The Honorary Doctoral Degree Committee (HDDC) at Harvest Christian  University is a dedicated body responsible for administering and  overseeing the nomination, vetting, and selection process for honorary  doctoral degrees. Comprised of university leaders and senior faculty,  the HDDC ensures that each candidate for the honorary doctorate meets  rigorous standards of excellence, integrity, and distinguished  achievement across fields such as academia, public service, the arts,  and community leadership. Through careful review of all referrals and  nominations, the HDDC upholds the university’s mission and values,  recommending individuals whose contributions reflect exceptional merit  and bring honor to the institution.

On recommendation of the Honors and Awards Committee and the President, the Board of Regents may vote to confer honorary degrees on distinguished individuals. The Board should award an honorary degree only in recognition of extraordinary and lasting distinction. The award should represent the highest intellectual and moral values; it should reflect the very character and quality of the University itself. 

The awarding of an honorary degree is the recognition of a person whose life and achievements serve as examples of 

the University’s aspirations for its students. It should be offered well before the end of a career, while the accomplishments 

are recent and the activities worthy of highest commendations.

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Disclaimer: Harvest Christian University does not nor has it ever in its existence every charged for doctoral degrees. It exist through gifts, philanthropic donations and contributions to its scholarship programs by Alumni and community friends and partners.

These policies have been adopted by Harvest Christian University to ensure uniformity and a consistent policy for awarding honorary doctorate degrees.  Harvest Christian University degrees awards are consistent with this policy.

The policies and specifies requirements for honorary doctorates conferment are determined and governed only by Harvest Christian University Alumni Relations. Harvest Christian University will not accepts referrals for honorary doctoral degrees from outside the University. Furthermore Harvest Christian University will not accept referrals for honorary doctoral degrees from the University's Alumni, Regents, Officers or Committees. 

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An honorary doctorate is the highest terminal degree conferred by any Post-secondary Institution of higher learning. Harvest Christian University. believes that an honorary doctorate should show recognition of distinctive achievements in a specific or respective space of acumen and experience that has added to the betterment of society to include community impact and engagement.

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An honorary doctorate can only be conferred to an individual who has demonstrated success and acumen over a track of time denoting experience and applied knowledge. public service, or in a field of knowledge and scholarship, consistent with the ideals and purposes of Harvest Christian University. An honorary doctorate recognizes extraordinary and long standing distinction with acumen. Harvest Christian University accepts all applicants regardless of creed , color, ethnic background or religion.

Selection

All candidates selected for honorary degrees are made strictly via Alumni Relations  special committee to ensure the integrity of the program. The committee formed from Alumni Relations are responsible to ensure the process is honorable as well as the recipients a qualified and deserving. No candidates can refer themselves , all referrals come through alumni of the university.

Honorary degree designations shall not be limited. Candidates do not decide what degree they may receive. The degree conferment are offered only once and do not repeat the offers. Harvest Christian also reserves the right to recall any degrees awarded without notice. All such recalls are directed to the Ethics Chair. Final decisions are made through the office of the University President.

HCU Policy and guidelines determine the nominations and review processes and the awarding of the conferment. No disclosure will be made until after final decision and is handed down to the Alumni Relations.  Alumni Relations does not determine or interview potential candidates as it is decided by a special committee. This committee selects based on criteria. Candidates do not select the honorary degree they receive. An honorary degree may be awarded after death (  posthumously ) to a nominee, if after accepting the invitation, but not by referral. In awarding honorary degrees, Harvest Christian University System does not assume any legal obligations and will receives no moneys for referrals to degrees applicants. 

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Disclaimer: Harvest Cristian University does not nor has it ever charged for Honorary degrees. It survives from willing donations, scholarships, contributions and philanthropic giving from its standing alumni as per its  exemption from federal income tax under IRS Section 501(c)(3). And is a public charity under IPC section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). 

https://harvestchristianuniversity.quickschools.com/

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The Traditional Use Of Academic Dress

When it comes time to graduate, many people know what to expect due to the traditional nature of the convocation ceremony. However, it’s common not to really think about why those traditions exist or why graduates always wear academic regalia as they cross the stage to accept their diploma or degree. 

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HCU Tradition Turning of The Tassel

The traditional turning of the Teasel is done from left to right. This is symbolic of the official right movement and direction of the graduate. In addition having the Tassel on the right is the side University Alumni and Staff typically wear officially. Tassel to the right also signals the beginning as a Adjunct Professorship Program with Harvest Christian University. At the official shaking of the hand of the Officiant you become now known as " Dr. "

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HCU Tradition Of Academic Regalia

The cap and gown have come to symbolize recognition and achievement, and as such, it is tradition to wear this type of academic regalia across the globe. 

Doctoral Professionalism

It is also important to Use the  Dr. on the front of your name or Ph.D. on the end but not both front and the end. Graduation is a prime example of a rite of passage that a person may experience in their lifetime. It is quite common to have pomp and circumstance surround these type of big life events as a way to add to the celebration and the distinctive nature. Wearing academic regalia represents an important cultural tradition that usually includes three ritualistic steps.

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1. Having graduates walk into the ceremony in their academic regalia is done to separate the graduates from those simply attending the event.
2. Walking across the stage in their academic dress signifies their achievement.
3. Mingling post convocation ceremony in academic regalia demonstrates their new status to society.

Harvest Christian University reserves the right to refuse all nominations and or referrals as well as any fees from such referrals. Harvest Christian University has no outside agents or representatives referring or recommending doctoral candidates. If this does occur and there is an outside referral please notify the university Ethics Chair for investigation. Harvest Christian University is not responsible for candidate's behavior or character after receiving an Honorary Doctoral Degree. However it does take in consideration human error, past mistakes that many candidates have worked hard to overcome. 

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Oversight, Roles and Responsibilities

Harvest Christian University's requirement for nominating committee appointed by the office of The University President, "The Alumni Relations ". No alumni or Regents or University officers shall at no time recommend candidates at any time for honorary degrees. Only Alumni Relations the office of the University President can recommend candidates based on independent research. for honorary degrees consistent with procedures, policies, and criteria set forth by the President of the University. It is the responsibility of the University to exercise due diligence in ensuring that a nominee is of high moral character.

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Honorary doctorates can range from traditional academic fields to various professional and cultural domains. Here are the types of honorary doctorates that can be conferred:

1. PhD (Doctor of Philosophy): Honorary doctorates in the field of philosophy are often awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to academia, research, or intellectual pursuits. This type of honorary doctorate recognizes distinguished achievements in advancing knowledge and scholarship.
2. Doctor of Business Administration (DBA): Honorary doctorates in business administration are awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact in the business world. Recipients may include successful entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, or influential figures in the business community.
3. Doctor of Counseling (Doctorate in Counseling): Honorary doctorates in counseling are conferred upon individuals who have made substantial contributions to the field of counseling, mental health, or psychology. This recognition may be given to individuals who have significantly advanced the practice and understanding of counseling and mental well-being.
4. Doctor of Entrepreneurship (Entrepreneurship): Honorary doctorates in entrepreneurship are awarded to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship, innovation, and business leadership. Recipients may include successful entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, or influential figures in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
5. Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA): Honorary doctorates in fine arts are granted to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the arts, including visual arts, performing arts, literature, or cultural preservation. This recognition acknowledges significant cultural and artistic impact.
6. Doctor of Public Service (DPS): Honorary doctorates in public service are conferred upon individuals who have shown exemplary dedication to public service, humanitarian efforts, or social advocacy. Recipients may include philanthropists, activists, or leaders in public service organizations.