Criteria and Procedures for Honorary Awards

The honorary awards referred to below relate to the terms of reference of the Honours Committee which is a committee of Council. (Authority for processes and decisions in relation to Emeritus Professorships and Honorary Fellowships rests with the Vice-Chancellor.)

Nominations for these honorary awards will not normally be considered in respect of any person currently in post as either

  1. an employee of, or contractor to, the University, or
  2. a member of the Council or any of its standing committees.

Criteria

Degree of Honorary Doctor of the University of Waikato

The Honorary Doctorate is the most prestigious honorary award that the University can bestow, equivalent to an Honorary Doctorate at any other university worldwide.

The Honours Committee may recommend to the Council for the conferment of the degree of Honorary Doctor of the University of Waikato, any person who

  1. has an established international reputation for excellence within a particular academic field, and has demonstrated outstanding academic leadership, through activities such as a strong publication record, graduate supervision, innovation and entrepreneurship,

OR

  1. has made a substantial and exemplary contribution to the University

OR

  1. has demonstrated outstanding leadership or service to the nation through activities or endeavours consistent with the University's Charter, Vision and Strategy.

Where a nominee for an Honorary Doctorate has had a direct association with the University, in addition to satisfying the criteria above, the nominee should have been or is likely to be an advocate for the University of Waikato and demonstrate genuine commitment to its reputation and success.

University of Waikato Medal

The University of Waikato Medal recognises University and community service at a local or regional level.

The Honours Committee may recommend to the Council for the award of the University of Waikato Medal any person who has been a member of staff of the University or who is from its wider external community who

  1. has made a substantial and exemplary contribution to the University

OR

  1. has local or regional credibility and has demonstrated outstanding leadership or service in a particular role or endeavour consistent with the University of Waikato's Charter, Vision and Strategy.

Where a nominee for a University of Waikato Medal has had a direct association with the University, in addition to satisfying the criteria above, the nominee should have been or is likely to be an advocate for the University of Waikato and demonstrate genuine commitment to its reputation and success.

Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognises high profile graduates as inspirational role models and leaders.

The Honours Committee may recommend to the Council for a Distinguished Alumni Award any person who holds a qualification of the University of Waikato and who has pre-eminence in his or her chosen field of endeavour.

Where a nominee for a Distinguished Alumni Award has had a direct association with the University, in addition to satisfying the criteria above, the nominee should have been or is likely to be an advocate for the University of Waikato and demonstrate genuine commitment to its reputation and success.

Approved
Council, 1 December 2020

Procedures for Nominations

Nominations for Honorary Doctorates, University of Waikato Medals and Distinguished Alumni Awards should be made using the relevant form provided below directed to the Secretary to the Honours Committee, Tracy Pilet, by email honours@waikato.ac.nz.

Questions about nomination procedures for Emeritus Professorships and Honorary Fellowships should also be directed to the Secretary to the Honours Committee.

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