Honorary Degree Nomination

The NAIT Board of Governors takes pride in awarding honorary degrees to individuals whose accomplishments locally, nationally or internationally qualify them for NAIT’s highest recognition. Honorary degrees are presented at NAIT’s Convocation ceremonies. Nominees should demonstrate excellence in three primary areas:

1. Support of NAIT's vision, values and promises
2. Learning growth – supports the uniqueness of polytechnic education and lifelong learning
3. Community growth – an inspiring leader and/or corporate citizen

Support of NAIT’s vision, values and promises

The candidate strongly exemplifies NAIT's vision, values and promises in areas that extend beyond their own area of expertise. The candidate supports change and builds a more inclusive, equitable and diverse community. Examples may include:

• The candidate has improved access to education for underrepresented groups
• The candidate is a role model who exemplifies NAIT's vision, values and promises

Learning growth – supports the uniqueness of polytechnic education and lifelong learning

The candidate demonstrates an exceptional impact on the NAIT community, is a champion of student success and supports NAIT and lifelong learning. Examples may include:

• The candidate makes a continual effort to be an ambassador for polytechnic education
• The candidate has developed initiatives or innovations that have positively impacted polytechnic education
• The candidate is involved in efforts to improve learning at NAIT

Community growth – an inspiring leader and/or corporate citizen

The candidate exemplifies exceptional corporate citizenship through philanthropy, volunteering, public service and/or industriousness. The candidate is a role model for current and future graduates, and champions others in their own journeys. Examples may include:

• The candidate volunteers time to coach or mentor youth
• The candidate donates time and/or resources to support underrepresented groups

An affiliation with NAIT is desirable but not mandatory. The honorary degree will be presented to outstanding people in diverse fields who are not currently employees of the polytechnic or members of the NAIT Board of Governors.

Anyone can submit a nomination for a NAIT honorary degree.

The honorary degree nomination process is confidential. Out of respect for all nominees, we ask that you please not notify the nominee about the nomination. Successful nominees will receive official notification before awarding.

Honorary degree nominations will be accepted until January 6, 2023. All nominations are kept on file for five years and reviewed annually.

Electronic submission of your package is preferred. Please submit your nomination package using the form below. Where possible, please submit one PDF document that contains your supporting material. You can also submit a compressed zip file. If you need help on how to add files to a zip file, please refer to these instructions from Microsoft.

If you are unable to use the nomination form, you may submit your completed package by email. Please reach out to honorarydegree@nait.ca to get a copy of the nomination form, and make sure you include a PDF of your supporting documents.

If you are unable to submit your package electronically, please mail it to:

NAIT Honorary Degree Selection Committee
c/o Vice-President External Relations
Room T713, 11762 - 106 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5G 2R1

Your nomination package must include:

• the completed nomination form
• a minimum of two (2) concise written statements from others in support of your nominee, and
• a photo of the nominee (if available)

Decisions on the award recipients will be based on the information provided in your nomination package. Please be as thorough as possible in your nomination.

A selection committee made up of NAIT staff will review nominations and make recommendations, which are then reviewed by NAIT's Academic Council and Executive Management Committee. The Board of Governors selects the final award recipients.

If you have any questions about the nomination process or require support with submitting your nomination, please contact honorarydegree@nait.ca.