Nomination Process
One of the greatest distinctions the Community College of Rhode Island can award is
an honorary degree. In preparation for Commencement 2026, the Honorary Degree Committee
invites members of the college community to submit nominations for honorary degree candidates.
All nominations should align with the mission and vision of the college and represent at least one of the college’s Guiding Principles.
CCRI Honorary Degree Nomination Form
Mission of the College
The Community College of Rhode Island is a community of thinkers, doers, and achievers.
Our academic and career pathways offer affordable access to teaching excellence and
comprehensive support. We prepare all students to succeed and contribute to our state’s
economic development and the region’s workforce.
As a leader in higher education, we welcome the diverse needs of learners and employers
by advancing innovative educational opportunities to build vibrant communities.
Guiding Principles
-
We believe in our students: We are here for and because of our students. We create conditions inside and outside
the classroom that allow students to reach their highest potential.
-
We champion equity: Our diversity is our strength. We leverage the diverse experiences, backgrounds,
and perspectives that are represented across our community. We build equitable, just,
and inclusive classrooms and workplaces for all in the CCRI community.
-
We strive for excellence and results: Our standards are high because we know our work directly impacts students and the
community. We seek insight and guidance from data when making decisions and work towards
goals-oriented results.
-
We communicate and collaborate: We are better together. We value dialogue, listening, and trusting relationships.
Respectful and intentional communication breaks down silos; creates and maintains
channels between departments, campuses, and roles; and positively impacts our understanding
of how our college works.
-
We pursue creative solutions: Our workplace benefits from an environment that encourages creativity and openness,
while also efficiently managing resources. We will thoughtfully experiment with innovative
ideas in order to best meet the needs of our students and our community.
-
We follow through: We make every effort to meet the needs of our students and colleagues. We follow
through with our students and with each other, and we are diligent and committed in
all our work.
Evaluation of Nominees
Honorary degree nominations should align with the mission and vision of the college and represent at least one of the college’s Guiding Principles and will be evaluated on the specified characteristics and according to this rubric (based on a 100 point scale):
- Character & Philanthropy (20 points): How an individual is regarded through their profession, service and charitable giving.
- Professional Excellence (20 points): the degree in which one excels at their profession or trade.
- Impact (20 points): the degree in which an individual positively influenced the college, local, state,
region, national and or international community.
- Service (20 points): to what extent an individual contributed to CCRI or Rhode Island as a whole.
- Mission and Vision (20 points): How well the candidate, and or their work, relate to the mission and vision of CCRI.