How do I make a nomination?
Submit an online Honorary Degree Nomination including:
- A summary statement: Up to two pages describing the nominee’s career, achievements, and suitability for an honorary degree. The statement should clearly demonstrate the substance, originality, and profound impact of the nominee’s contributions. Please address:
- The nature and significance of the nominee’s contributions.
- What distinguishes their work or achievements from others in the same field.
- Why the nominee’s accomplishments are of exceptional merit.
- How their impact aligns with USC’s mission and values.
- A proposed citation: A two-line draft citation suitable for use if the degree is conferred.
For example: “For her outstanding contributions towards ending world hunger and bringing peace to war-torn parts of the world, USC bestows its highest award on Jane Doe.”
- Candidate’s curriculum vitae or equivalent summary: Include publications, creative works, professional achievements, or other indicators of distinction.
Why is confidentiality so important to the Honorary Degree process?
Confidentiality protects both the integrity of the selection process and the dignity of nominees. Not all excellent candidates can be recognized, and knowledge of a failed nomination can be embarrassing and harmful; therefore the following guidelines must be followed.
- Nominees must not be informed that they are under consideration.
- Nominators should not solicit letters of support from individuals outside the university, or anyone affiliated with USC that is not a co-nominator.
- Any breach of confidentiality will disqualify the nomination from consideration.
- Nominators are not notified of the process or outcome of nominations.
Official notification of the University’s wish to confer an honorary degree upon an individual is made by the President on behalf of the Honorary Degrees Committee and the Board of Trustees.
Who can make a nomination for an honorary degree?
Any member of the USC Community–including faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni, and trustees–may submit a nomination.
Why does the University award honorary degrees?
Honorary degrees are awarded to:
- Recognize individuals whose scholarly, professional, or creative accomplishments have redefined their discipline, inspired new ways of thinking, or advanced the human experience.
- Honor visionary leaders whose record of service, guidance, or influence has revitalized communities or expanded USC’s capacity to have impact locally and globally.
- Celebrate philanthropists whose generosity has created enduring opportunities for advancing the university’s mission or serving the broader public good.
- Distinguish USC by honoring individuals whose integrity, imagination, and impact exemplify the university’s highest ideals.
Who reviews the nominations?
All nominations are reviewed. The University Honorary Degrees Committee recommends a slate of distinguished individuals to the President of the University and the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees makes further recommendations to the President of the University, who selects awardees. The commencement speaker is selected by a different process.
Who is not eligible for consideration for an honorary degree?
Individuals actively employed by the University are not eligible, including current (non-retired) faculty, staff, and administrators. Current USC trustees and students are not eligible for consideration. Rare exceptions may be made only by the University President in extraordinary cases–in consultation with the Honorary Degrees Committee and the Board of Trustees.
What is the deadline to submit a nomination?
Nominations can be submitted at any time.
Nominations made by the USC community are for the Commencement ceremonies beginning the following academic year (not the academic year in which the nomination is submitted). Because of procedural considerations, the best time to submit a nomination is in the Fall Semester of the current academic year, so that it may be considered for the Spring Commencement in the following academic years. Approved nominations will be active for three years from the date of approval by the Committee. Approved nominations will be reviewed annually and may be renewed for an additional three-year period.
When are honorary degrees awarded?
Honorary degrees are conferred annually at the Spring Commencement ceremony.
Degrees are awarded only to individuals who are present at the ceremony.
Where should nominations be submitted?
All nominations should be submitted using the online form.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
For questions about the nomination process, please contact honorarydegrees@usc.edu.
Please note that:
- All submissions are reviewed.
- Nominators are not notified of the process or outcome of their nominations to protect the selection process and dignity of nominees.