Honorary degree recipients are recommended by the president of the university and approved by the Board of Trustees. Honorary degrees are awarded to individuals who have achieved unusual distinction in service to the University of Utah and/or society in such areas as research, scholarship, education, the arts, humanities, the professions, business, government service, civic affairs, human rights, humanitarian outreach, social activism, innovation and invention.

Honorary degrees are generally awarded only at official commencements or special convocation events organized by the university. Nominations are confidential.