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University of Alberta Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Honorary Degrees Best Practices |
Preamble
An honorary degree is the University of Alberta’s highest honour. The University of Alberta celebrates inspiring role models and transformative legacies in all fields of endeavour. At convocation ceremonies, honorary degree recipients offer inspiring examples of the power of one person to create positive change in local, national, and international communities. The University’s vision and commitment to the public good are reflected in the individuals who receive an honorary degree.
Under the Post-Secondary Learning Act of Alberta, the conferral of honorary degrees is the responsibility of the University of Alberta Senate, an independent body of diverse community leaders, government appointees, and university representatives valued for the role they play in examining, fostering, and celebrating the achievements and excellence of the University, which in turn results in an enhanced relationship with the community.
Given that honorary degree recipients reflect the University of Alberta’s vision, values, and commitment to the public good, the Senate undertakes periodic reviews of the selection process to ensure that the highest standards continue to be upheld. In its 2017-2021 University of Alberta Senate Strategic Plan, the Senate committed to enhance the honorary degree nomination, selection, and conferral process, continuing to recognize and profile outstanding local, national, and international leaders.
This fall, an ad hoc committee has been convened to:
Under the Post-Secondary Learning Act of Alberta, the conferral of honorary degrees is the responsibility of the University of Alberta Senate, an independent body of diverse community leaders, government appointees, and university representatives valued for the role they play in examining, fostering, and celebrating the achievements and excellence of the University, which in turn results in an enhanced relationship with the community.
Given that honorary degree recipients reflect the University of Alberta’s vision, values, and commitment to the public good, the Senate undertakes periodic reviews of the selection process to ensure that the highest standards continue to be upheld. In its 2017-2021 University of Alberta Senate Strategic Plan, the Senate committed to enhance the honorary degree nomination, selection, and conferral process, continuing to recognize and profile outstanding local, national, and international leaders.
This fall, an ad hoc committee has been convened to:
- Consider best practices for honorary degree recipient selection;
- Consult with internal communities and engage with external communities on best practices respecting the honorary degree recipient selection process; and
- Make recommendations to the Senate respecting the honorary degree recipient selection process at the University of Alberta.
The recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee will help the Senate to ensure that its honorary degree processes continue to reflect the values of the University of Alberta and are consistent with best practices.
As part of its consultation process, the Ad Hoc Committee is soliciting stakeholder input on fundamental issues surrounding the honorary degree nomination, selection, and conferral process. We would welcome your input into the following considerations.