Honorary Degrees Policy

To recognize and honour exceptional individuals who have achieved a distinguished status and/or have made a significant contribution at Cambrian College (“the College”), or on a municipal, provincial, national, or international level.

The recipients of honorary degrees are members of the general public, which may include community members, alumni, advisory committee members, former students, former employees, former members of the Board of Governors, or former public officials.

Honorary degree: a credential which recognizes exceptional individuals who have achieved a distinguished status and/or made a significant contribution at the College, or on a municipal, provincial, national, or international level.

1. General

1.1. As per Ministry directives, Cambrian College may only award one honorary degree per academic year for each bachelor degree it grants. The College, at the discretion of the Board, may decide not to award honorary degrees in a particular academic year.

1.2. The College will not charge any fees for or issue payment to the (proposed) recipient of an honorary degree.

2. Nomination and Awarding of Honorary Degrees

2.1. Nominations for honorary degrees may be submitted by any member of the College community, including students, employees, or volunteers of the College, or the public, using the Nomination for Honorary Degree Form at any time during the year; however, a formal nomination call will usually be issued annually in September.

2.2. A Selection Committee will review the nominations and bring forward a list of recommended candidates.

2.3. Nominees must meet one or more of the criteria listed below:

1. Made a significant achievement for the public good at the Ontario, national, or international level.
2. Achieved notable accomplishments in a particular field of study in their community or society.
3. Enhanced, promoted, or contributed to the College’s image and reputation in Ontario or elsewhere.

2.4. Nominees’ achievements should reflect the College’s mission, vision, and values, and serve as a role model to students, graduates, and the community.

2.5. The following restrictions and exclusions may also apply to the granting of honorary degrees:

1. Honorary degrees are not intended as a memorial honour; therefore, posthumous honorary degrees will not normally be considered. However, if a candidate passes away after accepting an invitation, but prior to the event, the honorary degree will be presented to an individual designated by the recipient’s family or another legal representative.
2. Honorary degrees will normally be presented during a convocation ceremony or other public event. The recipient must agree to be present as a condition of receiving the award unless the honorary degree is being presented posthumously.
3. In exceptional circumstances, the College may choose to waive these requirements to allow the College to honour highly meritorious individuals who otherwise would not be eligible.

2.6. An individual may be re-nominated or resubmitted for approval; however, individuals may only receive an honorary degree from Cambrian College once in their lifetime.

2.7. The Board of Governors, through a motion, will make the final selection of the recipient of the honorary degree.

2.8. Confidentiality is to be maintained throughout the nomination and selection process.

3. Rescinding an Honorary Degree

3.1. The Board of Governors may rescind an honorary degree should it become known that the recipient (past or present) has engaged in behaviour which conflicts with the College’s values. Evidence of such behaviour may include:

1. The person has been convicted of a criminal offence which has not been pardoned.
2. The person has engaged in conduct that constitutes a significant departure from generally recognized standards of public behaviour.
3. The person has been the subject of an official sanction, such as a fine or a reprimand, or disqualification by an adjudicating body, professional association, or other organization having relevance to the College’s values.

Office of the President is responsible for:

• Ensuring the development, review, and availability of this policy and associated procedure.
• Ensuring implementation and compliance of the Honorary Degree process.
• Facilitating the nomination and selection process for honorary degrees.

Selection Committee is responsible for:

• Reviewing nominations and recommending candidates.

Board of Governors is responsible for:

• Making the final decision to approve or rescind an honorary degree.