Call for nominations for Honorary Degree and Fellowship Awards

Staff and students are invited to submit nominations for the award of an Honorary Degree and Fellow of the University for the 2025 Summer Graduation ceremonies. Nominations for women and those from minoritised groups are particularly welcomed.

The deadline for receipt of nominations is Friday 5 April. Applications will then be sent to the appropriate Faculty for endorsement, before consideration by the Honorary Degree Advisory Group which meets in May. The President and Vice-Chancellor will then present the recommendations to Senate and to Council for approval in June and July. The process operates to a strict timetable and proposals received after this date will be accepted only at the President and Vice-Chancellor’s discretion.

When making recommendations to Senate and Council, the Honorary Degree Advisory Group will take into account the following considerations:

Honorary degrees

1. Recognition of an individual’s intellectual, creative and/or academic achievement.
2. The recognition will be evidenced by international, or at the least national, distinction in the nominee’s field.
3. Evidence of a direct link to the University of Southampton or to the City of Southampton.

Fellow of the University

This award is intended to reward those who have an established connection with the University. Potential Fellows of the University of Southampton will:

1. Support the interests and welfare of the University of Southampton or of a particular part of the University’s activities
2. Foster the links between the University and other institutions within and without the United Kingdom.

Should your nomination be successful, you will be supported throughout the graduation process. Duties include hosting the nominee and presenting them for the conferment of their award by giving a short speech at the graduation ceremony celebrating their achievements and their special links to the University.

The nomination form can be accessed on the Honorary degrees/Fellow SharePoint site. Please attach the completed form, together with the CV for the nominee, in an email to Governance Services [email protected].