President of the University will consider the suggestions as well as his or her own. The President will transmit the nominations to the Board of Trustees for review. Board of Trustees members shall also review their own nominees and make a final determination.

Although honorary degrees normally are conferred at the scheduled commencement exercises, recipients may receive their degrees in other ceremonies.

Lake Superior State University Board of Trustees members, faculty, and staff may not be considered eligible for receipt of an honorary degree during their term of service with the University.

WHO	DOES WHAT
President	1. By February 15, formulates and forwards recommendation(s) to the Board of Trustees for consideration at its March Board meeting.
Board of Trustees	2. Shall approve/disapprove the recommendations of the President and/or its own.
President	3. Shall notify individuals about the action taken on their candidacies by the Board of Trustees.