Joint Committee on Commencement Speakers and Honorary Degree Recipients


The Joint Committee on Commencement Speakers and Honorary Degree Recipients is charged with accepting nominations for honorary degrees and commencement speakers from various college constituencies, including the Faculty Advisory Committee to the President, faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, parents, volunteer board members, and the local community.

Honorary Degrees


The committee is required to review the information presented and to recommend to the President those candidates that the committee believes meets the criteria of an exceptional record of distinction and achievement in at least one of the following areas: scholarship, research, teaching, creative arts, and public service, or manifests outstanding acclaim to the College. 

In addition, the College confers honorary degrees in recognition of outstanding intellectual or creative achievements in scholarship, high distinction in service to humanity, including meritorious contributions to the College or for exemplary leadership in education, business, public service, or other appropriate sector of society.

The President will review the nominations and forward them to the College of Charleston Board of Trustees for final consideration. 

Honorary Degree Nominations

Commencement Speakers


In selecting commencement speakers, the College seeks individuals whose professional achievements and personal integrity reflect the values of the College.  The Commencement Speaker should typically be a person who is deemed worthy of receiving an honorary degree. 

Candidates approved for honorary degrees have distinguished themselves in their careers, in service to others, and/or have made significant contributions to the life of the College. To nominate a commencement speaker, please fill out the nomination form.

Speaker Nominations