Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act No. 101 of 1997)NoticesInstitutional Statute of the University of Fort HareChapter 11 : Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates78. Honorary degrees |
| (1) | The University may, by resolution of Council and Senate and without examination, confer an honorary doctorate it deems appropriate upon any person in any faculty whom the University may deem worthy of such a degree in terms section 65C of the Act. |
| (2) | No holder of a degree which has been conferred honoris causa shall, on the basis of the honorary degree on its own, be entitled to practice any profession. |
| (3) | A proposal to confer an honorary degree must be submitted in writing to the Registrar by a member of Council, Senate or the Convocation. Such proposal must be seconded by at least five members of the relevant constituency, must be in writing and must reach the Registrar on or before the date published in the University calendar, accompanied by a detailed statement indicating the reasons for the proposed conferment. |
| (4) | The Registrar must refer such proposals to the Honorary Degrees Committee, which consists of the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Deans, members of Council on Senate and three members of Senate appointed by Senate. |
| (5) | The names of the candidates recommended by the Honorary Degrees Committee shall be submitted to Senate, accompanied by the curriculum vitae ("CV") of the candidates and an appropriate statement describing the reasons for the proposal. |
| (6) | Without discussion of the candidates or their CVs, Senate shall vote by way of a secret ballot on the conferment or not of an honorary degree on the candidate. |
| (7) | The chairperson of Senate shall have an ordinary vote on each resolution and, in the case of an equality of votes, a casting vote. |
| (8) | The name(s) of the candidate(s) who obtained an ordinary majority of the votes of the members of Senate present at the meeting shall be submitted to Council. |
| (9) | Without discussing the candidate, Council shall vote by way of a secret ballot on the candidate(s) recommended by Senate, provided that Council shall not discuss the candidates or their CVs or consider any proposal not supported by Senate. |
| (10) | The honorary degree shall be awarded to the candidate who has obtained a majority vote of the members of Council present at a meeting of Council, provided that no posthumous nominations will be accepted. |