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Honorary Degrees, Fellowships, Gold Medals: Criteria

1.  Honorary Degrees

1.1  Criteria for nominations:

(a) individuals who have achieved academic excellence in their field and who would bring distinction to the University. Such individuals may either (i) have contributed to the work of the University or (ii) by association with the University bring future advocacy or support to the University;

(b)  individuals who have played an important public role contributing to the development, progress or change in society.

(c)  individuals who have achieved excellence in their field consonant with the values of the University, or who have made a major contribution to academic, regional or national life through progress or change in society and who would bring distinction through association, future advocacy or support to the University.

1.2  Exclusions:

 The Committee does not normally consider nominations for:

(a)  currently serving politicians (British or overseas) or from those who hold responsibility for Higher Education or research funding in the United Kingdom. Members of the House of Lords are not normally excluded as long as they are not holding formal government posts at the time.

(b)  current members of University staff simply on the basis of their service to the University, but they may be considered on the basis of exceptional service at a regional, national or international level.

(c)  individuals who are currently closely involved with the University such as in the role of Visiting or Research Professor

(d)  currently serving members of Council, except where they have indicated their intention to step down.

1.3  Categories of Honorary Degree:

The University awards honorary doctorates in these categories: Law, Literature, Music, Science, Medicine and the University.

2.  Fellowships

2.1   Criteria for nominations:

Fellowships of the ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ be awarded to individuals who have either:

(a)  rendered an exceptional contribution to the University; or

(b)  attained distinction in the arts, literature, science, business or public life.

 “Exceptional contribution to the University” can be either:

a)  exceptional service to the University e.g. outstanding teaching or professional service contribution; or

b)  alumni who have made an outstanding contribution via advocacy, teaching, mentoring or other voluntary work on behalf of the University.

2.2  Exclusions:

The Committee does not normally consider nominations for:

(a)  currently serving politicians (British or overseas) or from those who hold responsibility for Higher Education or research funding in the United Kingdom. Members of the House of Lords are not normally excluded as long as they are not holding formal government posts at the time.

(b)  currently serving members of Council, except where they have indicated their intention to step down.

2.3  Categories: None

3.  Gold Medals for Philanthropy

3.1   Criteria for nominations

Gold Medals for Philanthropy may be awarded to individuals, foundations or corporations who have a strong association with the University and have, following due diligence, made an exceptional contribution to the institution through their philanthropic support, either as a one off gift or over a long period of time.

3.2   Exclusions:

None – the evaluation of the suitability of donors is addressed via the due diligence arrangements of the University’s Donations Policy.

3.3  Categories: None.