HANDBOOK OF POLICIES AND

PROCEDURES FOR AWARDS

AND RECOGNITION

Revised Fall 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

OFFICIAL REGENTS' POLICY

Philosophy

University Awards

Regents' Awards

Statement on Conflict of Interest

Preamble

The University of Minnesota confers a number of awards and honors on individuals of local, statewide, national, or international prominence who have achieved distinction and recognition in public service, enterprise, philanthropy, education, science, literature, or the arts. These awards are based on policy established by the Board of Regents and procedures determined by the Senate All-University Honors Committee.

For the official regents' policy statement on awards and recognitions, go to http://www1.umn.edu/regents/policies/academic/Awards.pdf (Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed to view this policy).

Questions about the University honors program may be directed to the University Senate, 427 Morrill Hall, 100 Church Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455, (612) 625-9369, fax (612) 626-1609, e-mail (senate@umn.edu).

Purpose of Awards

The University of Minnesota has a long tradition of awarding honorary degrees, outstanding achievement awards, alumni service awards, Regents awards and naming buildings, that celebrate the accomplishments of alumni and others outside the University who exemplify the best of scholarly and public life. Such awards not only honor the recipient, they also bring honor, pride, and goodwill to the University and the collegiate units. We all benefit from the important contributions these citizens make to the University and to the people of Minnesota, as well as to the broader community, and by publicly recognizing their achievements we demonstrate our commitment to excellence and service.

Categories and Types of Awards

Awards are made in three general categories.

For persons who are not employees of the University there are four types of award:

For University employees there are also five types of award: For both of the above categories there is also a President's Award for Outstanding Service and an Outstanding Community Service Award.

Six types of awards are made by the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota:

Nomination Procedures for Honorary Degrees, Outstanding Achievement Awards, University of Minnesota Awards of Distinction, and Alumni Service Awards

Nomination of any living person may be made by any member of the faculty or staff of any department, school, college, institute, or other unit of the University of Minnesota, by the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, or by any alumnus or alumna of the University, subject to the procedures noted below. With the exception of persons who have retired officially, any person who is currently an active member of the University faculty or staff, or a sitting Regent, will not be awarded an honorary degree, an Outstanding Achievement Award, or an Alumni Service Award.

Nominations for the University of Minnesota Award of Distinction must be made by an alumnus or alumna of the University or current member of the faculty, staff, or student body. A nominee for this award cannot be or have been a member of the faculty, staff, Board of Regents, or an alumnus or alumna of the University.

Nominators, and honors committees in academic units, are urged to seek appropriately qualified female and minority nominees; the latter in particular have not been well represented in past awards.

The nomination should be reviewed by an appropriate committee of the recommending unit, if one exists. The original recommendation, accompanied by supporting documentation as set out below, and the report of the reviewing committee of the relevant unit, should then be forwarded to the Senate All-University Honors Committee. The process takes approximately six months.

Each nomination must contain full biographical information on the nominee and must document in detail the particular achievements that are the basis of the award. Formats for nomination are provided in the discussion of each type of award. Favorable recommendations of the Senate All-University Honors Committee are forwarded to the president with the full file, including all supporting documentation, and a brief summary of the committee's conclusions. The Committee may reject a nomination either for lack of merit or for lack of adequate documentation. In the latter case the nomination may be revised and re-submitted.

The Senate All-University Honors Committee may refer any recommendation back to the nominating unit for further consideration or for additional information.

An individual who has received an honorary degree, outstanding achievement award, University of Minnesota award of distinction, or alumni service award may be considered for another award.

Information concerning expenses, beyond that specified for each award, is available from University Relations. [Refer also to the Presentation Procedures]

Throughout the process, and until the Regents approve a nomination, its status is confidential.

University Awards for Persons Who Are Not Employees of the University

Honorary Degree

This degree is the highest award conferred by the University of Minnesota. An honorary degree may be awarded to an individual who has achieved acknowledged eminence in cultural affairs, in public service, or in a field of knowledge and scholarship. Honorary degrees are not awarded to encourage or reward contributions to the University.

The University of Minnesota awards the following honorary degrees:

The honorary degree is conferred by the president of the University or a designated representative on behalf of the University. The University awards several honorary degrees annually. Recipients of honorary degrees need not have been educated at or otherwise associated with the University of Minnesota. A recommendation that a person be considered for an honorary degree should be submitted to the honors committee of the appropriate unit, if one exists, and if not, to the All-University Honors Committee of the University Senate. The following format is to be used:

 Nominee -- cannot be a current member of the faculty or staff, or a sitting Regent, but retirees are eligible.

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 on the nomination.]

Nomination Summary -- 50 words or less, restricted to outlining the nominee's accomplishments, excluding degrees and appointments (see sample citations).

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.

Dean, Chancellor, Vice President level Support -- As appropriate (indicated by the cover letter to the nomination).

Selected Publications of Nominee --not to exceed 5 pages (if not appropriate, 5 more pages are allowed for biographical information).

Letter from Nominator -- should focus on personal knowledge of the nominee's career accomplishments and reputation.

Supporting Letters -- at least 3, not more than 5 from the nominee's peers in and outside the University; again, these should focus on personal knowledge as above.

Maximum Length of Dossier -- not more than 25 pages.

Number of Copies -- 30 of each item, collated stapled and clipped (no binders and folders).

Date for Submission -- at least 6 months before the award is presented.

Submit To -- the 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 Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455.

To print a copy of these requirements, Click Here.

Note: Persons writing letters of nomination should know that such letters will be legally available to the nominee upon request, even to an unsuccessful candidate who becomes aware of the nomination. Nominators should also make sure that writers of supporting letters are aware that their letters, too, will be available on request.

A nomination approved by the Senate All-University Honors Committee is submitted to the President and, finally, to the Board of Regents for approval. [Board of Regents policy requires that no disclosure is to be made to the nominee while his or her name is under consideration.]

Units sponsoring honorary degrees are encouraged to provide travel support when funds are available. In general, award and citation costs are borne by University Relations, award ceremony costs by the nominating unit, and travel expenses by the awardee.

Outstanding Achievement Award

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 post-secondary 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:

Nominee -- cannot be a current member of the faculty or staff, or a sitting Regent, but retirees are eligible.

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 on the nomination.]

Letter from Nominator -- should focus on personal knowledge of the nominee's career accomplishments (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, excluding degrees and appointments (see sample citations).

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 (graduate or attended classes), current job title or last job title before retirement. Supporting Letters -- no more than 3 from the nominee's peers in and outside the University; again, these should focus on personal knowledge as above.

Number of Copies -- 30 of each item, collated stapled and clipped (no binders and folders).

Date for Submission -- at least 6 months before the award is presented.

Submit To -- the honors committee of the appropriate unit, if one exists, and if not, to the All University Honors Committee, c/o Vickie Courtney, University Senate, 427 Morrill Hall, 100 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455.

A nomination must have the approval of the dean or chancellor. A nomination approved by the Senate All-University Honors Committee is submitted to the President and, finally, to the Board of Regents for approval.

Note: Persons writing letters of nomination should know that such letters will be legally available to the nominee upon request, even to an unsuccessful candidate who becomes aware of the nomination. Nominators should also make sure that writers of supporting letters are aware that their letters, too, will be available on request.

Board of Regents policy requires that no disclosure is to be made to the nominee while his or her name is under consideration.

Units sponsoring Outstanding Achievement Awards or honorary degrees are encouraged to provide travel support when funds are available. In general, award and citation costs are borne by University Relations, award ceremony costs by the nominating unit, and travel expenses by the awardee.

University of Minnesota Award of Distinction

This award recognizes those who have attained distinction in their field, profession, and/or public or volunteer service and are not an alumnus or alumna of the University of Minnesota. Awards of Distinction are not awarded to encourage or reward financial contributions to the University.

A nomination for an Award of Distinction should be submitted to the All-University Honors Committee. The following format is to be used:

Nominee – cannot be or have been a member of the faculty, staff, Board of Regents, or an alumnus or alumna of the University.

Nominator – must be an alumnus or alumna of the University or a current member of the faculty, staff, or student body. [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 on the nomination.]

Letter from nominator – should focus on personal knowledge of the nominee’s distinction in their field, profession, and/or public or volunteer service.

Dean, Chancellor or Vice President Support – As appropriate (indicated by the cover letter to the nomination.)

Nomination Summary – 50 words or less, restricted to outlining the nominee’s accomplishments (see sample citations).

Outstanding Accomplishments – one page summary highlighting the individual’s accomplishments.

Biographical Information – to include nominee’s address, telephone/fax number, date of birth, education, employment, professional and public and/or volunteer service.

Supporting Letters – three ideally from both from the nominee’s peers inside and outside the University; again, these are in addition to the letter from the nominator and should focus on personal knowledge as outlined above.

Number of Copies – 30 of each item, collated, stapled and clipped (no binders and folders).

Date for Submission – Recommend at least 6 months before the award is to be presented.

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 Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455.

To print a copy of these requirements, Click Here.

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.

NOTE: Persons writing letters of nomination should know that such letters will be legally available upon request, even to an unsuccessful candidate who becomes aware of the nomination. Nominators should also make sure that writers of supporting letters are aware that their letters, too, will be available on request.

Board of Regents policy requires that no disclosure is to be made to the nominee while his or her name is under consideration.

Units sponsoring Awards of Distinction are encouraged to provide travel support when funds are available. In general, award and citation costs are borne by University Relations, award ceremony costs by the nominating unit, and travel expenses by the awardee.

Alumni Service Award

This award recognizes service as a volunteer who has had a major impact on the University, its schools, colleges, departments, or faculty, or to the University of Minnesota Alumni Association or any of its constituent groups.

Submit nominations to the President and CEO of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association in the following format:

Nominee -- must be graduate or a former student of the University; cannot be a current member of faculty or staff, or a sitting Regent, but retirees are eligible.

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 on the nomination.]

Nomination Summary -- 50 words or less, restricted to outlining the nominee's accomplishments and services as a volunteer (see sample citations).

Outstanding Service to the University -- one-page summary highlighting the individual's volunteer service.

Biographical Information -- not to exceed 5 pages and to include address, telephone/fax number, date and place of birth, education, University background, and other relevant information (e.g., other public service).

Letter from Nominator -- should focus on personal knowledge of the nominee's volunteer accomplishments and reputation. It should demonstrate a legacy of exceptional service.

Supporting Letters -- not more than 3 from the nominee's peers in and outside the University; one of the three letters must be from a key collegiate, UMAA, or University employee - again, these should focus on personal knowledge as above.

Maximum Length of Dossier -- not more than 25 pages.

Number of Copies -- 30 of each item, collated, stapled and clipped (no binders and folders).

Date for Submission -- at least 6 months before the award is to be 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 submissions will be considered, but without any guarantee of timely decision.

Submit to -- the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, Phil Esten; President and CEO, University of Minnesota Alumni Association; c/o Sandy Massel; McNamara Alumni Center, Suite #200; 200 Oak Street SE; Minneapolis, MN 55455.

To print a copy of these requirements, Click Here.

Note: Persons writing letters of nomination should know that such letters will be legally available to the nominee upon request, even to an unsuccessful candidate who becomes aware of the nomination. Nominators should also make sure that writers of supporting letters are aware that their letters, too, will be available on request.

The alumni association's Awards Committee reviews nominations and forwards its recommendations to the Senate All-University Honors Committee c/o Vickie Courtney, 427 Morrill Hall, 100 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455. A nomination approved by the Senate All-University Honors Committee is submitted to the President and, finally, to the Board of Regents for approval.

Board of Regents policy requires that no disclosure is to be made to the nominee while his or her name is under consideration.

Units sponsoring Alumni Service Awards are encouraged to provide travel support when funds are available. In general, award and citation costs are borne by University Relations, award ceremony costs by the nominating units and travel expenses by the awardee.

Honorary Namings

Significant University assets may be named in honor of an individual or a non-University entity to recognize service, dedication or meritorious contributions to the institution when the naming is not associated with a gift or sponsorship. These assets should not be named for a person who is currently on the regular faculty or staff of the University, but may be named for a person still living who has retired or left the service of the University.

The University has a tradition of naming buildings for its past presidents, and encourages the continuance of this tradition. When a president leaves the University, a committee comprising representatives of the Board of Regents, the Faculty Consultative Committee, and faculty representatives of the All-University Honors Committee will consider naming a building for that president, and will forward a recommendation to the Senate All-University Honors Committee.

Where individual rooms are to be named after an individual or individuals, recommendations should be reviewed by the honors committee of the recommending college/unit that occupies the building if one exists, and if not, by a special committee set up by the department head or the dean of that college/unit. Recommendations to name individual rooms after an individual or individuals need not be forwarded to the Senate All-University Honors Committee.

The format for recommending the naming of a building, its parts, or University grounds to the Senate All-University Honors Committee shall be as follows:

Nominee -- cannot be a current member of the faculty or staff, or a sitting Regent, but retirees are eligible.

Nominator -- must be an alumnus, a current member of the faculty or staff, or a member of the University Foundation. [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 on the nomination.]

Summary of Nomination -- one-page summary of nominee's accomplishments (excluding degrees and appointments).

Letter from Nominator -- should focus, from personal knowledge, on the services of the nominee or the philanthropic activities that justify the nomination.

Supporting Letters -- at least 2, not more than 4, focusing as above on the services or philanthropy of the nominee.

Letter from Dean, Chancellor, Vice President level support - as appropriate (indicated by the cover letter to the nomination)

Maximum Length of Dossier -- not more than 12 pages.

Number of Copies -- 30 of each item, collated, stapled and clipped (no binders or folders).

Date of Submission – recommend at least 6 months before the naming is to take place. Later submission will be considered, but without any guarantee of timely decision.

Submit to -- the honors committee of the appropriate college/unit that occupies the building, if one exists. The college/unit honors committee forwards its recommendation to the All-University Honors Committee. If a college/unit does not have an honors committee, the nomination should be submitted directly to the All-University Honors Committee, c/o Vickie Courtney, University Senate Office, 427 Morrill Hall, 100 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455.

For procedures on namings associated with gifts or sponsorships, please consult the Board of Regents Namings Policy. Questions can also be directed to Vickie Courtney at 612-625-4805.

Note: Persons writing letters of nomination should know that such letters will be legally available to the nominee upon request, even to an unsuccessful candidate who becomes aware of the nomination. Nominators should also make sure that writers of supporting letters are aware that their letters, too, will be available on request.

A nomination approved by the Senate All-University Honors Committee is submitted to the President and, finally, to the Board of Regents for approval. [Board of Regents policy requires that no disclosure is to be made to the nominee while his or her name is under consideration.]

University Awards For Persons Who Are Current Employees of the University

Certificate of Appreciation

This award may be made to any person for contributions or services at the collegiate or all-University level. Submit nominations to the relevant unit's honors committee for approval. The award does not require action by the Senate All-University Honors Committee or approval by the Board of Regents. A standard design format for the certificate is available from the printing and graphic arts department. Editorial assistance is available through the University Relations publications section.

Horace T. Morse-Minnesota Alumni Association Award for Undergraduate Education

This award is given to faculty members in recognition of their outstanding contributions to undergraduate education. Candidates are nominated through their colleges, and a selection committee under the leadership of the Senate Committee on Educational Policy approves nominations. This award is administered by the Office of Senior Vice President and Provost, and does not require action by the Senate All-University Honors Committee or approval by the Board of Regents. Questions regarding this award should be directed to Karen Linquist at 612-624-9817.

Josie R. Johnson Human Rights and Social Justice Award

This 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 should receive this award per year. Nominations must be submitted according to the guidelines established by the Josie R. Johnson Human Rights and Social Justice Award Selection Committee. This award is administered by the Multicultural and Academic Affairs Office, and does not require action by the Senate All-University Honors Committee or approval by the Board of Regents.

Naming of Chair, Professorship, Lectureship, or Fellowship

Departmental chairs, professorships, lectureships, and fellowships are usually named in honor of the donor, a person or institution the donor designates, or a person in whose name the University seeks to endow the award. Proposals to establish a chair, professorship, lectureship, or fellowship require consultation with the department and college concerned, a recommendation from the appropriate dean (or from the senior vice president for health sciences in cases of health sciences units), and approval of the senior vice president and provost.

The naming of chairs, professorships, lectureships, or fellowships does not require action by the Senate All-University Honors Committee or regents' approval, but the gifts' terms must be acceptable to and consistent with the policies of the Board of Regents. All contracts, proposals, and negotiations should be coordinated with the University of Minnesota Foundation/Office of Development. For more information on policies, contact the foundation.

Outstanding Community Service Award

This award recognizes the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of faculty, staff, or community members who have devoted their time and talent to make substantial enduring contributions to the community and to improving 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 greater Minnesota community. Nominations must be submitted according to the guidelines established by the University Outstanding Community Service Award Selection Committee through the Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost.

Teaching Awards

These awards are given by some individual collegiate units, and do not require action by the Senate All-University Honors Committee or approval by the Board of Regents. Nominating procedures are governed by the rules of each collegiate unit.

President's Award for Outstanding Service

This award recognizes exceptional service to the University, its schools, colleges, departments and service units by any active or retired member of the faculty or staff. Such service must have gone well beyond the regular duties of a faculty or a staff member, and demonstrate unusual commitment to the University community.

A nomination for a President's Award for Outstanding Service should be submitted to the President's Award Committee. The following format is to be used:

Nominee -- must be an active or retired member of the University faculty or staff who has not already received this award.

Nominator -- must be a current member of the faculty or staff or alumni of the University. Complete the cover page (Word) to the nomination and submit with the complete nomination packet.

Letter from nominator -- Should focus on personal knowledge of the nominee's exceptional service, i.e, innovative service to students, the University community (broadly interpreted), individual units of the University, or outreach beyond the University.

Biographical Information --To include nominee's address (work and home), telephone number and email address. University background such as current job title and classification or last job title before retirement. Indicate if the nominee is a bargaining unit, civil service, P&A, faculty or retired employee.

Vitae and/or job description -- Appropriate for the position (no folders or binders).

Supporting Letters -- Three (in addition to the letter from the nominator) from the nominee's peers in and outside the University. Again, these should focus on personal knowledge as above.

Nomination -- Must include a letter from the person to whom the nominee reports indicating their support for the nomination (this may be submitted as one of the letters of support or as the letter of nomination. If the person is retired, the letter should come from the person to whom they reported to in their previous position).

Number of copies -- 8 (no folders or binders).

Date for Submission -- March 15, 2013

Submit to -- President's Award Committee, c/o Vickie Courtney, 427 Morrill Hall, 100 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455.

To print a copy of these requirements, Click Here.

 Note: Persons writing letters of nomination should know that such letters will be legally available to the nominee upon request, even to an unsuccessful candidate who becomes aware of the nomination. Nominators should also make sure that writers of supporting letters are aware that their letters, too, will be available on request.

The review committee, appointed by the President, recommends candidates for this award to the President. The President will have final authority to grant the award that does not require action by the Senate All-University Honors Committee or approval by the Board of Regents. Questions regarding this award should be directed to the University Senate Office at 612-625-9369.

Presentation Procedures

When the Board of Regents has approved an award, the President's office will notify the head of the nominating unit and will ask him or her to specify a date or preferred occasion for presenting the award. When the date has been set, a letter from the President will inform the awardee of his or her selection and invite the awardee to be present to receive the award.

Preparations for the award ceremony are made through the coordinated efforts of the President's office, the head of the nominating unit, University Relations, and, when appropriate, the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. The manner in which recognition is given is as important as the award itself. Careful planning for a ceremonial event will create a truly memorable experience for the honoree and demonstrate to others present that the University of Minnesota values and celebrates scholarship, the pursuit of excellence, and individual accomplishment.

The President's office designates a person to present the award. An Outstanding Achievement Award, Award of Distinction, or Alumni Service Award will usually be presented by one of the following: the President, the chair of the Board of Regents, a regent, a vice president, a dean, or a regents' professor.

University Relations prepares (in consultation with the nominating unit) the citation and orders the hood for an honorary degree. It also orders and engraves the medallions for Outstanding Service Awards, Awards of Distinction, and Alumni Service Awards. The nominating unit or the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, whichever is appropriate, plans and conducts the award ceremony.

A recipient is ordinarily expected to be on campus for the presentation of the award at the occasion suggested in the President's letter. He or she should be invited to indicate whether this will be possible or if it will create any unusual hardship. When circumstances make it appropriate, an alternate time and place convenient to both the recipient and the nominating unit may be chosen for the presentation.

These policies also apply to recipients living outside the continental United States.

The University Relations office, as the President's agent, coordinates the processing of awards and keeps an official and permanent record of all awards given.

Regents Awards

Awards completely under the purview of the Board of Regents are described briefly here. These awards and their presentation are handled by the office of the executive director and corporate secretary of the Board of Regents. Complete information can be obtained from: http://www1.umn.edu/regents/policies/academic/Awards.pdf (Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed to view this policy).

Regents Certificate of Outstanding Merit

This award is given to an individual or group in the University community to express appreciation for outstanding service. Recipients are determined by the chair, vice chair, and president of the Board of Regents.

Regents Certificate of Recognition

This award recognizes significant achievement by members of the University community. Recipients are determined by the chair, vice chair, and president of the Board of Regents.

Regents Distinguished International Service Award

This award recognizes distinguished foreign dignitaries on the occasions of their visits to the campus. Recipients are determined by the chair, vice chair, and president of the Board of Regents.

Regents Award

This award may be conferred upon individuals who have contributed to the building and development of the University through significant benefactions, or who have given exceptionally valuable and noteworthy service to the University. Candidacy is not limited to graduates or former students of the University of Minnesota.

The committee that considers nominations for Regents' Awards consists of the President, the senior vice president for academic affairs, the chair of the Senate Consultative Committee, and three members of the Board of Regents who are appointed by the board chair. The director of the University Foundation serves as ex officio member.

Regent Emeritus Award

This title is bestowed upon each regent at retirement from the Board of Regents.

Regents Professorship

Regents Professorships provide the highest recognition given by the University to members of its faculty. Regents' Professors exhibit outstanding academic distinction, judged by the scope and quality of their scholarly or artistic contributions, the quality of their teaching, and their contributions to the public good. Once designated Regents' Professors, faculty members hold the title for as long as they remain at the University, and receive an annual stipend from the University of Minnesota Foundation during their tenure. They also receive medallions, suspended from gold and maroon ribbons, to be worn over academic costume. Upon retirement from the University, a Regents' Professor becomes a Regents' Professor Emeritus.

The Regents Professorship Nominating Committee, appointed by the President, recommends candidates for this award to the President, who in turn recommends recipients to the Board of Regents for approval.

Conflict of Interest

In the event that a Regent or former Regent is under consideration for an award other than Regent Emeritus, a special committee will be chaired and appointed by the chair of the Senate All-University Honors Committee to consider that award. The special committee will include the chair of the Board of Regents (or the vice chair if the recommended award recipient is the chair), the vice president for University relations, the senior vice president and provost, and the associate vice president for development. This committee will have final authority to approve such awards.