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 electronically as attachments to the Graduate School (email to Dr. Pat Whitlow at pat.whitlow@uky.edu) by Friday, November 6, 2009. If desired, nominations and supporting materials may be submitted anonymously. The Committee will take into account the criteria, principles, and guidelines approved by the elected Faculty Senators (11/13/2006) and Board of Trustees (4/24/2007) 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

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.
The nominee shall have gained distinction worthy of recognition extending well beyond his/her own field of endeavor and geographical area of activity.
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.
As long as the nominee clearly meets the criteria, his/her selection shall not be affected by the number of previous similar honors received.
Former faculty and staff of the University of Kentucky shall meet the same criteria as other nominees; current faculty and staff are not eligible.
Elected or appointed officials of the Commonwealth of Kentucky shall not be eligible as honorary degree candidates during their terms of office.
Except on special occasions or in unusual circumstances, the number of honorary degrees awarded at any given ceremony shall be limited to three.
The honoree must be present to receive the honorary degree.
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 electronic dossier for the Honorary Degrees Committee's deliberations:

a cover page listing the primary contact person for the nomination, including address, phone number, email and a list of supporting materials included in the dossier;
a formal letter of nomination setting forth the nominee's qualifications relative to the criteria as 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.

Please submit all nomination material as electronic attachements by Friday, November 6, 2009 to:

Dr. Pat Whitlow, Assistant Dean
pat.whitlow@uky.edu
Phone: 257-6058

Last updated on October 16, 2009