Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient Selection and Nomination Guidelines

Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipients Selection and Nomination Guidelines

Purpose

The honorary doctorate is the highest academic honor awarded by the University. It is bestowed in recognition of outstanding contributions to society through intellectual, professional, scientific, artistic, or public service efforts. In granting an honorary degree, Salem State University acknowledges excellence and provides an example to members of the University community.

Eligibility

1. Candidates for speaker/honorary degrees must have distinguished themselves through outstanding contributions to society. Nominees should be representative of national, regional and local interest.
2. Members of the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, or administrators of the University are ineligible for honorary degree consideration. Honorary degrees have traditionally not been awarded to active members of the university community. Retired members may be recommended no sooner than three years after their retirement.
3. Local, state, or national government officials who currently hold office or who are candidates for office are ineligible for honorary degree consideration. An exception may be made in the case of a person who has been in office for a considerable length of time and has made particularly outstanding contribution to the community.
4. Honorary degrees shall not be awarded in absentia or posthumously except under extraordinary circumstances.
5. Speakers/Honorary degree recipients should be inclusive of such groups as women, visible minorities, and persons with a disability and others who reflect the diversity of American society.
6. Individuals selected as speakers/honorary degree recipients should provide a balance between the interest of the graduating class and the greater University community.
7. Honorary Degree recipients may also serve as the commencement speaker, however, being chosen as a speaker does not necessarily equate to selection for an honorary degree. Honorary Degree recipients and Commencement Speakers will not be paid a speaker’s fee.
8. It is expected honorary degree recipients will demonstrate a willingness to contribute their time, talent and resources to foster the continued growth and development of Salem State University.

How to Nominate Someone 

Please click here to nominate someone as a speaker or honorary degree recipient for graduate and undergraduate ceremonies. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your nominations further, please contact Lynne Montague at 978.542.6134 or lmontague@salemstate.edu.