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; June 11, 2010


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).

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

ARTICLE 1

INTRODUCTION

SECTION I. 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.

SECTION II. 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 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). It shall have final approval.

SECTION III. RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF TITLE.

The use of the titles University, distinguished, or Regents Professor are authorized only by the Board.

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 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. Regents professors shall receive annual stipends from a recognized University foundation during their tenure as faculty members. 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 AWARDS.

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 University 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 University Professor for as long as they remain at the University.

(a) Approval. The vice provost and dean of graduate education approves this award, upon recommendation of a selection committee appointed by the Office of 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. 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 vice provost and dean of graduate education approves this award, upon recommendation of a selection committee appointed the Office of 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.

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.

 

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.

 

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 the Vice President for Equity and Diversity 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 academic administration approves this award, upon recommendation of a selection committee.

(b) Management. The Office of the Senior Vice President for System Academic 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. 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. 7. 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.