Procedure for the nomination and conferral of an Honorary Degree

Purpose

This procedure outlines high-level rules and processes governing the nomination and approval of Honorary Degree recipients.

Organisational scope

Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka – University of Otago staff members

Definitions

Honorary Degree

Honorary Degrees are a special distinction granted to individuals who have made a sustained contribution of the very highest order to society through their leadership, professional achievements, philanthropy, creativity, research or social impact.  Honorary Degrees may be awarded as Doctor of Commerce, Doctor of Divinity, Doctor of Laws, Doctor of Literature, Doctor of Music, and Doctor of Science.

Staff Member

All employees of the University

Alumni

Graduates and former students of Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka – University of Otago

Content

1. General

   1. Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka – University of Otago awards Honorary Degrees in recognition of sustained contributions of deep significance by University of Otago Alumni, or other individuals who have a substantial connection with the University, or, in select cases, by individuals that the University see as meriting this very prestigious award.  Awardees will be people that the University wishes to mark and celebrate in light of their leadership, professional attainments, philanthropy, creativity, research or social impact.  These awards recognise the quality, significance and impact that the individual’s efforts have had for hapū or iwi, learned or professional bodies, local or regional communities, our nation, the wider Pacific region, or the global community.  These awards reflect the University’s desire to support endeavour that promotes well-being, social advancement, cultural understanding, the value of knowledge, outstanding skill and leadership, and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
   2. Honorary Degrees may be awarded as Doctor of Laws; Doctor of Science; Doctor of Literature; Doctor of Music; Doctor of Divinity; and Doctor of Commerce.

2. Criteria for Assessing Nominations for Honorary Degrees

   1. Honorary Degrees are a special distinction granted to individuals who have made a sustained contribution of the very highest order to society through their leadership, professional achievements, philanthropy, creativity, research or social impact. Honorary Degrees can be awarded to:
      1. Outstanding graduates of Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka - University of Otago.
      2. Those who have made an outstanding contribution to Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka - University of Otago.
      3. Individuals who will bring great credit to the University by virtue of receiving an Honorary Degree.

3. Nominations

   1. Confidentiality in the Honorary Degree nomination process is paramount.
   2. Nominations for Honorary Degrees will be considered by the Deputy Vice-Chancellors and Pro-Vice-Chancellors group.  In its deliberations, the Deputy Vice-Chancellors and Pro-Vice-Chancellors group will be guided by the goals of the Māori Strategic Framework, Pacific Strategic Framework and Equity and Diversity Strategic Framework, in addition to the University’s commitment to being a Te Tiriti-led institution.  Equity and diversity are critically important considerations, and are a key framework when considering the award of these distinctions.
   3. Preliminary nominations for Honorary Degrees can be made to the appropriate Pro-Vice-Chancellor or the Director Development and Alumni Relations Office by any Staff Member.  The nomination will include the person’s name, brief reason for nomination and the relevant criteria for the nominations.
      Note: There is no longer a requirement for nominations to be by four persons each of whom must be a member of Council or of the Senate.
   4. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor or Director Development and Alumni Relations Office will bring the preliminary nomination to the Deputy Vice-Chancellors and Pro-Vice-Chancellors Advisory Group for consideration and approval to move to a full nomination.
   5. Full proposals will include the nominee’s curriculum vitae and expanded detail for the relevant criteria for the nomination.  The full proposal will be considered by the Deputy Vice-Chancellors and Pro-Vice-Chancellors Advisory Group and the Group will consider which Honorary Degree the nominee should receive.
   6. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) will submit nominations to the chair of Senate for Senate’s consideration and endorsement.
   7. Nominations endorsed by Senate will be recommended for approval by Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka – University of Otago Council.
   8. Any deviation from the above process must be approved by the Registrar and reported to Senate and Council.

4. Conferral of Honorary Degrees

   1. Following Council approval of the nomination, the Vice-Chancellor’s Office shall inform the recipient of the Honorary Degree.
   2. Honorary Degrees will normally be awarded at University of Otago graduation ceremonies, but in special circumstances they may be conferred in other appropriate settings.

Related policies, procedures and forms

• Degrees and Other Awards Statute 2011
• Policy for the Award of the Title of Emeritus Professor
• Honorary Appointments – Guidelines for the Awarding of Titles

Contact for further information

If you have any queries regarding the content of this policy or need further clarification, contact:

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
Email dvc.academic@otago.ac.nz