Honors and Awards

HONORARY PROFESSORSHIP

Eligibility

Typically requires a Ph.D. or an equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field.
Extensive academic and research experience is often necessary.
Demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, and contributions to the academic community is expected.

Duration:

The duration varies depending on the institution and program structure. It is generally an ongoing position with no fixed term.

Admission Intake:

Honorary Professorships are awarded through a rigorous selection process. Candidates are invited based on their qualifications, expertise, and alignment with the academic department's needs.

About the Program:

The Honorary Professorship Program is designed for individuals with a strong academic background, research expertise, and a dedication to excellence in teaching. Professors in this program play a key role in advancing knowledge, mentoring students, and contributing to the academic community through research and scholarship. The role typically includes a combination of teaching, research, and service to the institution and the broader academic community.

Career Opportunities:

The Honorary Professorship offers a range of career opportunities, including:
Full-time faculty positions at universities and colleges.
Opportunities for academic leadership roles, such as department chair or dean.
Research collaborations with other academics and institutions.
Contributions to curriculum development and educational programs.
Mentorship and guidance for students pursuing academic careers.
Continuous professional development opportunities.

Who Can Apply:

Eligible individuals are those with a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in their field, a strong record of scholarly achievements, and a commitment to excellence in teaching. Candidates typically have demonstrated expertise in their subject area, a robust research portfolio, and a passion for contributing to the academic community. The selection process is highly competitive, with candidates usually invited to apply based on their qualifications and the institution's academic needs.

HONORARY DOCTORATE: PRINCIPLES & CRITERIA FOR CANDIDATE SELECTION

General Principles:

Awarding an honorary degree is a significant event for the University, symbolizing recognition of exceptional accomplishments and contributions, both in academia and broader societal contexts. Such degree’s honor individuals whose achievements embody the values esteemed by the University, offering inspiration and leadership to its graduates.

The University, in honoring distinguished individuals, also honors itself by associating with people of exceptional merit.

Criteria for Selection:

The Honorary Degrees Committee uses specific criteria to evaluate candidates. The goal is to select a diverse slate of recipients across various academic disciplines and areas of achievement. Honorary degree recipients are typically chosen to align with the purposes of the Convocation at which the degree is granted.

(a) Preference is given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the sciences, humanities, and professions in which the University is active.

(b) Recognition is also given to those whose exceptional accomplishments have enhanced culture and society in Canada or globally.

(c) Occasionally, the University honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the University’s development or the region or have achieved international recognition.

Procedures

Nominations : The University Secretariat issues a call for nominations at least once a year, inviting the university community to submit candidates. Nominations can be submitted at any time using the appropriate form. Initial screening is conducted by the Senate Secretariat to ensure adherence to guidelines. Nominations remain active for three years, after which they may be re-nominated if still valid.

Selection Process: From the active nominations, the Honorary Degrees Committee selects prospective degree recipients as needed for the annual convocation cycles. Once a candidate is selected, two committee members conduct due diligence to ensure the nomination aligns with the selection principles and criteria.

Participation: Nominators may be invited to participate in the degree conferral as hooders, presenters, or hosts, depending on their relationship to the nominee’s field of achievement. Selection of participants is determined by the President, Director of Convocation, Provost, and Secretary of Senate.

FORMAT OF NOMINATIONS:

Nominations must be submitted under Freedom of Information guidelines and should primarily include publicly available information. Any private information included must be clearly marked as such.

The nomination should include:

The nomination should include:

(a) A completed nomination form.
(b) A supporting submission with:

(i) An introductory statement outlining the primary grounds for the nomination.
(ii) A brief chronological narrative of the nominee’s life and work.
(iii) A summary of the nominee’s most significant academic or other achievements.
(iv) An assessment of the nominee’s standing in an international or national context.
(v) Any additional relevant information.

(c) Details of the nominee’s published works in an appendix.

HONORARY DEGREES COMMITTEE:

The Honorary Degrees Committee is appointed annually by Senate, including the Registrar and other Senate members as determined by Senate. The Committee selects individuals to be recommended to Senate for the conferment of Honorary Degrees.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO SENATE:

The Honorary Degrees Committee submits a written report, including a Motion for the award of Honorary Degrees, to Senate at least two days before the meeting where it will be presented. The names of recommended candidates remain confidential until Senate approval and acceptance by the candidates.

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST (COMMON FOR HONORARY DOCTORATE & HONORARY AWARDS):

Nominations must include:

A letter from the Nominator outlining the reasons for the nomination.
Up to three Letters of Support.
The nominee’s abridged curriculum vitae.
A short biographical summary (maximum 200 words) for citation at convocation.

AWARDING:

Honorary degree recipients may be invited to deliver the Convocation address but may decline. Honorary degrees are not awarded in absentia or posthumously unless arrangements were made prior to the nominee’s death. Citations for honorary degrees should be concise, no longer than three minutes.

REVOKING (COMMON FOR HONORARY DOCTORATE & AWARD):

The Senate may revoke an honorary degree based on a recommendation from the Honorary Degrees Committee, by means of a vote.

DEGREE CERTIFICATES AND LETTERS POLICY:

After conferral at a Doctorate ceremony, recipients receive a degree certificate either in person or by post. If a certificate is not received within three months, a replacement can be requested at a cost. Students are only allowed one copy of their certificate at any time, and electronic copies are not issued.

REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATES:

If a Doctorate degree certificate is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement can be ordered for a fee. Multiple copies cannot be requested.