Honorary Degrees And Awards

The Park University community recognizes outstanding achievement in either of the following ways:

Honorary Degrees

Honorary Degrees are primarily academic honors and as such are properly awarded only at the commencement exercises.  The nomination may arise from any source and should be directed to the Faculty Senate by April of the year prior to the exercise.  The Faculty Senate then forwards its recommendation to the Provost, who shall forward the recommendation to the Board of Trustees.

In general, the honorary degree is reserved for:

• An outstanding academic achievement
• An outstanding contribution to higher education
• An outstanding contribution to Park University, or
• An outstanding service to man and society.

Distinguished Service Awards

Distinguished Service Awards are commonly granted at the fall opening convocation or the spring honors convocation. Awards are given in recognition of:

• Meritorious contributions at country, state, or local levels
• Outstanding humanitarian service, or
• A beneficent contribution to Park University

Nominations are presented to the Faculty Senate together with recommended citation at least four months prior to presentation of award. 

Honorary Degree Timetable

January (year prior to award)
Invitation from Provost to faculty, administrators, staff and board members for nominations.

Feb/March (year prior to award)
Candidates reviewed by designated Senate Committee.

April (year prior to award)
Approval by Faculty Senate

May (year prior to award)
Faculty nominations submitted to the Provost.  With Provost’s approval, nominations will be submitted to the Board of Trustees for approval.

May/June (year prior to award)
Candidates approved by the Board of Trustees are contacted by the President.

July (year prior to award)
Official notification sent to nominee (or nominees) by the President.

May (year of award)
Presentation of degree at commencement exercises.  Official record of action.

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