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To increase diversity among our Honorary Graduates, we encourage Honorary Degree suggestions from the entire ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý community, including staff, students, staff networks, and Faculty/School Executive Boards.

Before submitting a nomination

These guidelines outline the types of individuals the Committee will consider for an Honorary Degree.

• Individuals with significant international or national recognition and a genuine level of distinction in their area of expertise and often beyond. 
• It is expected that those who receive Honorary Degrees should reflect the ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý's values and serve as inspiring examples, especially for graduating students.
• Outstanding individuals whose reputation and profile resonates with the ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý and whose connection will positively benefit both them and the ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý.

We wish to honour exceptional individuals with the highest levels of achievements. Whilst a demonstrable personal connection with Sheffield and its region is considered (such as alumni or members from the Sheffield City region), we encourage nominations on an international scale where there may not currently be a relationship but where there is the potential to build a mutually valuable one.

The purpose of awarding Honorary Degrees is to establish relationships with outstanding people, bringing them into the ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý family to become ambassadors and help raise the ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý's profile and global reputation. 

• Current staff will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, for example if a member of staff has received external recognition for achievements unrelated to their ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý role.
• Consideration may be given to former/retired members of staff who demonstrate service or distinction far beyond the usual remit of their role or who have served the ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý in other ways, or have achieved distinction in areas unrelated to their ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý role.
• Serving politicians or those in a current political role will not be considered.
• There is no upper or lower age limit. Emphasis will be placed on the height of achievement rather than its length.
• Individuals previously considered by the Honorary Degrees Committee within the last three academic years are not eligible for nomination, unless specifically requested by the Committee. 
• A list of those who have previously been awarded Honorary and Ex-Officio Degrees is published in the ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý Calendar.

Honorary Degrees are awarded after approval by the Honorary Degrees Committee, a Joint Committee of Senate and Council. The Committee reviews suggestions and nominations annually at its meeting in March.

The ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý reserves the right to withdraw an Honorary or Ex-Officio Degree in the event that their subsequent conduct brings the ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý into disrepute.

NB: All nominations must be kept confidential from the nominee. 

Nominators will also be expected to assist the orators with the oration, should the nomination be successful.

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