Honorary Doctorates

Guidelines for Granting an Honorary Doctorate

An honorary doctorate may be bestowed upon individuals in recognition of their success and contributions, and represents one of the highest commendations that the university can bestow. Holding a prominent job title or gaining celebrity is inadequate. The honor is conferred upon those who have displayed visionary thinking, distinguished themselves in their discipline, outperformed established benchmarks of their profession, or contributed profoundly to the common good. Current full-time employees of RCU or current members of the Board of Trustees are ineligible for honorary degrees.

Procedures

Nominations for honorary degrees must be submitted in writing and can come from members of the campus or external communities. These submissions should be made to the Promotion and Tenure Committee.

Nominations must include:

• A comprehensive biographical sketch or CV

• Analytical and evaluative letters from individuals capable of assessing the candidate’s accomplishments.

• Any additional documents such as publications/news about the candidate. 

Committee Review and Action:

The Promotion and Tenure Committee will review all proposals for honorary degrees. The provost will suggest an appropriate honorary degree and recommendations will be conveyed to the president. 

All nominations and honorary degree recommendations will be presented to the Board of Trustees for approval.

The president or a designated representative will confer the degree during a commencement ceremony or other suitable university-wide occasion.