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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Honorary Degree Nominations

Nominate an Honorary Degree recipient

You can make an impact on the university by nominating someone outstanding for an honorary degree.

The Honorary Degrees Committee wants your recommendations of people who possess one or more of the following:

  • Have contributed to Durham Region/Northumberland County.
  • Made an outstanding intellectual and/or scholarly contribution in their chosen field of academic eminence.
  • Made major contributions in areas relevant to the mission of the university.
  • Provided outstanding service and/or contributions to public service.

The committee encourages nominations that reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

Nominate an outstanding candidate for an honorary degree:

  • Create a one-page PDF document that includes the name of your nominee and their contact information (if you have it).
  • Include the reasons they fit with the university’s criteria for outstanding nominees.
  • Add your contact information as their nominator.
  • Email your PDF to the committee at acmeetings@ontariotechu.ca.

In the early fall, the committee will hold its first meeting to consider nominees for honorary degrees to be conferred in the upcoming academic year.

Please submit your nomination by August 1 if you would like your nominee considered at the committee’s initial meeting. Nominations submitted after this date will be added to the pool of nominees and will be considered at the next meeting of the committee.

The committee will recommend to the President a list of worthy candidates for consideration. The President will select recipients from the list and invite them to accept the honorary degree. Once the invitation has been accepted, the President will report the names of the recipients to the Academic Council.

Please note: You will only hear back from the committee if your nominee is selected to receive an honorary degree or if they would like further information on the candidate. In addition, do not let your nominee know they have been nominated—only the President will contact the selected candidates.

If you have questions or would like further information about the selection process, please contact Krista Hester, Office of the President.