This award may be conferred only on graduates, or former students of the University, who have attained unusual distinction in their chosen fields or professions or in public service, and who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership on a community, state, national, or international level. The candidate's education at the University should represent a significant portion of his or her total postsecondary education. Outstanding Achievement Awards are not awarded to encourage or reward contributions to the University.
A nomination for an Outstanding Achievement Award should be submitted to the honors committee of the appropriate unit, if one exists, and if not, to the Senate All-University Honors Committee. The following format is to be used:
Nominator -- must be an alumnus or alumna of the University or a current member of the faculty or staff. [Board of Regents policy requires that no disclosure is to be made to the nominee, or persons other than those writing supporting letters, until a decision is forthcoming.]
Letter from Nominator -- should focus on personal knowledge of the nominee's career accomplishments and reputation (one page is acceptable).
Dean or Chancellor Support -- As appropriate (indicated by the cover letter to the nomination.)
Nomination Summary -- 50 words or less, restricted to outlining the nominee's accomplishments (to see sample citations, Click Here).
Outstanding Accomplishments -- one page summary highlighting the individual's accomplishments.
Biographical Information -- not to exceed 5 pages and to include address, telephone/fax number, date and place of birth, education, employment, membership in professional societies, honors and awards, professional and public service, consulting activities, etc.
Selected Publications of Nominee -- not to exceed 5 pages
Supporting Letters -- 3 ideally from the nominee's peers in and outside the University; again, these should focus on personal knowledge as above.
Number of Copies -- 25 of each item; collated, stapled, and clipped (no binders or folders).
Date of Submission -- at least 6 months before the award is presented. (For in December, all materials should be submitted in May. For presentation of awards in May, all materials should be submitted in October of the previous year.) Later submission will be considered, but without any guarantee of timely decision.
Submit to -- honors committee of the appropriate college, if one exists, and if not, to the All-University Honors Committee, c/o Vickie Courtney, University Senate, 427 Morrill Hall, 100 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455.
The college honors committee forwards its recommendations to the Senate All-University Honors Committee. A nomination approved by the Senate All-University Honors Committee is submitted to the President and, finally, to the Board of Regents for approval.