Guidelines for nominations
Nomination criteria
Alumnus of the Year recognises the achievements of former Essex students who have made a substantial contribution to the community, or to the arts or sciences, or to business, sporting, public or academic life, or has, in some way, made a major contribution to the lives of others. It is distinct from an Honorary Degree in that it aims to make an award to an alumnus who is relatively new to their career. Awardees should have graduated within the last ten years.
Nominations can be made at any time by any member of the University community. Nominations received prior to the 31st October each year are considered by the Honorary Degrees and Honorary Fellowships Committee during the following Spring term. The award is presented at the appropriate degree congregation where the Head of Department, or their nominee, makes a short oration and the recipient replies to the congregation.
Nominations will not be accepted for alumni who have not achieved a degree level qualification. You may not nominate yourself for Alumnus of the Year. In order to prevent embarrassment, nominations should not be discussed with the person you are nominating.
How to nominate
Nominations can be made year-round. Nominations received prior to 31 October will be considered by Committee during the following Spring term. Nominations received after that date are held over for the following year.
Make your nomination here
Limited research is conducted into each nominee’s background ahead of consideration by the Committee. Please include any relevant background information about the nominee that may support the nomination.
No public announcement is made until after the successful nominees are agreed by Senate and Council and have accepted the award. The outcome of the Committee’s deliberations must remain confidential until the time of the official announcement.
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