Honorary Degree Award Guidelines

HONORARY DEGREE AWARD GUIDELINES

An honorary degree from the University of Southern Indiana is the highest form of recognition granted by an institution. Individuals selected to receive an honorary degree should exemplify the highest ideals of integrity, service, and dedication to learning. 

Individuals who have given distinguished and extraordinary service consistent with the mission, vision, and values of the University are eligible for consideration. That service may be to the University itself, and/or to local, statewide, national, or international communities.   

The Honorary Degree Committee is currently accepting nomination applications for recipients to be awarded during the 2026 spring commencement.  The criteria used for selecting honorary degree recipients is listed below. 

EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR NOMINATION

Candidates for nomination should be persons who have been recognized for distinguished service within one or more of the following areas through qualification(s) in: 

1.  Advancement in learning through teaching and/or scholarship. 

There should be a documented record of achievement in the creation and/or dissemination of knowledge, either through the impact on learners or upon the nominee's field(s) of study or creative endeavors. 

2.  Enhancement of civic and cultural awareness. 

There should be evidence of the individual's impact in civic and/or cultural affairs. This impact should be shown to enhance the quality of life for a community or communities. 

3.  Fostering service and partnerships for the greater good of a community or communities. 

There should be a documented record of leadership, service, or fostering collaboration over a long period of time and with notable impact upon the betterment of communities. 

4.  Significant commitment to USI. 

There should be a documented record of outstanding dedication to the achievement of USI's mission. 

RESTRICTIONS 

Honorary degrees cannot be awarded: 

1. In absentia or posthumously (recipients must agree to attend the commencement ceremony for conferral of the degree);
2. To current employees or trustees of the University; 
3. To individuals who have direct political, legal, or budgetary authority over the University; or 
4. More than once to an individual. 

 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS 

Nominators who wish to remove a potential candidate from consideration of this award must notify the provost in writing, either through email or by letter.