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Honorary Degrees Committee

Honorary Degrees Committee invites nominations for the award of Honorary Degrees.

Criteria for nomination:

(a) individuals who have achieved academic excellence in their field and who would bring distinction to the University. Such individuals may either (i) have contributed to the work of the University or (ii) by association with the University bring future advocacy or support to the University;

(b) individuals who have played an important public role contributing to the development, progress or change in society.

The Committee has agreed that a key criteria for both (i) and (ii) above should be the connection of the achievement of the individual to an area of activity of the University.

Exclusions:

The Committee does not normally consider nominations for:

(a) currently serving British politicians or from those who hold responsibility for Higher Education or research funding in the United Kingdom.

(b) current members of University staff simply on the basis of their service to the University, but they may be considered on the basis of exceptional service at a regional, national or international level.

(c) individuals who are currently closely involved with the University such as in the role of Visiting or Research Professor (even though they are not formally on the University payroll).

The Committee will have regard to equality and diversity; ensuring that awards are made without bias in relation to gender, race, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, socio-economic background or any other irrelevant distinction and take account of the international dimension which characterises much of the University's activity.

The Committee welcomes nominations for the award of Honorary Degrees, which should be submitted in confidence to the Secretary to Honorary Degrees Committee. Nominations may be submitted at any time and will be carried forward for consideration at the next available meeting of the Committee. To avoid embarrassment, no mention should be made to the nominee. The initial, formal approach will be made by the Vice-Chancellor, and (where the offer has been accepted) the nomination will then be reported to Senate and Council before the names are published.

Nominations should be submitted on an  Honorary degree nomination form [DOCX 20.67KB]. The reason why the University should honour a particular individual should be stated on the form. It should be accompanied by a short, up-to-date curriculum vitae (such as an extract from Who's Who) and a brief supporting letter. The letter should be reasonably brief (not more than one side of A4 paper). For those who do not have the facility to download this form, a copy is obtainable from the Office of Governance and Secretariat, Sussex House, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RH. Forms must be received at least ten working days prior to the next meeting of the Committee. Information on when the Committee meets can be found using the Committee timetable  or by contacting the Secretary listed on the main committees page.