Nominations for commencement speakers and honorary degrees are accepted by the Commencement and Honorary Degrees Committee. The Committee typically selects candidates 12–18 months ahead of the date to receive the degree. This is to allow time for scheduling on the recipient’s calendar.

Detailed Nomination Process and Timeline

The process typically follows this timeline:

  1. Fall Term: An announcement is placed in Carleton Today soliciting nominations for commencement speakers and/or honorary degree recipients. The deadline for nominations is typically in November. The nomination process is simple and may be completed on this web page.
  2. November: Following the deadline, staff in the Division of Communications compiles information on all nominees.
  3. Winter Break: The Commencement and Honorary Degrees Committee meets to review the candidates nominated and select those to bring forward to the faculty and trustees.
  4. January: The Committee brings its honorary degree candidate recommendation(s) to a faculty meeting held during early winter term. The faculty vote to approve the honorary degree candidates.
  5. February: At the February Board of Trustees meeting, the individual(s) approved by the faculty are brought to the meeting for approval.
  6. Post-Board of Trustees Meeting: Once the Board of Trustees has approved the honorary degree candidates, the president sends a formal invitation to the candidate(s) inviting them to receive the honorary degree at the following year’s Commencement ceremony.

Nominate a Commencement Speaker or Honorary Degree Recipient

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