Introduction
The honorary doctorate degree is the highest degree awarded by Bilkent University. This award lauds individuals of exceptional distinction who have made extraordinary and lasting contributions in their field and improved the quality of life in society-at-large.
Only faculty members, including those who are retired, students, and alumni of Bilkent University may nominate candidates for consideration by the University’s Honorary Doctorate Committee. Nominators are kindly reminded that the recipients are individuals of great integrity and international standing who represent core values of Bilkent University.
Honorary doctorates may not be given to declared political candidates for office or in exchange for donations to Bilkent University. Current or recent faculty members are also not eligible for honorary doctorates. The honorary degrees may be given at any time and may or may not be conferred in absentia.
Titles of Honorary Degrees available for conferral
Doctor Honoris Causa in Arts (D.H.C.A.) – Design, visual, and performing arts
Doctor Honoris Causa in Humane Letters (D.H.C.HL) – Humanities, service to society (humanitarianism), education, journalism, communication, history, philosophy, language, literature
Doctor Honoris Causa in Social Sciences (D.H.C.SS) – Economics, political science, psychology, sociology, anthropology
Doctor Honoris Causa in Law (D.H.C.LL) – Law, public policy, public service
Doctor Honoris Causa in Science (D.H.C.Sc.) – Science, medicine, engineering, and related fields
Nomination Process
Nominations may originate from individuals or groups of faculty members, students, or alumni, Departments, Faculties, or Schools. Nominations are submitted to the Honorary Doctorate Committee via the Office of the Provost. Nomination process can be started only by completing the attached form and providing the requested documentation. Candidates should not be contacted regarding, nor should they be involved in, the nomination process.
The Honorary Doctorate Committee may request additional material in support of a nomination.
The Honorary Doctorate Committee & The Selection Process
The Honorary Doctorate Committee consists of five eminent faculty members who are appointed by a Special Committee, which consists of the Rector, Provost, and one faculty member selected by the Faculty Senate for a five-year term. Each member will be appointed for three-year terms that are renewable. The Honorary Doctorate Committee members will select the chair of the Committee.
The Honorary Doctorate Committee will review each nomination, request additional information as appropriate, and make a written recommendation to the Rector, with the reasons for their decision. The Rector will bring the approved nominations with which he/she concurs to the University Senate for consideration and approval. The Rector will then forward the nominations that are approved by the Senate to the Chair of the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees is authorized to award honorary degrees.
The nominee shall be informed of the honor only after a favorable initial consideration by the Board of Trustees. At that time, the nominee will also be asked for his or her willingness to be recognized with this award. The Board will officially grant approval of the Honorary Doctorate only upon acceptance of the award by the nominee.
The Office of the Rector will coordinate contacts with the nominee.
All those involved in the nomination and selection processes are expected to make every effort to ensure that nominations and discussions of nominees are kept strictly confidential throughout the process, until the final approval and announcement by the Board of Trustees.
Preparations for the Conferral
The Chair of the Board of Trustees, Rector and Provost together determine the date and venue for the award.
An Associate Provost coordinates the nomination processes.
Vice Rector for Administration orders the Diploma, Diploma Case, Gown and Hood.
The Honorary Doctorate Committee prepares the citation.
Dean of the nominating Faculty will be responsible for travel and hospitality arrangements of the honoree.
Revocation of Honorary Degrees
The Board of Trustees may revoke a previously granted honorary degree if, in its judgment, the recipient of the degree has engaged in conduct that: 1) is contrary to the mission and/or values of Bilkent University; 2) undermines the accomplishments and contributions cited above as the basis for awarding the honorary degree; or 3) is harmful to the reputation of Bilkent University. Revocation process is initiated by the Rector’s office after an evaluation of the circumstances by a Special Nominations Committee set up by the Rector and presented to the Board of Trustees.
- Honorary Degrees Nomination Form
Honorary Doctorate Awards 2017-02-17 Approved by Board of Trustees