Honorary Degrees

University of Alberta Honorary Degree Nominations

We have a new University of Alberta Honorary Degree nomination form! Nominations completed on our old form will be accepted until February 15, 2023.

The Senate Honorary Degree Selection Committee meets quarterly to consider following the Honorary Degrees Principles, Policies, and Procedures approved by Senate in May 2019. Nominations are welcome at any time throughout the year.

The University of Alberta Senate welcomes the nomination of inspiring individuals for Honorary Degrees. An Honorary Degree is the University of Alberta’s highest honour. Nominations are welcome for all who may contribute to the further diversication of ideas and the University of Alberta community and anyone is welcome to complete and submit a nomination.

Past Honorary Degree Recipients Principles, Policies & Procedures

We require nominators to provide:

Nominee information - Full name, current position/title, telephone number(s), email address, and mailing address
Nominator information - Full name, relationship to the nominee, current position/title, telephone number(s), email address, mailing address, and dated signature.
Summary statement of impact - In no more than 150 words summarize the nominee’s extraordinary achievements or outstanding service in our community, Alberta,
Canada, or the world. This summary statement should answer the question: How has the nominee made a fundamental difference or transformative contribution to society?
Reasons for nomination - In 500 words - or up to two pages - outline how the nominee is
unique and exceptional. The reasons for nomination answers some or all of the following questions:
- Who is the nominee and what makes them exceptional?
- What did the nominee accomplish? Please include details as to where and when achievements or service took place, as well as any achievements outside their area of expertise.
- Why is the nominee’s impact and legacy important to our local, provincial, national, and/or international communities?
- How may the nominee’s address at the Convocation ceremony inspire new graduates and other members of the university community and the public?
Biographical Summary - In 500 words - up to two pages - include the following information in point form about the nominee:
- Education
- Career - positions held, including academic, professional, business, and volunteer roles
- Community involvement and/or leadership
- Awards or recognition received
- Connection, if any, to the University of Alberta or Canada (for information - not an honorary degree requirement)
Reference letters - Letters from 3 to 5 informed and distinguished referees offer additional commentary on the achievements and character of the nominee. Referees should answer some or all of the following questions:
- How long have you known the nominee and/or in what capacity are you familiar with the nominee’s achievements?
- What impact has the nominee had on their field of endeavour and communities locally, provincially, nationally, or internationally?
- What makes the nominee exceptional? How do they stand out from their peers?
- What has the nominee also accomplished outside of their professional sphere, including any personal commitments or service above and beyond their primary role
- As a convocation speaker, how may the nominee’s perspectives and insights inspire University of Alberta graduates and enrich our learning community?

Honorary Degree Nomination Form - Fillable PDF

To download the form from Google Drive, click the down arrow icon in the top right of the page.

NOTE: If you have issues with the fillable PDF, please attach a document that includes all the required elements listed in the form.

CONFIDENTIALITY
Please do not inform nominees of their nomination. The Office of the Chancellor and Senate and the Honorary Degree Selection Committee maintains strict confidentiality over the selection process. Nominators will be contacted about the status of their nomination should the Committee require additional information or when/if the nominee has been scheduled to have an Honorary Degree conferred.

Ineligibility Policies (articulated in the Principles, Policies & Procedures)

Current members of the Board of Governors, the Senate, and the academic staff at the University of Alberta are not normally considered for Honorary Degrees.
Current holders of elected office in Canada will not be considered for an honorary degree.
Honorary Degrees are not granted posthumously or in absentia.

Nominations and reference letters may be submitted in hard copy to:

Chair, Senate Honorary
Degrees Selection Committee
Office of the Chancellor and Senate
322 Arts and Convocation Hall
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E6

OR in digital copy to:

senate@ualberta.ca

The Office of the Chancellor and Senate will acknowledge receipt of submitted nomination, verify the nomination is completed in full, and verify the nominee meets the basic eligibility requirements for a University of Alberta Honorary Degree.