|
An ad eundem degree is a courtesy degree awarded by one university or college to an alumnus of another.
Before the advent of modern means of transportation had shrunk the world, it was common, when a graduate from one American college moved into the neighborhood of another, for the college in his new hometown to admit him as a courtesy 'to the same degree' (in Latin, ad eundem gradum). Thus if he was a bachelor of arts in the college he had attended, he was likewise a bachelor of arts in the eyes of his new local college. (Not every college extended this courtesy to all other colleges, however.)
The practice generally died out in the early 19th century. However, it continues at Cambridge University, Oxford University and Trinity College, Dublin where the process is known as "incorporation".
NB This article uses "college" in its American sense. See college, §2, for details.
|
