Honorary Degrees

An honorary degree is granted for the purpose of honoring those who exemplify the ideals of the University through their significant achievements and contributions to society.

The University Joint Committee on Honorary Degrees solicits nominations for degrees to be awarded at May Commencement exercises. Nominations and supporting information (please include a CV or resume of accomplishments of nominees, if possible) should be sent to the Graduate School by November 5. If desired, nominations and supporting materials may be submitted anonymously. The Committee will take into account the criteria, principles, and guidelines approved by the Graduate Faculty in the selection of honorees, as indicated below:

Honorary Degree Criteria

Principles

In awarding Honorary Degrees, the University accomplishes several purposes: It pays
tribute to those whose life and work exemplify professional, intellectual, or artistic
achievement. It recognizes and appreciates those who have made significant
contributions to society, the state, and the University. It highlights the diverse ways in
which such contributions can be made. And it sends a message that principles, values,
and contributions are important. Well-chosen honorees affirm and dignify the
University’s own achievements and priorities.

Honorary degrees may be conferred upon those who have achieved distinction through
outstanding intellectual or creative achievements, or through outstanding leadership in
education, business, public service or other appropriate sectors of society.

Guidelines

1. The honorary degree shall be awarded to recognize only exceptional
accomplishments as outlined in the above principles. The nominee’s special
achievement or contribution to society shall be the fundamental consideration and shall
be evaluated without regard to the nominee’s attainment of influential position or
financial status.

2. The nominee shall have gained distinction worthy of recognition extending well
beyond his/her own field of endeavor and geographical area of activity.

3. Although it is recognized that it is desirable for the nominee to have a tie to the
University of Kentucky or the Commonwealth of Kentucky, such a connection shall not
be a requirement.

4. As long as the nominee clearly meets the criteria, his/her selection shall not be
affected by the number of previous similar honors received.

5. Current and former faculty and staff of the University of Kentucky shall meet the
same criteria as other nominees.

6. Elected or appointed officials of the Commonwealth of Kentucky shall not be eligible
as honorary degree candidates during their terms of office.

7. Except on special occasions or in unusual circumstances, the number of honorary
degrees awarded at any given ceremony shall be limited to three.

8. The honoree must be present to receive the honorary degree.

9. The honorary degree shall be conferred at the regular university graduation
ceremony or at a special assembly or convocation.

Nomination Dossier:
Please include the following items in the dossier for the Honorary Degrees Committee's deliberations:

a cover page listing the primary contact person for the nomination, including address, phone number, and a list of supporting materials included in the dossier;
although nominations frequently have more that one nominator, please specify the name of one individual as the primary contact for the nomination and provide an address and phone number;
a formal letter of nomination setting forth the nominee's qualifications relative to the Criteria, Principles, and Guidelines cited above;
Curriculum Vitae or Bio/professional resume;
other supporting letters, pertinent data, or additional relevant information which may be deemed appropriate.

Nominees chosen by the University Joint Committee on Honorary Degrees are forwarded to the University Senate for consideration by elected Faculty Senators. Decisions are not released to the public until after a vote by the Board of Trustees in the spring. Nominators will not receive notification until the process is complete.

Address nominations by November 5 to:

Dr. Pat Whitlow, Assistant Dean
203 E Gillis Building
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40506-0033

Last updated on October 02, 2007