Reply on Hon degree

by Barrie Saunders

The Association has received a reply from the university administration following a request for details of the criteria for awarding honorary degrees.

It Reads:

"... the power of the Council to award such degrees is conferred by section 19 [unclear: o] the University Act.

"Under this section the concurrence of the Council and of the Professorial Board is required.

"Regulations have been made by the university [unclear: pre] scribing the procedure to be followed in the exercise on this power.

"Under these regulations any member of the Council on of the Professorial Board may submit nominations.

"The procedure is designed to ensure that nominations and discussions shall be completely confidential to the bodies named in section 19 on the Act.

"This is a very genera practice in universities.

"It has two purposes—to allow members of university bodies specified in the legis lation freedom of confidentia discussion, and to avoid embarrassment to any person who may be nominated but not approved.

"It would be contrary to this general practice for the Council to enter into discussion with any person of body on a decision already taken for the award of are honorary degree or an aspect of the matter."

The reply is signed by the university's registrar. Mr. L Desborough.