All nominations are referred to the Honorary Degrees Committee, whose recommendations are submitted by its chairman to the Institute Leadership. After review and approval by the President, the candidate's name and supporting documents are submitted to the IEP President's Council for formal follow-up.

Honorary Degree nominations must be submitted confidentially to the Committee by any member of the Institute community: faculty, staff, administrator, student, alumni, or friend of the Institute.

The deliberations of this committee are strictly confidential. Nomination materials do not need to be extensive but should demonstrate the extraordinary nature of the candidate's life and contributions and should document support from appropriate campus constituencies. The selection process involves two stages: a screening review and a full review. The committee will screen candidates and forward recommendations to the President based on a majority vote of the members present.

Summary
The honorary doctorate degree is one of the highest recognitions awarded by the IEP. By awarding honorary doctorates to women and men who excel in their respective fields and/or public service, the Institute seeks to recognize and praise their achievements.  All individuals, both external and internal stakeholders at the university, must recognize the enviable qualities of honorary degree recipients.

Because people from any segment of the Institute's community may submit nominations for the honorary doctorate degree, the individual accomplishments prompting the nomination will reflect the broad spectrum of values expressed in contemporary culture. The Institute is committed to selecting the most appropriate nominees to be recognized as exemplary models.

Criteria
For all honorary degree candidates, scientific, creative, professional, service, or occupational achievements must be placed within a framework of great impact and public interest. Candidates for honorary degrees must demonstrate high standards of excellence in their life and work as evidenced by the following criteria for scholarship, creative activity, and/or public service.