Graduate Studies Awards

The Graduate Dean’s List of University Scholars and Artists provides recognition of the University’s most outstanding graduate students. The annual list is limited to one percent of the University’s graduate enrollment. Those selected will be named in the Commencement Program and will receive a plaque from the Dean of Graduate Studies. 

Criteria for the Graduate Dean’s List of Scholars and Artists:

1. Students must have graduated in the previous Summer, the previous Winter, or in the current Spring Commencement;
2. Students must have a minimum 3.75 cumulative GPA;
3. Students must have applied the theoretical knowledge gleaned from their program of study in at least one of the following ways:
   1. Contributions to the campus community at the department, college, and/or university levels;
   2. Contributions to the body of knowledge in their field (e.g., conducting research or other scholarly and creative activities);
   3. Contributions to the discipline/profession on and off campus (e.g., leadership activities).

In recognition of outstanding graduate student achievements, the Office of Graduate Studies honors graduating doctoral and master’s degree students by special recognition in the annual commencement ceremonies. Honors are usually restricted to students not otherwise recognized by University or College awards. Those selected will be named in the Commencement Program and will receive a certificate from the Dean of Graduate Studies. 

Criteria for Graduate Student Honors:

1. Students must have graduated in the previous Summer, the previous Winter, or in the current Spring Commencement;
2. Students must demonstrate excellence in, and contribute to, the discipline, including outstanding seminar papers, special achievements in fieldwork, applauded artistic exhibitions or performances, service to University committees and functions, and participation in creative, scholarly, or professional organizations;
3. Student's overall and program GPA must be considered.

This award is presented to a graduate student whose thesis has been selected as being the university outstanding thesis from the Office of Graduate Studies. Each College submits one thesis that will be considered for the Graduate Dean's Distinguished Thesis Award. To be eligible, the thesis must have been completed in the previous Summer, in the previous Winter, or by the Spring commencement ceremony in which it is awarded. Those selected will be named in the Commencement Program, will receive a certificate and a $100 award from the Dean of Graduate Studies, and a notation in the thesis catalog record. 

This award is presented to a graduate student whose project has been selected as being the university outstanding project from the Office of Graduate Studies. Each College submits one project that will be considered for the Graduate Dean's Distinguished Project Award. To be eligible, the project must have been completed in the previous Summer, in the previous Winter, or by the Spring commencement ceremony in which it is awarded. Those selected will be named in the Commencement Program and will receive a certificate and a $100 award from the Dean of Graduate Studies.

This award is presented to a graduate student whose project has been selected as being the university outstanding project from the Office of Graduate Studies. Each College submits one project that will be considered for the Graduate Dean's Distinguished Dissertation Award. To be eligible, the project must have been completed in the previous Summer, in the previous Winter, or by the Spring commencement ceremony in which it is awarded. Those selected will be named in the Commencement Program, will receive a certificate and a $100 award from the Dean of Graduate Studies, and a notation in the thesis catalog record. 

1. College-Level Nomination

Each college conducts its own internal review to select nominees. Each college may forward:

• 1 thesis nomination
• 1 dissertation nomination
• 1 project nomination

Nomination packets must include:

• Abstract (250–300 words)
• PDF of the current version of the thesis, dissertation, or project report
• Graduate advisor nomination letter (see below for required elements of the nomination letter)

2. Submission to Graduate Studies

Colleges submit their final nominees to Graduate Studies by March 15.

3. Final Review & Selection

The Dean of Graduate Studies and Faculty Director of Graduate Studies will:

1. Review nomination packets using their official rubrics. View the rubrics here: Graduate Dean's Distinguished Awards Evaluation Rubrics (.docx)
2. Evaluate overall scholarly merit, impact, and clarity and 

Select:

• 1 recipient of the Dean’s Distinguished Dissertation Award
• 1 recipient of the Dean’s Distinguished Thesis Award
• 1 recipient of the Dean’s Distinguished Project Award

4. Recognition

Each awardee receives:

• $100
• Certificate of Recognition
• Notation in the Commencement Program
• Notation on library record, where applicable.

Colleges are encouraged to highlight and celebrate their nominees as “Distinguished Graduate Studies Thesis/Dissertation/Project Nominees” at the college level.

Required Elements for Graduate Advisor Letter 

1. Introduction

• Advisor’s name, title, and role in relation to the student (e.g., “thesis chair,” “graduate advisor”).
• Student’s name, program, and thesis/dissertation/project title.

2. Scholarly/Professional Merit

• Brief summary of the quality of the student’s thesis/dissertation/project.
• Comment on originality, rigor, creativity, and execution (as relevant).

3. Contribution & Impact

• Significance of the work to the discipline, profession, or community.
• Potential for dissemination (publication, presentation, application in practice, etc.).

4. Student Reflection (200–300 words, inserted or appended)

Advisor should include a short reflection written by the student, addressing:

• The significance of the work;
• Its impact (academic, professional, or community);
• The meaning of the project for the student’s own growth.

(This can be included as a block quote within the advisor’s letter or as an addendum page).

5. Closing Endorsement

• Advisor’s explicit statement of support for the student’s nomination for the award.
• Signature, date, and contact info.

Colleges must submit their list of nominees and accompanying materials to the Dean of Graduate Studies by March 15th. The Office of Graduate Studies will inform all recipients of the awards. The Office of Graduate Studies will also provide the physical awards to the recipients, either at College award ceremonies or by mailing them directly to the student.