General Purpose  

A Standing Committee of Academic Council responsible for receiving, considering and approving nominations for the award of honorary degrees of the University. The Board will report to Academic Council. 

Terms of reference

1. To receive and consider nominations for honorary degrees of the University
2. On the basis of the criteria set down in the University’s policy and procedures for bestowing Honorary Degrees of the University, to approve nominations for the award of honorary degree.
3. To liaise with selected nominees, on behalf of Council, to establish acceptance of the nomination.
4. To report outcomes to Academic Council for their ratification.
5. To keep the University’s policy and procedures relating to honorary degrees under review and to advise Academic Council as appropriate. 
   
   

Conduct of Business

1. The Honorary Degrees Board will meet as required on the direction of the Chair.
2. The proceedings of the Board shall be strictly confidential.
3. A meeting of the Board shall be quorate when six or more members are present.
4. A proposal to award an honorary degree must be supported by two thirds or more of the members present.
5. The nominee must not be approached unless and until the Board recommends the award of an honorary degree.
6. Where the Board recommends the award of an honorary degree, the Chair of the Honorary Degrees Board, or his/her nominee, shall approach the nominee to determine if they wish to accept the honour.
7. Where a nominee accepts the nomination, the Chair shall inform the Board and the recommendation for conferment shall be reported to Academic Council at the next appropriate meeting for ratification.
8. The name of a nominee recommended by the Board for an honorary degree shall not be released publicly unless and until the nominee has indicated they wish to accept the honorary degree and the recommendation is approved by Council. Disclosure after this point is at the discretion of the President with the agreement of the nominee.

Membership

1. President
2. Deputy President & Registrar
3. Head, College of Arts, Celtic Studies & Social Sciences
4. Head, College of Business & Law
5. Head, College of Medicine & Health
6. Head, College of Science, Engineering & Food Science
7. Vice President Global Engagement
8. Vice President for Research & Innovation
9. Vice President for Learning & Teaching
10. Director of Business Development and Advancement
11. Director of European Relations & Public Affairs
12. Director of Student Experience
13. Head of Events
14. Academic Secretary

Secretariat provided by the President’s Office

Conduct of Business

1. The Honorary Degrees Board will meet as required on the direction of the Chair.
2. The proceedings of the Board shall be strictly confidential.
3. A meeting of the Board shall be quorate when six or more members are present.
4. A proposal to award an honorary degree must be supported by two thirds or more of the full membership.
5. The nominee must not be approached unless and until the Board recommends the award of an honorary degree.
6. Where the Board recommends the award of an honorary degree, the Chair of the Honorary Degrees Board, or his/her nominee, shall approach the nominee to determine if they wish to accept the honour.
7. Where a nominee accepts the nomination, the Chair shall inform the Board and the recommendation for conferment shall be reported to Academic Council at the next appropriate meeting for ratification.
8. The name of a nominee recommended by the Board for an honorary degree shall not be released publicly unless and until the nominee has indicated they wish to accept the honorary degree and the recommendation is ratified by Academic Council. Disclosure after this point is at the discretion of the President with the agreement of the nominee.

Approved by Academic Council 07 October 2022