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Notes
1. Dates of official enactment and amendments:  Nov. 25, 1968
2. History:  Updated June 12, 2013, Approved by the Board of Trustees
3. Cross References: N/A

New York University (“the University”) awards honorary degrees on a selective basis to distinguished individuals (“Candidates”) who merit special recognition for outstanding achievement or leadership in a field or activity consistent with the ideals and purposes of the University. This policy sets forth the following standards and procedures for granting honorary degrees.

Scope of this Policy

This policy applies to all members of the University Community involved in the nomination or selection of Candidates for honorary degrees.

Policy

A. Criteria

1. The selection of Candidates will seek to reflect the breadth of interests and activities of the University.

2. Candidate selection will be based upon outstanding contributions or leadership during the course of a career and the extent to which such achievements exemplify the ideals and purposes of the University, including such persons who have a special connection to the University.

3. The number of honorary degrees awarded typically will range from three to five per year.

4. Honorary degrees ordinarily will not be granted to any University Trustee or to any faculty or staff member employed on a full-time basis at the University.

B. Procedures

1. University Trustees, faculty, students, staff, and other members of the University Community may recommend potential Candidates to the University Board of Trustees (the “Board”), the Office of the Provost, or the Academic Affairs Committee of the University Senate.

2. The Academic Affairs Committee of the University Senate will consider the Candidate recommendations it receives and advise the Academic Affairs Committee of the Board with respect to Candidates it recommends for consideration for honorary degrees. The Academic Affairs Committee of the University Senate also will serve as a resource to the Academic Affairs Committee of the Board, reviewing Candidates as requested and providing recommendations on Candidates reviewed.

3. The Academic Affairs Committee of the Board will make recommendations to the Board or its Executive Committee for the conferment of honorary degrees.

4. The Board or its Executive Committee will consider the recommendations of the Academic Affairs Committee of the Board in nominating Candidates, and each of the Board and its Executive Committee also may consider Candidates directly and without consultation.

5. Awarding an honorary degree to Candidates approved by the Board or its Executive Committee is subject to determination of the President, and/or the President’s designees, determining to offer the honorary degree to the Candidate, and to the Candidate’s acceptance of the terms of the offer for the degree (e.g., attending both the Commencement ceremony and the pre-Commencement dinner in person) as established by the President, and/or the President’s designees. Approved Candidates who are not awarded an honorary degree will remain eligible to receive an honorary degree at a later time subject to the requirements of this paragraph.



Notes
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  1. Dates of official enactment and amendments: Not Available
  2. History: N/A
  3. Cross References: N/A