UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

BOARD OF REGENTS POLICY

Academic

AWARDS, HONORS, AND RECOGNITION
Adopted: February 19, 1965 & March 10, 1989
Amended: April 13, 1984; July 8, 1994; March 13,
1998; June 12, 1998; September 11, 1998; December
13, 2002; February 13, 2004; November 10, 2005


AWARDS, HONORS, AND RECOGNITION

This policy describes University of Minnesota (University) awards granted to faculty (Article 2), awards administered by the All-University Honors Committee (Article 3), Regents Awards (Article 4), and Other University Awards (Article 5).

ARTICLE 1

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The following principles shall guide the granting of awards, honors, and recognition at the University:

Subd. 1. Recognition of Excellence. The University recognizes excellence and achievement by conferring awards and honors on prominent local, state, national, and international persons who have achieved distinction in public service, enterprise, education, science, literature, and the arts.

Subd. 2. Employee Recruitment and Retention. Awards granted to employees contribute to the quality of the University in extremely significant ways, enabling the University to attract and retain a talented workforce and the very best scholars and researchers in particular fields.

Subd. 3. Consistency with Board of Regents Policy. The awards, honors, and recognitions described in this policy shall be bestowed in accordance with the provisions of Board of Regents Policy: Equal Opportunity and Board of Regents Policy: Reservation and Delegation of Authority.

Subd. 4. Conflict of Interest Relating to a Regent. When a Regent or former Regent is under consideration for an award (other than Regent Emeritus), a special committee, chaired and appointed by the chair of the University Senate All-University Honors Committee (Honors Committee), shall be convened to review and approve the award. The special committee shall have final approval and shall include the chair of the Board of Regents (Board) (or the vice chair if the recommended award recipient is the chair); the vice president for university relations; the senior vice president for academic affairs and provost; and the president of the University of Minnesota Foundation (Foundation).

ARTICLE 2

FACULTY AWARDS

SECTION I. REGENTS PROFESSOR.

The special title of Regents Professor is the highest recognition the University gives to a member of its faculty.

Subd. 1. Approval. The Board awards the title Regents Professor to selected members of the faculty, upon recommendation of the president.

Subd. 2. Management. The Office of the President manages this award process. The president appoints a Selection Advisory Committee (SAC) to review Regents professor nominations, consult with persons from other universities, and make recommendations to the president. Members of the SAC serve at the president’s pleasure, but consideration shall be given for some continuity of membership.

(a) Nomination. Any person or group may nominate a faculty member to receive the title of Regents Professor. Nominations are made to the president.

(b) Selection Criteria. Nominations shall be judged according to:

  • the criteria used by the University to evaluate eligibility for the rank of full professor;
  • the scope and quality of scholarly and/or artistic contributions;
  • the quality of teaching; and
  • contributions to the public good.

Only nominees whose academic distinction is clearly outstanding and whose distinction is clearly recognized by the academic community locally, nationally, and perhaps internationally are recommended to the president.

(c) Review and Recommendations. The SAC shall review nominees and make recommendations to the president. It is the responsibility of the president to recommend awards to the Board.

(d) Restriction on Number of Recipients. The best guarantee of the significance of this award is careful restriction of the total number of recipients. Generally, not more than three persons shall be designated Regents Professor in any given year.

Subd. 3. Provisions.

(a) Title of Regents Professor. The title Regents Professor, once awarded, shall be held as long as the recipient retains a full-time, tenured appointment as a faculty member of the University. To be considered “full-time,” the recipient must hold at least a 66 percent time appointment or be on a sabbatical or other approved leave, including phased retirement. Upon retirement or reduction of the appointment to less than 66 percent time, the faculty member becomes Regents Professor Emeritus. The academic field of accomplishment shall continue to be a part of the title, as, for example, “ Regents Professor of ______ (academic department or field).”
 
(b) Duties and Responsibilities. Designation as a Regents professor does not necessarily imply any changes in duties and responsibilities.
 
(c) Recognition. A person named as a Regents professor shall be suitably recognized in a public ceremony and shall receive from the University a medallion suitable for desk use and for use with academic costume.
 
(d) Annual Stipend. A Regents professor shall receive an annual stipend from the Foundation during their tenure as a faculty member. The stipend shall cease upon retirement or a reduction of appointment to less than 66 percent time, excluding phased retirement.
 
(e) Private Financial Support. The University welcomes private donor support of stipends for Regents professors. However, no endowment shall be accepted to underwrite creation of a Regents professorship in a given department or college.
 
(f) Salary. Appointment as a Regents professor shall not imply any particular salary level for the faculty member receiving such an honor. The salaries of Regents professors shall be determined independently and without reference to their receipt of an annual stipend from the Foundation.
 
(g) Budgetary Oversight. The president maintains oversight of budget items for Regents professors, but budget items shall be transferred to the college in which the recipient holds appointment.

SECTION II. MCKNIGHT PROFESSORS.

The following McKnight Award programs identify, recognize, and support the University’s most promising faculty at critical stages in their careers:

Subd. 1. McKnight Presidential Endowed Chairs. The McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair is one of the highest honors for faculty and reflects the college or campus priorities to recruit or retain highly distinguished, world-class scholars. Recipients are recognized for their academic and research accomplishments and their contributions to advancing the University among its peers. The designation of McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair is held by recipients for a minimum of 7 years, with the option of renewal by the president.

(a) Approval. The president approves this award, upon recommendation of a committee convened by the senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.
 
(b) Management. The Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost manages this award process.

Subd. 2. Distinguished McKnight University Professorship. The Distinguished McKnight Professorship recognizes outstanding mid-career faculty members who have recently achieved full professor status for their scholarly achievements; the potential for greater attainment in their field; the extent to which their achievements have brought distinction to the University; the quality of their teaching and advising; and their contributions to the wider community. Recipients hold the title
Distinguished McKnight Professor for as long as they remain at the University.

(a) Approval. The dean of the Graduate School approves this award, upon recommendation of a selection committee appointed by the Graduate School.

(b) Management. The Graduate School manages this award process.

Subd. 3. McKnight Presidential Fellows. The McKnight Presidential Fellow recognizes recently promoted associate professors in recognition of their research, scholarship, and leadership in their fields. Recipients hold the designation of McKnight Presidential Fellow for 3 years.

(a) Approval. The president approves this award, upon the recommendations of the senior vice president for health sciences and senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.

(b) Management. The Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost manages this award process.

Subd. 4. McKnight Land-Grant Professorship. The McKnight Land-Grant Professorship recognizesjunior scholars for their potential for important contributions to their field; the degree to which their past achievements and current ideas demonstrate originality, imagination, and innovation; their potential for attracting outstanding students; and the significance of their research and the clarity with which it is conveyed to the non-specialist. Recipients hold the designation of McKnight Land-Grant Professor for 2 years.

(a) Approval. The dean of the Graduate School approves this award, upon recommendation of a selection committee appointed by the Graduate School.
 
(b) Management. The Graduate School manages this award process.

SECTION III. HORACE T. MORSE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARD.

The Horace T. Morse University of Minnesota Alumni Association Award is granted to faculty members in recognition of outstanding contributions to undergraduate education.

Subd. 1. Approval. The University Senate Committee on Educational Policy (SCEP) approves this award, upon recommendation of a subcommittee of SCEP.

Subd. 2. Management. The Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost manages this award process.

SECTION IV. OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION AWARD.

The Outstanding Contributions to Graduate and Professional Education Award is granted to faculty members in recognition of their outstanding contributions to postbaccalaureate graduate and professional education.

Subd. 1. Approval. SCEP approves this award, upon recommendation of a subcommittee of SCEP. Subd. 2. Management. The Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost manages this award process.

SECTION V. LECTURESHIPS, FELLOWSHIPS, PROFESSORSHIPS CHAIRS.

Lectureships, fellowships, professorships, and chairs provide scholars a continuous and reliable source of support to pursue their research and teaching. Funds may be used for salary or salary augmentation, graduate student stipends, secretarial support, supplies, travel to scholarly conferences, publishing expenses, and other items necessary to support the work and increase the effectiveness of an outstanding scholar.

Subd. 1. Approval. The president or delegate approves the establishment of a lectureship, fellowship, professorship, or chair.

Subd. 2. Management. The relevant department or college establishes and manages the process for lectureships, fellowships, professorships, and chairs. Proposals to establish one of these awards shall specify the conditions of the award, the activities to be supported by the award, and the amount of the endowment or the annual level of funding.

Subd. 3. Provisions.

(a) Private Financial Support and Naming of Lectureships, Fellowships, Professorships, and Chairs. The University seeks and welcomes private financial support for lectureships, fellowships, professorships, and chairs. Awards established under this policy typically shall carry the name of the donor, of a person or institution designated by the donor, or of a person in whose name the University seeks funds to endow the award.

(b) Restriction on Use of Title. Lectureships, fellowships, professorships, and chairs shall not include such terms as University, distinguished, or the title Regents Professor. These titles are conferred only by the Board.

(c) Level of Endowment.

(1) Approval. The president or delegate must approve the level of endowment.
 
(2) Endowment for Chairs. A permanent chair may be established when $2,000,000 or more has been placed in an endowment that provides in perpetuity the annual funds needed for support. Alternatively, a chair also may be established if a minimum of $200,000 per year of expendable funds is made available for at least ten years. In this latter case, the chair designation shall continue during the term of the support. The combination of salary and chair endowment shall be sufficient to provide salary and fringe benefits for the recipient, staff support, travel, and other expenses. Board of Regents Policy: Faculty Tenure shall govern the appointment of the faculty member holding the chair beyond ten years.
 
In the case of chairs established on a term basis, the number in a particular unit shall be limited in accordance with other applicable University policies to avoid excessive dependence on nonrecurring sources of support. In situations where sufficient funding is available, more than one chair may be supported with the income stream, assuming the original intent of the gift is maintained.
(3) Named Chair Appointment Process. The process of appointing faculty members to a named chair must conform to the search and selection procedures generally followed in the unit in which the named chair is to be established, except as noted in Subd. 3 (d), below.
 
(4) Endowment for Professorships. The combination of salary and endowment shall be sufficient to provide salary and fringe benefits for the recipient, staff support, travel, and other expenses. Professorships require a minimum of $1,000,000 in permanent endowment or a minimum of $100,000 per year of expendable funds for ten years. In the former case, the professorship shall continue in perpetuity; in the latter case, it shall continue during the period for which support is provided. Generally, these funds supplement other support available for faculty salaries in the designated area and may be used for any purpose that enhances the quality of teaching, scholarship, or service in that field.
 
In situations where sufficient funding is available, more than one professorship may be supported with the income stream, assuming the original intent of the gift is maintained. In accepting the gift, the department or other unit must accept responsibility for providing such additional funds as may be necessary for the faculty member(s) holding the professorship to carry out the intent of the gift.
 
(5) Endowment for Faculty Fellows. Faculty fellows require a minimum of $500,000 in permanent endowment or a minimum of $50,000 per year of expendable funds for a period of years. Generally, these funds are used to supplement a professor’s salary, to provide stipends and support for fellowships, or to cover expenses incurred in a lecture series. In situations where sufficient funding is available, more than one faculty fellow may be supported with the income stream, assuming the original intent of the gift is maintained.
 
(6) Other Named Endowments and Awards. Lectureships, fellowships, scholarships, or other named awards title may be used for gifts of less than $500,000 in permanent endowment or $50,000 a year for a period of years. A minimum award in this category would provide at least $1,000 per year for ten years.

(d) Donor Support.

(1) Accepting Donor Support. The University shall be the solejudge of the qualifications of candidates for lectureships, fellowships, professorships, and chairs. However, this does not preclude accepting support for a named chair or professorship for a particular University professor when this appointment has been approved by the department, the college, and the senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.

(2) Coordination With Foundation. All contracts, proposals, and negotiations shall be coordinated with the Foundation to ensure that there is no conflict with other donor/proposal contracts and that the proposal is in compliance with all applicable policies.
 
(3) Coordination Between Fund-Raising and Academic Units. Fundraising units and academic units involved in preparing proposals and cultivating prospective donors shall work closely together to ensure that all parties agree as to how the donation is applied. Insofar as possible, non-salary supplement awards recognizing a particular merit or achievement shall be established as tax-exempt prizes. The minimum levels specified in this policy shall be reviewed at least every five years to determine whether these levels can sustain salary support and the costs associated with professorships or chairs

ARTICLE 3

ALL-UNIVERSITY HONORS AND AWARDS

All-University honors and awards are recommended to the president and the Board by the Honors Committee. The Honors Committee establishes procedures for nominations and solicits, reviews, and recommends nominations for all-University honors and awards for the University system.

Subd. 1. Honorary Degrees. The award of honorary degrees by a university is an extension of its role as the unique institution in society devoted to the discovery, transmission, and preservation of knowledge. The honorary degree is the highest award granted by the University and constitutes recognition of distinctive achievement that has added materially to knowledge and to the betterment of society.

(a) Approval. The Board approves this award.

(b) Management. The Honors Committee manages this award process and submits recommendations to the president. The president recommends awards to the Board.

(c) Provisions.

(1) Selection Criteria and Degree Titles. An honorary degree may be awarded to an individual who has achieved acknowledged eminence in cultural affairs (Doctor of Humane Letters), public service (Doctor of Laws), or a field of knowledge and scholarship (Doctor of Science). The University honors qualified persons within the academic community and other arenas, such as public service or enterprise. Persons receiving honorary degrees need not have received their education at, or have been otherwise associated with, the University. Honorary degrees shall not be awarded solely to encourage or reward contributions to the University.
 
(2) Public Recognition. The awarding of honorary degrees is an event at which achievement is celebrated and given public recognition. It is customary to award several honorary degrees each year

Subd. 2. Outstanding Achievement Awards. Outstanding Achievement Awards may be granted to former students of the University who have attained unusual distinction in their chosen fields, professions, or public service, and who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership on a community, state, national, or international level. Education at the University should represent a significant portion of a candidate’s total education.

(a) Approval. The Board approves this award.

(b) Management. The Honors Committee manages this award process and submits recommendations to the president. The president recommends awards to the Board.

Subd. 3. Awards of Distinction. The Award of Distinction may be granted to individuals who are not or who have not been a student or employee of the University in recognition of distinction in their field, profession, and/or public or volunteer service.

(a) Approval. The Board approves this award.

(b) Management. The Honors Committee manages this award process and submits recommendations to the president. The president recommends awards to the Board.

Subd. 4. Alumni Service Awards. The Alumni Service Award may be granted to former students in recognition of volunteer service to the University; its schools, colleges, departments, or faculty; or to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Alumni Association (Alumni Association) or any of its constituent groups.

(a) Approval. The Board approves this award.

(b) Management. The Alumni Association manages this award process. Nominations are submitted to the executive director of the Alumni Association. After review by the Alumni Association’s Alumni Honors Committee, a recommendation is forwarded to the Honors Committee, which then forwards a recommendation to the president. The president recommends awards to the Board.

Subd. 5. Naming of Buildings, Grounds, Structures, or Areas. University buildings, grounds, structures, or areas may be named to honor an individual or individuals or to recognize the financial contributions of an individual, corporation, or other entity. Since a naming forges a close link between the named individual or entity and the University, it is of special importance that the history, behavior, and reputation of the named individual or entity are consistent with the values for which the University stands.

(a) Approval. The Board reserves to itself authority to name, rename, or revoke the naming of buildings, grounds, structures, or areas.
 
(b) Management. The Board Office manages the process for the naming for past presidents. The Honors Committee manages the process for all other namings and submits recommendations to the president. The president recommends awards to the Board.
 
(c) Procedures. The Board Office shall maintain procedures to implement Article 3, subd. 5, of this policy.

(d) Provisions.

(1) Naming Criteria. The naming of buildings as hall or library is limited to the names of persons who have had an association with the University and who have achieved prominence in a field of endeavor. A building may be named for a person still living who has left the service of the University.
 
(2) Naming for Past Presidents. The University traditionally names buildings for past presidents. The chair of the Board convenes a committee with representatives from the Board, the Faculty Consultative Committee, and the Honors Committee to develop a recommendation for Board action. Consideration of a naming shall take place after a president’s association with the University has ended, usually between one and five years following service.
 
(3) Naming for Significant Financial Contribution. A building, separate parts of a building, grounds, structures, or areas also may be named for a donor, corporation, or other entity whose gift or sponsorship has significantly financed its acquisition, construction, or renovation. In order to ensure consistency in the size of gifts or sponsorships relative to the overall significance of the building or its parts, grounds, structures, or area to be named, the University and the Foundation shall maintain guidelines to implement this policy.

ARTICLE 4

REGENTS AWARDS

Subd. 1. Regents Award. The Regents Award may be granted to individuals who have performed exceptionally valuable and meritorious service to the University or contributed to the building and development of the University through significant benefactions. Candidacy is not limited to graduates or former students of the University.

(a) Approval. The Regents Award Nominating Committee approves this award.
 
(b) Management. The Board Office manages this award process. A Regents Award Nominating Committee reviews nominations and selects recipients of the Regents Award. The committee shall include three members of the Board appointed by the chair of the Board, the president, the senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, and the chair of the Senate Consultative Committee. The president of the Foundation shall serve as an ex officio member.

Subd. 2. Certificate of Outstanding Merit. The Certificate of Outstanding Merit is given to an individual or group of individuals in the University in recognition of outstanding community service.

(a) Approval. The chair of the Board approves this award.
(b) Management. The Board Office manages this award process.
 

Subd. 3. Certificate of Recognition. The Certificate of Recognition recognizes significant achievement by members of the University community who have attained unusual distinction in a field of knowledge and scholarship.

(a) Approval. The chair of the Board approves this award.
(b) Management. The Board Office manages this award process.
 

Subd. 4. Distinguished International Service Award. The Distinguished International Service Award recognizes distinguished foreign dignitaries visiting the University.

(a) Approval. The chair of the Board approves this award.
 
(b) Management. The Board Office manages this award process.

Subd. 5. Regent Emeritus Title. Regents are awarded the title of Regent Emeritus upon their retirement from the Board.

Subd. 6. President Emeritus Title. The title of President Emeritus may be bestowed upon a president who has completed service as president of the University.

(a) Approval. The chair of the Board approves the awarding of the title of President Emeritus.

(b) Management. The Board Office manages this award process.

ARTICLE 5

OTHER UNIVERSITY AWARDS

Subd. 1. Josie R. Johnson Human Rights and Social Justice Award. The Josie R. Johnson Human Rights and Social Justice Award recognizes individuals who, through their principles and practices, exemplify a high standard of excellence in creating respectful and inclusive learning and working environments. Recipients must have made outstanding contributions to the promotion of human rights and social justice within the University community. At least one faculty or staff member and one student shall receive this award each year.

(a) Approval. The Josie R. Johnson Human Rights and Social Justice Award Selection Committee approves this award.

(b) Management. The Office of Multicultural and Academic Affairs manages this award process.

Subd. 2. Outstanding Community Service Award. The Outstanding Community Service Award recognizes the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of faculty, staff, or community members who have made substantial, enduring contributions to the community and improved public life and the well being of society. Such contributions and accomplishments must result in long-term and lasting changes for the public good and demonstrate an unusual commitment to the University and the larger Minnesota community.

(a) Approval. The senior vice president for system administration approves this award, upon recommendation of a selection committee appointed by the Council on Public Engagement.

(b) Management. The Office of the Senior Vice President for System Administration manages this award process.
 

Subd. 3. President’s Award for Outstanding Service. The President’s Award for Outstanding Service recognizes exceptional service to the University and its schools, colleges, departments, and service units by any active or retired member of the faculty or staff. Such service must go well beyond the regular duties of a faculty or staff member and must demonstrate unusual commitment to the University community.

(a) Approval. The president approves this award, upon recommendation of the President’s Award for Outstanding Service Committee.
(b) Management. The Office of the President manages this award process.

Subd. 4. John Tate Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising. The John Tate Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising recognize and reward outstanding academic advising and call attention to the contributions that academic advising makes in helping students formulate and achieve intellectual, career, and personal goals.

(a) Approval. The vice provost for undergraduate education approves this award, upon recommendation of a committee appointed by the vice provost for undergraduate education.
 
(b) Management. The Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost manages this award process.

Subd. 5. McKnight Presidential Leadership Chairs. The McKnight Presidential Leadership Chair recognizes the contributions of University deans and executive officers for their extraordinary scholarly achievements and for their role as respected leaders and mentors. Recipients are chosen for their leadership qualities at the University, their ability to inspire others in their work, and their commitment to advancing the University’s priorities and establishing the University as a world-class institution of research and learning. The designation of McKnight Presidential Leadership Chair is held by recipients for a minimum of 5 years, with the option of renewal by the president.

(a) Approval. The president approves this award, in consultation with the senior vice presidents.

(b) Management. The Office of the President manages this award process.

Subd. 6. Naming of Separate Building Parts. Separate names may be given to separate parts of a building already named for another individual.

(a) Approval. An independent committee approves this award.

(b) Management. An independent committee manages this award process.

Subd. 7. Certificate of Appreciation. The Certificate of Appreciation may be awarded to any person for contributions or services at the collegiate or all-University level.
(a) Approval. The relevant unit approves this award.

(b) Management. The relevant unit manages this award process.

Subd. 8. Departmental Chairs. Departmental chairs may be named to honor an individual.

(a) Approval. The president or delegate approves this award, with the concurrence of the faculty.

(b) Management. The relevant unit manages this award process.

Subd. 9. Teaching Awards. Some individual collegiate units recognize teaching excellence.

(a) Approval. Relevant collegiate units approve this award.
 
(b) Management. Relevant collegiate units manage this award process.