PROCEDURE OF ISSUING HONORARY PHD DEGREE

Overview of the Honorary Doctorate

The Honorary Doctorate is the highest distinction awarded by a university, recognizing individuals of exceptional merit who have made significant contributions to their field, research, or society. This prestigious degree acknowledges achievements of national, regional, or international acclaim, as well as noteworthy service to educational institutions and their objectives. The title confers recognition to those whose work transcends the boundaries of academia, enhancing the broader societal landscape.

Honorary Doctorate Policy & Eligibility

The conferment of an Honorary Doctorate symbolizes recognition for an individual’s extraordinary accomplishments and their impact on society. Unlike earned degrees, this honor is granted based on the individual’s contributions, which must align with the university’s mission and objectives in education and global relations. It is important to note that honorary degrees are typically listed as awards rather than academic qualifications on a professional CV.

The Inter-University Higher Academic Council (IUHAC) has the authority to nominate individuals for Honorary PhD, D.Litt, LL.D, or D.Sc degrees. Nominees must have made substantial contributions to society—be it through personal, professional, or political means. These honorary degrees are typically awarded during formal graduation ceremonies, where recipients are invited to deliver an acceptance speech.

Procedure for Issuing Honorary PhDs

An Honorary PhD, also known as Doctor Honoris Causa, is a prestigious academic distinction awarded by universities to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to a specific field or to society at large. Unlike traditional PhD degrees, recipients of honorary doctorates are not required to fulfill the usual academic requirements, such as coursework or dissertation submission.

Criteria for Awarding Honorary PhDs

Universities typically confer honorary PhDs to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary and lasting distinction in areas such as:

1. Science and Technology: Significant advancements or discoveries that have propelled knowledge and innovation.
2. Literature and Arts: Outstanding contributions that have enriched cultural heritage and artistic expression.
3. Philanthropy and Social Activism: Dedication to humanitarian causes and efforts that have positively impacted communities.

The selection process involves a thorough review by a dedicated committee, which evaluates each nominee’s achievements, impact, and alignment with the values of the awarding institution. The final decision is based on the nominee’s lasting impact and global or societal significance.

Procedure for Awarding Honorary PhDs

1. Nomination: Candidates are typically nominated by faculty members, university departments, or external organizations. In some cases, nominations can be submitted by the general public.
2. Review and Evaluation: A committee assesses the nominee’s qualifications, contributions, and the potential impact of awarding the honorary degree.
3. Approval: The committee’s recommendations are presented to the university’s governing body, such as the Board of Trustees, for final approval.
4. Award Ceremony: Upon approval, the honorary degree is conferred during a formal ceremony, where the recipient is typically invited to deliver a speech.

Use of the Title “Dr.”

Recipients of an Honorary Doctorate are permitted to use the title “Dr.” before their names, signifying formal recognition of their esteemed status. This title reflects the individual’s outstanding contributions and is regarded as a mark of distinction in both professional and social contexts. However, it is important that the honorary title is clearly distinguished from an earned academic degree in official documents and professional listings.

The honorary title “Dr.” underscores the recipient’s significant impact on their field and society and should be used with respect to its honorary nature.

Additional Aspects of Awarding Honorary Doctorates

The award of an honorary doctorate is a formal recognition of an individual’s outstanding performance in their profession or service to society. While the honorary doctorate does not carry the same academic standing as an earned degree, it serves to honor extraordinary achievements. The following aspects are taken into consideration in the awarding process:

• Recognition: The honorary degree is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to a specific sector or to society at large.
• Relationship Building: The award strengthens the relationship between IUHAC and the honoree, enhancing the university’s global reputation.
• University Mission Support: Recipients play a crucial role in advancing the university’s vision, mission, and goals in education and international relations.

Nominations and Selection Process

The nomination and selection process for honorary degrees at IUHAC is rigorous and confidential. The following steps are observed:

1. Nominations: Nominations may be submitted by individuals or groups, along with a detailed CV, autobiography, and supporting documentation such as published research articles, patents, books, policy documents, and records of participation in academic events.
2. Proposal Review: Nominations, excluding those submitted by the Chancellor’s discretion, are first reviewed by the Vice-Chancellor. Proposals based on distinguished public service require the endorsement of three full-time academic or general staff members or a council member.
3. Committee Review: The Chancellor may convene a committee biannually to review applications and submit recommendations for final approval. The committee comprises ten members, including five full professors, the Vice-Chancellor, and four academic staff members.
4. Confidentiality: All nominations are kept strictly confidential, and canvassing for a nomination is prohibited, leading to disqualification.
5. Award Conferment: The award is conferred at the annual convocation or special events, contingent upon the nominee’s acceptance and attendance.

Awards Ceremony

Nominees approved for an Honorary Doctorate are contacted by IUHAC to confirm their consent and availability to attend the graduation ceremony. The honoree will be invited to the convocation, where they are expected to deliver a speech before an audience of esteemed professors. In exceptional circumstances, alternative arrangements may be made for the conferral of the degree.

Confidentiality Clause

Confidentiality is paramount in the nomination and selection process for honorary doctorates. All related correspondence remains confidential, and any attempt to solicit support for a nomination will invalidate the submission.

Additional Important Points

• Global Recognition: An Honorary Doctorate from IUHAC is recognized worldwide, enhancing the recipient’s professional credibility and providing a platform for further contributions to global discourse and initiatives.
• Contribution to Academic Discourse: Recipients are encouraged to engage with the university community, contributing to academic discussions, workshops, and seminars, thereby enriching the intellectual environment.
• Honorary Alumni Network: Awardees become part of an exclusive network of honorary alumni, offering opportunities for collaboration, networking, and participation in international academic events.
• Cultural and Social Impact: The honorary title emphasizes the recipient’s influence in cultural and social domains, underlining their role as a thought leader and change-maker.
• Legacy of Excellence: Receiving an honorary doctorate solidifies the recipient’s legacy of excellence, ensuring their contributions are recognized within the academic and global communities.
• Engagement Opportunities: Post-award, recipients may be invited to contribute to the university’s strategic initiatives, including advisory roles, mentoring programs, and participation in global educational projects.

For further information, please contact:

Email: admission@iuhac.org