Â鶹´«Ã½

Honorary Degrees, Fellowships, Gold Medals: Criteria

1.  Honorary Degrees

1.1  Criteria for nominations:

(a) individuals who have achieved academic excellence in their field and who would bring distinction to the Â鶹´«Ã½. Such individuals may either (i) have contributed to the work of the Â鶹´«Ã½ or (ii) by association with the Â鶹´«Ã½ bring future advocacy or support to the Â鶹´«Ã½;

(b)  individuals who have played an important public role contributing to the development, progress or change in society.

(c)  individuals who have achieved excellence in their field consonant with the values of the Â鶹´«Ã½, or who have made a major contribution to academic, regional or national life through progress or change in society and who would bring distinction through association, future advocacy or support to the Â鶹´«Ã½.

1.2  Exclusions:

 The Committee does not normally consider nominations for:

(a)  currently serving politicians (British or overseas) or from those who hold responsibility for Higher Education or research funding in the United Kingdom. Members of the House of Lords are not normally excluded as long as they are not holding formal government posts at the time.

(b)  current members of Â鶹´«Ã½ staff simply on the basis of their service to the Â鶹´«Ã½, but they may be considered on the basis of exceptional service at a regional, national or international level.

(c)  individuals who are currently closely involved with the Â鶹´«Ã½ such as in the role of Visiting or Research Professor

(d)  currently serving members of Council, except where they have indicated their intention to step down.

1.3  Categories of Honorary Degree:

The Â鶹´«Ã½ awards honorary doctorates in these categories: Law, Literature, Music, Science, Medicine and the Â鶹´«Ã½.

2.  Fellowships

2.1   Criteria for nominations:

Fellowships of the Â鶹´«Ã½ of Sussex be awarded to individuals who have either:

(a)  rendered an exceptional contribution to the Â鶹´«Ã½; or

(b)  attained distinction in the arts, literature, science, business or public life.

 “Exceptional contribution to the Â鶹´«Ã½” can be either:

a)  exceptional service to the Â鶹´«Ã½ e.g. outstanding teaching or professional service contribution; or

b)  alumni who have made an outstanding contribution via advocacy, teaching, mentoring or other voluntary work on behalf of the Â鶹´«Ã½.

2.2  Exclusions:

The Committee does not normally consider nominations for:

(a)  currently serving politicians (British or overseas) or from those who hold responsibility for Higher Education or research funding in the United Kingdom. Members of the House of Lords are not normally excluded as long as they are not holding formal government posts at the time.

(b)  currently serving members of Council, except where they have indicated their intention to step down.

2.3  Categories: None

3.  Gold Medals for Philanthropy

3.1   Criteria for nominations

Gold Medals for Philanthropy may be awarded to individuals, foundations or corporations who have a strong association with the Â鶹´«Ã½ and have, following due diligence, made an exceptional contribution to the institution through their philanthropic support, either as a one off gift or over a long period of time.

3.2   Exclusions:

None – the evaluation of the suitability of donors is addressed via the due diligence arrangements of the Â鶹´«Ã½’s Donations Policy.

3.3  Categories: None.