Universities are actively soliciting nominations for honorary degrees, establishing specific deadlines and evaluation criteria for candidates in scholarship, business, and public service. According to university announcements, institutions including West Virginia University and Ohio University have opened nomination cycles for upcoming commencement ceremonies.
West Virginia University Establishes October Deadline for May Graduations
The West Virginia University Office of the Provost is accepting nominations for honorary doctoral degrees to be awarded during its May commencement ceremonies, according to an announcement from the university. Nomination packets must reach the Office of the Provost by Friday, October 4. The Provost invites faculty, staff, students, and alumni to submit candidates who have made significant contributions to their fields and society, with the university specifically seeking a diverse pool of candidates representing various ideas, expertise, and lived experiences. The honorary degree is the highest distinction WVU bestows.
Candidates are evaluated against three specific criteria and must meet at least one to be eligible:
- Attaining national or international preeminence in their field.
- Providing distinguished and preeminent leadership in society.
- Maintaining a sustained record of extraordinary philanthropy to West Virginia University or supporting the institution substantially in various ways.
Ohio University Sets March Deadline for Annual Recognition
The Ohio University Honorary Degree Committee invites submissions from the university community for candidates to receive honorary degrees, according to an announcement from the committee. These honors are awarded annually to individuals who achieve distinction in scholarship, creative activities, professional pursuits, business, government, civic affairs, or service to Ohio University. While candidates from any field receive consideration, persons who attain broad recognition in education rank high among potential nominees, alongside outstanding university benefactors and distinguished alumni.
Except under unusual circumstances, the university does not award honorary degrees in absentia, meaning posthumous degrees are excluded. Nomination forms and required documentation must be submitted via email to the chair of the committee, Dr. Mingun Lee at leem3@ohio.edu, by Monday, March 3, 2025. Further details regarding the evaluation process are published on the official Ohio University Honorary Degree Committee webpage.
Related reading