Honorary Degrees Committee
Each year we award a number of honorary degrees at our graduation ceremonies. Building relationships with outstanding individuals who share our values and aspirations in this way is important for our ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø’s profile and reputation.
From this year, our prime focus will be on candidates with a high level of international standing, helping us to build valuable connections and reinforcing our position as a leading global university.
Even where no existing relationship with a candidate exists, we are keen to hear suggestions of exceptional people with an international profile whose values and areas of expertise align with the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø. Candidates with local and national connections will of course also be considered.
To help ensure diversity in our honorary graduates, we welcome suggestions from across our ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø community, including from individual members of staff or students, our staff networks, and through Faculty and School Executive Boards.
Guidelines for nominations
We will use the following guidelines when selecting candidates:
- Individuals with significant international or national recognition and a genuine level of distinction in their area of expertise and often beyond
- Individuals whose values align with our ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø values and who embody our
- Individuals who serve as inspiring examples, especially for graduating students
- Individuals whose reputation, profile and expertise resonates with the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø and whose connection will positively benefit both them and the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø
Guidelines for who can be nominated:
- 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 ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø 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 ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø in other ways, or have achieved distinction in areas unrelated to their ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø 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 past 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 ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Calendar
How to make a nomination
If you would like to make a nomination, please complete our nomination form by Friday 12 September 2025. All nominations must be kept confidential from the nominee. Nominators will be expected to assist the orators with the oration, should the nomination be successful.
The ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Honorary Degrees Committee, a joint committee of Senate and Council, will review suggestions and nominations in March 2026.
The ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø reserves the right to withdraw an Honorary or Ex-Officio Degree in the event that their subsequent conduct brings the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø into disrepute.
If you have any questions, contact Claire Rundström, Secretary to the Honorary Degrees Committee, at: c.e.rundstrom@sheffield.ac.uk