Topic summary
Honorary Doctorate
Extracted from the Wikipedia article Honorary degree.
Modern practice
Honorary degrees are usually awarded at regular graduation ceremonies, although some universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, award honorary degrees at separate ceremonies. Recipients may be invited to give an address – which can vary from a short acceptance speech to a full commencement address. Many US institutions will also pay commencement speakers, particularly celebrities, in addition to granting them an honorary degree. Generally, universities nominate several persons each year for honorary degrees; these nominations usually go through several committees before receiving approval. Nominees are generally not told until a formal approval and invitation are made; often it is perceived that the system is shrouded in secrecy, and occasionally seen as political and controversial. On occasion, organisations have been awarded honorary doctorates.