How Universities Decide Honorary Doctorate Recipients

 An honorary doctorate is one of the highest honors a university can bestow. It is not itself an earned degree, because it must be awarded by the university to which a candidate has submitted an accredited published work. Instead, it recognises those who have contributed significantly to any part of society or education, culture, the sciences and the humanities.

Granting honorary doctorate is not a matter of casual or symbolic nature. Universities adhere to a well organised and ethically sound protocol that will ensure this honour reflects their values as academic institutions and their public duty.

Understanding the Purpose of an Honorary Doctorate

Universities, for their part, clearly define the rationale behind awarding an honorary doctorate degree. These degrees are conferred to acknowledge work that has made a significant social, intellectual, or cultural impact. They are also intended to motivate students, foster institutional pride, and demonstrate the university’s commitment to excellence beyond traditional academic achievements.

Because the institution’s reputation stands behind every honorary doctorate degree, universities approach the decision-making process with a high level of seriousness, responsibility, and humility.

Who Can Be Nominated for an Honorary Doctorate?

Nominees tend to be big names or long-standing forces. Remember, they can be educationists, scientists, civil servants, artists, social reformers, businessmen or humanitarian workers. It is generally not the tradition at institutions of higher learning to honor sitting faculty or staff, in order to limit conflicts of interest and ensure objectivity.

Candidates generally have not only had admirable personal successes, but also have done something for the community, their country or society at large.

The Nomination Process

Nomination The nomination stage is initiated by a formal nomination, typically from senior faculty members, academic departments, alumni organizations or collegiate councils. A nominating package includes specific information about the grantee's life, work accomplishments and social impact.

I’m guessing universities want strong proof that the nominee’s contributions are material, ethical, and in the vein of higher education. This is so that the process does not become a popularity or power contest.

Evaluation by Academic Committees

Each nominated candidate’s credentials are reviewed by the honorary degree committee. Such a committee is typically comprised of senior faculty, academic deans and representatives from the institution. It is their job to judge the nominee’s depth, relevance and integrity of contributions.

Sometimes committees will consider if the person has had a long-term impact, whether their work illustrates ethical leadership and whether “their contributions match the aspirations of academe or society. All controversies and reputational risks are critically reviewed at this stage.

Alignment With University Values

And there is the small matter of actually making sure that an honorary doctorate recipient does not run against the university’s mission and philosophy. Schools want to know how you live their values in your life’s work – whether that is leadership, social responsibility, sustainability, innovation or cultural advancement.

This means that the award will have substance and solidify identity for the institution, as opposed to merely being symbolic.

Approval by Governing Bodies

When the committee finishes its review, a recommendation is sent up to the highest-ranking official of the university. It could be the faculty senate, board of trustees or chancellor.

"Autorisation définitive" guarantees transparency, conformity of the institution and respect for academic tradition. And it’s only after this official blessing that the honorary doctorate is given.

Timing and Ceremony Considerations

Honorary doctorates are commonly awarded during convocation or graduation ceremonies. Universities also consider whether the recipient can participate in the event and deliver an address that motivates students and faculty.

The ability of the recipient to engage meaningfully with the academic community often adds value to the decision.

Why Universities Avoid Commercialization

Reputable universities strictly prohibit the sale or exchange of honorary doctorates. Any institution offering honorary degrees in return for money is generally viewed as unethical or illegitimate. Universities clearly distinguish honorary recognitions from legitimate academic pathways, including traditional and accredited online doctorate degree programs, which require formal coursework, research, evaluation, and academic supervision.

Institutions emphasize that honorary doctorates are purely symbolic recognitions, not academic qualifications, and they do not carry the professional or legal privileges associated with earned doctoral degrees completed through accredited on-campus or online doctorate degree programs.

Maintaining Prestige and Public Trust

Universities understand that every honorary doctorate reflects directly on their reputation. A poorly chosen recipient can damage credibility and public trust built over decades. As a result, institutions may award only a few honorary doctorates each year or choose not to award any if no candidate meets their standards.

This careful approach preserves the dignity and prestige of the honor.

Final Thoughts

The decision to award an honorary doctorate is rooted in integrity, values, and meaningful contribution—not fame or wealth alone. Through a rigorous nomination and evaluation process, universities ensure recipients truly deserve this rare distinction.

When awarded responsibly, an honorary doctorate becomes a powerful symbol of inspiration, leadership, and positive societal impact.