Types of Awards
Honorary Doctorate Degree
The honorary doctorate degree is a standard means by which universities recognize distinguished performance. The honorary doctorate is routinely regarded as the highest form of recognition a university can bestow. Typically, recipients will participate in the commencement ceremony where the degree will be conferred. Recipients may be asked to serve as a commencement speaker; however, serving in such a role is not a requirement. The nomination packet will indicate whether the individual is recommended as a commencement speaker.
The following degree options have emerged as standard designations in higher education for honorary doctorate degrees:
- LLD: Doctor of Laws
- LittD: Doctor of Letters (also known as Doctor of Literature)
- LHD: Doctor of Humane Letters
- ScD: Doctor of Science
- PedD: Doctor of Pedagogy
- DD: Doctor of Divinity
Honorary degree recipients do not receive compensation but will receive an appropriately designated UWF diploma and may keep their doctoral hoods. UWF reimburses for the rental expense for robes used in graduation ceremonies as well as travel expenses incurred if the honoree resides outside of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. An honorary doctorate degree may be awarded posthumously.
Nominations should include the nomination cover sheet (link below) with nomination letter, accompanied by support documentation (including curriculum vitae if appropriate), up to three (max.) letters of recommendation, and evidence of endorsement from an appropriate UWF academic unit using formal endorsement cover sheet (link below).
UWF Honorary Degree Instructions for Nominators
Founders Medallion
The Founders Medallion was established in 2006 to coincide with the celebration of the University of West Florida's 40th anniversary in honor of those University of West Florida faculty, staff, and community visionaries who were leaders in establishing the University. The Medallion symbolizes the founding ideals and vision of the University and is awarded to those who have exemplified those ideals. Nominations for the Founders Medallion are welcomed by any member of the UWF community.
The Founders Medallion recipients are individuals of accomplishment who:
- Recognize the transforming power of education;
- Have records of substantial and sustained service or leadership to the University, leaving a distinct and positive impact on the University;
- Embody UWF's values (integrity, innovation, caring, engaging, equity and diversity); and
- Value the worth of the individual and relationships.
Nominations should consist of a nomination cover sheet, a letter of nomination, appropriate supporting documentation of achievement (such as a curriculum vitae) and two letters of support.
The presentation of the Founders Medallion may take place at UWF Commencement or at any other appropriate time and venue. The Founders Medallion may be awarded posthumously.
Presidential Medal of Honor
The President may award the Presidential Medal of Honor to individuals who have distinguished themselves by their actions and have contributed in some manner to the well-being of the University and the geographical region. This award emphasizes contributions primarily through public service and philanthropy.
The Presidential Medal of Honor recipients are individuals of accomplishment who:
- Have advanced education, research, or outreach mission of the University for the benefit of the region;
- Have records of substantial and sustained service or leadership through public service or philanthropy to the University and the region;
- Leave a distinct and positive impact on the University and community;
- Embody UWF's values (integrity, innovation, caring, engaging, equity and diversity); and
- Have made substantial impacts in their chosen professions.
Nominations should consist of a nomination cover sheet, a letter of nomination, appropriate supporting documentation of achievement (such as a curriculum vitae), and two letters of support.
The presentation of the Presidential Medal of Honor may take place at UWF Commencement or at any other appropriate time and venue. The Presidential Medal of Honor may be awarded posthumously.