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Recommend candidates for an honorary doctorate

You can make an impact on the university by nominating someone outstanding for an honorary degree.

The Honorary Degrees Committee wants your recommendations of people who meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Made an outstanding intellectual and/or scholarly contribution in their chosen field of academic eminence.
  • Provided outstanding service and/or contributions to public service.
  • Made major contributions in areas relevant to the Mission of the University.
  • Have contributed to Durham Region/Northumberland County.  

The Committee encourages nominations that reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

Here is how you can nominate your outstanding candidate for an honorary degree:

  • Create a one-page PDF document that includes the name of your nominee and their contact information (if you have it).
  • Include the reasons they fit with the university’s criteria for outstanding nominees.
  • Add your contact information as their nominator.
  • Email your PDF to the Committee at acmeetings@ontariotechu.ca.

The Committee will be holding its first meeting to consider nominees for 2024 honorary degrees in the Fall of 2023. Please submit your nomination by Monday, August 28 if you would like your nominee considered at the Committee’s initial meeting.  Nominations submitted after August 28 will be added to the pool of nominees and will be considered at the next meeting of the Committee.

The Committee will recommend to the President a list of worthy candidates for consideration. The President will select recipients from the list and invite them to accept the honorary degree. Once the invitation has been accepted, the President will report the names of the recipients to the Academic Council.

Note: You will only hear back from the Committee if your nominee is selected to receive an honorary degree or if they would like further information on the candidate. In addition, please do not let your nominee know they have been nominated; only the President will contact the selected candidates.

If you have questions, or would like further information about the selection process, contact Kimberley McCartney, Assistant University Secretary, Office of the President.