Honorary Degrees Committee
NOTICE:
There was a glitch with the Honorary Awards nomination form during February/March 2024.
If you submitted a nomination during that time, please could you reach out to Chloe Ratcliffe Schofield (c.ratcliffe-schofield@sussex.ac.uk) at the earliest opportunity, as it is likely that your nomination was not received.
Ideally, please download the form and attach it to your email. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
How to submit a nomination for an Honorary Award from the University of Sussex
Please use the online nomination form to submit a nomination.
A downloadable version of the form is available here solely to assist with gathering the required information. Final nomination submissions must be made via the online form.
Nominations must be received three weeks ahead of the next Honorary Degrees Committee. Nominations are still welcome after this date, but will be kept on hold until the following Committee meeting and considered for the following Graduation ceremony.
Proposers and seconders
All nominations must have a proposer (the individual making the nomination) and a seconder (a senior member of the University who supports the nomination). Seconders are normally a Dean/Head of a School of Study or a director of a Professional Services division. If you are unsure as to how to secure a seconder for your nomination, please contact Chloe Ratcliffe Schofield (C.Ratcliffe-Schofield@sussex.ac.uk).
Proposers and seconders are reminded that nominations must be kept confidential.
Honorary awards criteria
Before completing this form, please refer to the University's Honorary Awards Criteria below.
Terms of Reference
Honorary Degrees Committee [PDF 64.55KB]
Honorary Degrees, Fellowships, Gold Medals: Criteria
1. Honorary Degrees
1.1 Criteria for nominations:
(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.
(c) individuals who have achieved excellence in their field consonant with the values of the University, or who have made a major contribution to academic, regional or national life through progress or change in society and who would bring distinction through association, future advocacy or support to the University.
1.2 Exclusions:
The Committee does not normally consider nominations for:
(a) currently serving politicians (British or overseas) or from those who hold responsibility for Higher Education or research funding in the United Kingdom. Members of the House of Lords are not normally excluded as long as they are not holding formal government posts at the time.
(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
(d) currently serving members of Council, except where they have indicated their intention to step down.
1.3 Categories of Honorary Degree:
The University awards honorary doctorates in these categories: Law, Literature, Music, Science, Medicine and the University.
2. Fellowships
2.1 Criteria for nominations:
Fellowships of the University of Sussex be awarded to individuals who have either:
(a) rendered an exceptional contribution to the University; or
(b) attained distinction in the arts, literature, science, business or public life.
“Exceptional contribution to the University” can be either:
a) exceptional service to the University e.g. outstanding teaching or professional service contribution; or
b) alumni who have made an outstanding contribution via advocacy, teaching, mentoring or other voluntary work on behalf of the University.
2.2 Exclusions:
The Committee does not normally consider nominations for:
(a) currently serving politicians (British or overseas) or from those who hold responsibility for Higher Education or research funding in the United Kingdom. Members of the House of Lords are not normally excluded as long as they are not holding formal government posts at the time.
(b) currently serving members of Council, except where they have indicated their intention to step down.
2.3 Categories: None
3. Gold Medals for Philanthropy
3.1 Criteria for nominations
Gold Medals for Philanthropy may be awarded to individuals, foundations or corporations who have a strong association with the University and have, following due diligence, made an exceptional contribution to the institution through their philanthropic support, either as a one off gift or over a long period of time.
3.2 Exclusions:
None – the evaluation of the suitability of donors is addressed via the due diligence arrangements of the University’s Donations Policy.
3.3 Categories: None.
4. Vice Chancellor’s Gold Medals
4.1 Criteria for nominations
Vice Chancellor’s Gold Medals may be awarded from time to time to people associated with
the University who have made a global academic or social impact.
4.2 Exclusions:
The Committee does not normally consider nominations for:
(a) currently serving politicians (British or overseas) or from those who hold responsibility for Higher Education or research funding in the United Kingdom. Members of the House of Lords are not normally excluded as long as they are not holding formal government posts at the time;
(b) currently serving members of Council, except where they have indicated their intention to step down.
4.3 Categories: None
5. Equalities and Diversity
5.1 The Committee will have regard to equality and diversity; ensuring that awards are made without bias in relation to protected characteristics as defined in the Equality Act (2010) or any other irrelevant distinction and take account of the international dimension which characterises much of the University's activity, and shall monitor this on a regular basis.
Updated January 2024
Current Honorary Degree recipients
A searchable listing of current Honorary Degree holders can be found here