Honorary Degrees Committee
Honorary Degrees shall be conferred after approval by a Joint Committee of the Senate and the Council. (Special Ordinance 1)
Nominations are invited for the conferment of Honorary and Ex Officio Degrees at Degree Congregations during 2012-2013. Nominations will be considered by the Honorary Degrees Committee at its meeting of 7 March 2012.
This call is being issued to Members of the Honorary Degrees Committee, the Faculty Executive Boards via their Pro-Vice Chancellors, who are invited to submit nominations. Nominations from other members of the University and the wider community are also welcomed.
The following considerations should be borne in mind in submitting nominations:
- The categories of persons who might normally be considered for the award of Honorary Degrees include distinguished scholars, those who have given distinguished service or brought distinction to the University, the City of Sheffield or the region, or distinguished persons of national or international standing or alumni of the University who have risen to the heights of their chosen profession or field of service.
- It is expected that at least one nomination and no more than three will be put forward by each Faculty.
- The object of awarding Honorary Degrees is essentially to bring people into the fellowship of the University.
- A demonstrable personal connection with Sheffield and its region is expected. Where such a connection does not exist, the nomination should make a clear case as to why the award of an Honorary Degree from the University of Sheffield is appropriate.
- Staff in post will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Consideration may be given to recently retired members of staff who demonstrate service or distinction far beyond the usual remit of their post or to those who have served the University in other ways who have given long and distinguished service.
- Ex Officio Degrees may be conferred on a full-time or part-time member of staff of the University, or on a former such member of staff, or on an Officer of the University. Nominations are expected only in respect of individuals who are able to demonstrate service far beyond the usual remit of their post.
- There is no upper or lower age limit. However, it should be noted that a nomination submitted well after the achievements on which the case of an award is based took place is unlikely to be successful.
- Nominations in respect of individuals considered by Honorary Degrees Committee in the preceding three academic years will not be eligible for consideration, except at the invitation of the Committee.
- A list of those who have previously been awarded Honorary and Ex Officio Degrees is published in the University Calendar. Further information, including brief biographical details, on recent conferments can be found on the pages below:
The closing date for receipt of nominations, which should be submitted on the standard nomination form to the Registrar and Secretary, c/o Alison Muir, Development and Alumni Relations Office, The University of Sheffield, 267 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HB, is Friday 3 February 2012. A full and justified case should be made to the Committee on the form. Continuation sheets may be used, if necessary, and a copy of the Who's Who entry should be provided, if available; these can be obtained from Ms Alison Muir (contact details below). Please note that supporting material should not include full curriculum vitae or publication lists.
Copies of the nomination form can be downloaded from the link at the top of this page. If you have any queries, or require guidance on the preparation of a nomination, please contact Ms Alison Muir in the Development and Alumni Relations Office (0114) 222 5590.
email : a.muir@sheffield.ac.uk