Honorary Degree

The honorary degree is the highest award conferred by the University of Minnesota. An honorary degree may be awarded to an individual who has achieved acknowledged eminence in cultural affairs, in public service, or in a field of knowledge and scholarship. Honorary degrees are not awarded to encourage or reward contributions to the University. The president of the University or a designated representative on behalf of the University confers the honorary degree.

The University awards several honorary degrees annually. Recipients of honorary degrees need not have been educated at or otherwise associated with the University of Minnesota. The University of Minnesota awards the following honorary degrees:
-Doctor of Humane Letters, for cultural contributions
-Doctor of Laws, for public service
-Doctor of Science, for contributions to knowledge

Nomination Deadline
At least 6 months before the award is presented. (For December, all materials should be submitted in May. For presentation of awards in May, all materials should be submitted in October of the previous year.) Later submissions will be considered, but without any guarantee of timely decision.

September 18, 2009
November 13, 2009
January 22, 2010
March 12, 2010
April 23, 2010

Who is eligible?

The nominee cannot be a current member of the faculty or staff, or a sitting Regent, but retirees are eligible.

The nominator must be an alumnus or alumna of the University or a current member of the faculty or staff.

Selection Criteria

Please see nomination procedure.

Selection Process

Nomination Procedure

Nomination Summary -- 50 words or less, restricted to outlining the nominee's accomplishments, excluding degrees and appointments.

Outstanding Accomplishments -- one page summary highlighting the individual's accomplishments.

Biographical Information -- not to exceed 5 pages and to include address, telephone/fax number, date and place of birth, education, employment, membership in professional societies, honors and awards, professional and public service, consulting activities, etc.

Selected Publications of Nominee --not to exceed 5 pages (if not appropriate, 5 more pages are allowed for biographical information).

Letter from Nominator -- should focus on personal knowledge of the nominee's career accomplishments and reputation.

Supporting Letters -- at least 3, not more than 5 from the nominee's peers in and outside the University; again, these should focus on personal knowledge as above.

Maximum Length of Dossier -- not more than 25 pages.

Number of Copies -- 30 of each item; collated, stapled, and clipped (no binders or folders).

Board of Regents policy requires that no disclosure is to be made to the nominee, or persons other than those writing supporting letters, until a decision is forthcoming.

Submit nominations, including contact information, to

Honors committee of the appropriate college, if one exists, and if not, to the All-University Honors Committee, c/o Vickie Courtney, University Senate, 427 Morrill Hall, 100 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455.

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