Honorary Doctorate Degree Program Policy

An honorary degree, traditionally known in Latin as honoris causa (“for the sake of honor”), is a prestigious academic recognition awarded by a university or degree-granting institution. Unlike earned degrees, the recipient is not required to fulfill conventional academic requirements such as enrollment, residency, formal coursework, or examinations. Instead, the honorary degree is conferred in acknowledgment of a person’s exceptional contributions and achievements.

At its core, the honorary doctorate is not earned through academic pursuit, but merited through distinguished service. It is intended for individuals who do not require academic preparation for ministry because they have already demonstrated significant effectiveness and leadership in their calling. This degree stands as a formal recognition of their impact, legacy, and dedication to advancing the Kingdom of God.

RAM Bible Institute & Seminary (RAMBIS) is honored to confer the Honorary Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) or the Honorary Doctor of Sacred Letters (D.S.Litt.) upon exemplary pastors, evangelists, ministers, Christian leaders, and public servants. These individuals are selected based on their substantial contributions to the proclamation of the Gospel and the spiritual development of others through discipleship and service.

We extend this recognition to those who truly deserve such an esteemed honor, having demonstrated excellence, leadership, and faithfulness in their field. RAMBIS welcomes nominations and applications from those whose life and ministry reflect a deep commitment to the Gospel and its transformative power.

POLICY OVERVIEW

RAM Bible Institute & Seminary (referred to as ” RAMBIS “) may award Honorary Doctorate Degrees to individuals of notable excellence whose work and service have significantly impacted society, their professions, or the mission and values of RAMBIS. This honor serves as a profound acknowledgment of distinguished achievement, influence, and dedication.

PURPOSE OF THE POLICY

The aim of this policy is to provide a structured and uniform process for the nomination, evaluation, and awarding of Honorary Doctorate Degrees by RAMBIS.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The following benchmarks guide the selection of honorary degree recipients:

1. Demonstrated Excellence
   Candidates must exhibit outstanding accomplishments in their field or notable service to humanity. Contributions may span across disciplines such as education, science, business, ministry, philanthropy, social leadership, or the arts. An investment – either through meaningful financial support or the use of personal influence – is typically expected to reinforce the value and sustainability of the honor, helping to build lasting partnerships and strengthen RAMBIS initiatives and legacy.
2. Alignment with Institutional Mission
   Prospective honorees must reflect RAMBIS core principles – faith, scholarship, leadership, and service. Their life and work should support RAMBIS vision of advancing society through Christ-centered education and leadership.
3. Ethical Standards and Moral Integrity
   Candidates must consistently uphold high ethical standards, demonstrating integrity, compassion, and social responsibility in both personal conduct and professional endeavors.
4. Positive Impact and Influence
   Nominees should have a well-established record of positively influencing individuals, communities, or institutions through leadership, mentorship, advocacy, or service.

NOMINATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES

1. Eligibility to Nominate

Nominations for Honorary Doctorate Degrees may be submitted by faculty, staff, alumni, and board members of RAM Bible Institute & Seminary (RAMBIS). Each nomination must be supported by a complete submission packet providing documentation of the nominee’s credentials, impact, and alignment with the mission and values of RAMBIS.

2. Candidate Requirements

Nominees must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Professional and Ministerial Experience:
  Minimum of 15 to 20 years of service in ministry, leadership, or a related field that demonstrates faithful and impactful work.
• Minimum Age:
  Candidates must be at least 40 years of age at the time of nomination.
• Educational Background:
  A High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) is required.
• Credential Verification:
  Copies of all earned degrees, ministerial licenses, credentials, and relevant certifications must be submitted with the application.

3. Required Application Components

A complete nomination packet must include the following materials:

• Personal Statement:
  A one- to two-page typed statement from the nominee (or nominator) outlining the candidate’s ministry journey, significant accomplishments, and the reason they are deserving of the Honorary Doctorate.
• Ministry Summary or Résumé:
  A comprehensive, typed two-page summary detailing the candidate’s service to the Lord, leadership roles, organizational involvement, and spiritual impact.
• Endorsements:
  Written recommendations from at least three (3) ordained ministers or respected church leaders who can attest to the nominee’s integrity, character, and service record.
• Published or Written Works (if applicable):
  If the nominee has authored a book, booklet, article, or other significant publications, a copy should be included as supporting evidence of their influence and contributions to the Body of Christ.

Submission Note

All components listed above must be included for the nomination to be considered complete. Incomplete applications may be delayed or rejected. RAMBIS is committed to recognizing individuals whose lives, work, and service exemplify the spirit of excellence, Kingdom advancement, and Christlike leadership.

4. Evaluation Committee
   An Honorary Degree Review Committee – comprising representatives from various sectors of RAMBIS – will be convened to examine each nomination. The committee evaluates candidates based on the established criteria and forwards recommendations accordingly.
5. Board Approval
   Final authority for the awarding of Honorary Doctorate Degrees lies with RAMBIS Board of Directors, following the committee’s recommendations.

DEGREE CONFERRAL AND RECOGNITION

1. Recipient Notification
   Individuals selected to receive an Honorary Doctorate will be formally notified following the Board’s approval.
2. Conferral Ceremony
   Degrees are conferred during RAMBIS commencement or other distinguished academic/public events.
3. Presentation and Citation
   Each honoree will receive a formal diploma accompanied by an honorary citation, outlining their achievements and reasons for recognition.

GUIDELINES FOR USE OF THE HONORARY TITLE

Purpose
This section outlines the appropriate and respectful use of the honorary “Dr.” title by recipients of Honorary Doctorate Degrees conferred RAMBIS.

1. Permitted Use of Title
   Recipients may adopt the title “Dr.” before their name in settings where such acknowledgment is appropriate, provided it is clearly understood that the degree is honorary.
2. Transparency and Clarity
   Honorees are encouraged to maintain transparency regarding the honorary nature of their degree, especially in formal, academic, or public representations. Including a notation such as “Honorary” or “Hon. D.” is recommended when relevant.
3. Academic Regalia
   Recipients may wear academic regalia, including caps and gowns, at RAMBIS events or ceremonies where such attire is customary. Participation in academic dress is voluntary.
4. Professional Representation
   Honorees may list their honorary title in biographical notes, publications, websites, or formal correspondence, provided its honorary status is not misrepresented.
5. Institutional Acknowledgement
   At RAMBIS – sponsored functions, recipients may be formally addressed as “Dr. [Full Name]” as a gesture of honor and recognition of their achievements.
6. Consultation for Clarity
   Individuals uncertain about appropriate usage of the title are encouraged to seek guidance from the Office of Academic Affairs or designated RAMBIS representatives.
7. Policy Revisions
   This guidance is subject to periodic evaluation and updates to reflect the evolving standards of RAMBIS and broader academic community.

REVOCATION CLAUSE

RAM Bible Institute & Seminary reserves the right to rescind an Honorary Doctorate Degree if the recipient’s actions or behaviors are later found to be in serious conflict with the values and ethical standards upheld by RAMBIS. Revocation will occur only after thorough investigation and deliberation by the Board of Directors.

POLICY ADMINISTRATION

The Office of Academic Affairs shall oversee the administration and implementation of this policy in collaboration with the Honorary Degree Review Committee and other appropriate RAMBIS offices.

POLICY REVIEW AND AMENDMENTS

This policy is subject to review and revision to ensure its continued alignment with RAMBIS objectives, values, and operational needs. Any changes must receive approval from RAMBIS Board of Directors.

NOMINATIONS

We welcome submissions of deserving individuals for honorary recognition. Please complete the official nomination form to propose a candidate. We look forward to honoring individuals whose lives reflect excellence, service, and Kingdom purpose.

DONATION AND FEES

The Administration Fee in the amount of $100.00 is due at the time of submission. This fee will be returned if the candidate is not approved.

The donation for the Honorary Doctorate Degree is $ 1,500.00. There are no payment plans available for this degree, the suggested donation amount along with the $100.00 administration fee must be paid in full before the degree can be conferred or received.