10.1 Honorary Degrees
In conferring honorary degrees, Allegheny College calls attention to those areas of human endeavor that are most central to the College’s traditions and values. Candidates for honorary degrees are initially proposed to the Academic Standards and Awards Committee, who shall solicit nominees and vet the nominations according to the criteria described below. The Academic Standards and Awards Committee shall forward eligible proposals, along with the committee’s recommendations, to the President, who will consider the nominees and consult with Faculty Council before presenting selected nominations to the faculty for a vote. For this specific purpose, there will only be one reading and vote before the Faculty. Honorary degree candidates must be approved by the Board of Trustees as a final step.
Criteria relevant to the selection process may include one or more of the following:
- Reflect the mission of Allegheny College;
- Distinguished contributions to intellectual, artistic, scientific, business, or professional fields or public service;
- Significant humanitarian, altruistic, or philanthropic service;
- Long-standing commitment and service to the local or regional community;
- Abiding and constructive interest in Allegheny College.
Names of potential candidates for honorary degrees are solicited from members of the faculty, administration, and student body.
Every effort should be made to ensure that individual nominations and discussions of nominees be confidential throughout the process. The formal invitation to any honorary degree candidate shall come from the President, and so the nomination should not be discussed with any candidate in advance. No publicity shall be issued regarding nominees until final approval by the Board of Trustees.
(Revised 17 January 2012, 4 April 2024)
10.2 Phi Beta Kappa
Phi Beta Kappa, a national honorary scholastic society founded in 1776, has had a chapter at Allegheny since 1902, Eta of Pennsylvania. The business of the chapter, including election of new student members, is conducted by the Executive Council, which consists of members of the Phi Beta Kappa Society who are regular members of the faculty and staff of Allegheny College. Eligible faculty members who would like to participate in the activities of the chapter should contact the Chapter Secretary or Office of the Provost.
10.3 Valedictorian Selection
Valedictorian Selection is housed in the Academic Bulletin.
10.4 Teaching Awards
Allegheny pays tribute to excellence in teaching by annually conferring these awards on members of the faculty. The awardees are chosen by the Alumni Council in consultation with representatives from Faculty Council and ASG.
1. The Julian Ross Award for Excellence in Teaching
The Julian Ross Award is given annually to a faculty member who has been at Allegheny College for more than ten years. The award is based on the following criteria for a good teacher: encourages independent thinking; states clearly course goals and objectives; provides sympathetic and constructive assistance; communicates knowledge and abstract ideas clearly; inspires interest and enthusiasm; encourages questions and participation; prepares well for classes; possesses an excellent, up-to-date command of his or her specialties; demonstrates professional and personal integrity; exhibits fairness in devising and grading examinations; prepares appropriate and challenging assignments and examinations; and provides sound and reliable academic advising.
2. The Thoburn Education Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching
This award is presented to a faculty member who has been at Allegheny College for ten years or less and has demonstrated outstanding teaching as evidenced by innovative pedagogy, creative course development, sustained commitment to student learning, and support from faculty, alumni, and students.
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