Other HARC Responsibilities

Commencement Speaker Selection

The Honorary Awards and Recognition Committee will recommend honorary candidates for the role of commencement speaker based on a favorable review of the application materials from honorary degree candidates. Recipients of the honorary degree are often asked to serve as speaker in conjunction with the awarding of the honorary degree at commencement, but it is not a requirement for the granting of the honorary degree. The president may also consult with HARC on the selection of graduation speakers in cases where the speaker is not receiving an honorary award.

Naming Rights

The Division of University Advancement forwards proposals to the HARC for review involving "in honor of" naming rights. Philanthropic-based naming rights remain under the purview of University Advancement. Although this approval process may be similar to other forms of personal recognition, the levels of review and confirmation serve to protect the institution. Details regarding naming rights requests can be found within BOT-08.04-02/24 Naming Opportunities.

Emeritus Designation for Faculty

The honorary designation of Emeritus is conferred by the University of West Florida for the purpose of recognizing the meritorious service of a faculty member upon retirement.

Fully retired tenured faculty, who have been at UWF for at least ten years, at the rank of either Professor, Associate Professor, University Librarian or Associate University Librarian are eligible for application or nomination.

As such, a University-wide faculty committee, such as the University Personnel Committee serves, as the reviewing body for these honorary decisions rather than the Honorary Awards and Recognition Committee.

Please see the Faculty Emeritus section on the Division of Academic Affairs awards and recognition webpage for more information.