Honorary Doctorate

GENERAL PRINCIPLES:

The awarding of an honorary degree is a significant event in the life of the University, symbolizing the recognition of outstanding achievements that align with the values of the institution. Honorary degrees are conferred upon individuals whose exceptional accomplishments serve as a source of inspiration and leadership for the university’s graduates. In honoring these individuals, the university also enhances its own prestige through its association with people of extraordinary merit.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION:

The Honorary Degrees Committee uses the following criteria to select candidates, aiming to present a diverse slate of recipients across various academic and non-academic fields. Recipients are chosen to align with the purposes of the specific convocation at which the degree is to be granted:

• Preference is given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the sciences, humanities, and professions in which the University is actively engaged.
• Recognition is extended to those whose exceptional accomplishments have significantly contributed to enhancing culture and society, either within Canada or internationally.
• The University may also honor individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to its development or have achieved international standards of excellence.

PROCEDURES:

Nominations: The University Secretariat issues a call for nominations at least once a year, widely disseminated throughout the university community via traditional channels and additional avenues recommended by the Honorary Degrees Committee.

HONORARY DEGREES COMMITTEE:

The Honorary Degrees Committee, appointed annually by the Senate, includes the Registrar and other Senate members as determined by the Senate. The Committee is responsible for selecting individuals to be recommended to the Senate for the conferment of honorary degrees.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO SENATE:

The Honorary Degrees Committee submits a motion for awarding honorary degrees in a written report available to Senate members at least two days before the meeting where it will be presented. The names of recommended individuals remain confidential until approved by the Senate and the candidates have accepted the offers.

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST (Common for Honorary Doctorate & Honorary Awards):

Nominations must include the following documents, or they will be returned to the nominator:

• A letter from the nominator detailing the reasons for the nomination, including the nominee’s contributions or accomplishments, along with any other pertinent information.
• Up to three letters of support.
• The nominee’s abridged curriculum vitae, including educational background, field of endeavor, notable publications (if any), special awards, and distinguished service.
• A short biographical summary (maximum 200 words) to be used as the basis of the citation at the convocation if the nominee is selected.

AWARDING:

Honorary degree recipients are invited to deliver the convocation address, though they may decline this invitation. Honorary degrees are not awarded in absentia or posthumously unless arrangements for the award were made prior to the nominee’s death. The citation for the honorary degree should not exceed three minutes in length, and each recipient shall be presented for admission by the Director or a designated person.

REVOKING (Common for Honorary Doctorate & Award):

The Senate may revoke an honorary degree, including all associated rights and privileges, based on a recommendation from the Honorary Degrees Committee and following a vote.

DEGREE CERTIFICATES AND LETTERS POLICY:

After conferral at a doctorate ceremony, a degree certificate is automatically issued and either presented during the convocation ceremony or mailed afterward. If the certificate is not received within three months of the ceremony, and no notification is made within that period, a replacement certificate fee will apply. Students completing non-matriculated courses through the Department for Continuing Education receive certificates from the department. Electronic or scanned versions of certificates are not issued.

REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATES:

In cases of loss, theft, or damage, replacement certificates can be ordered for a fee. Only one copy of a certificate is permitted at any time.

ADMISSION PROCEDURE:

Candidates can apply for admission online through the Chania International University website (chaniainternationaluniversity.edu.gr) or by submitting a completed application form and required documents to the university’s email. Applications are processed upon receipt and verification, with candidates notified via email at info@chaniainternationaluniversity.edu.gr.