PROCEDURES FOR AWARDS
AND RECOGNITION
Revised September 2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Purpose of Awards
Categories and Types of University Awards
Nomination Procedures
For persons who are current employees of the University
For persons in both of the categories above
University Awards
Regents' Awards
Statement on Conflict of Interest
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@mailbox.mail.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:
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
The honorary 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 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 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.]
Nomination Summary -- 50 words or less, restricted to outlining
the nominee's accomplishments, excluding degrees and appointments (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 (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 or folders).
Date for 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 submissions 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.
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 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 Honorary Degrees are encouraged to provide travel support
when funds are available. If this is not possible or creates a hardship for
the nominating unit, it is encouraged to seek partial funding through the
Office of the President. In general, award and citation costs are borne by
University Relations, award ceremony costs by the nominating unit, and
travel expenses (except as described above) by the awardee. [Refer also to the
Presentation Procedures]
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 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 -- 30 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.
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 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 are encouraged to provide
travel support when funds are available. If this is not possible or creates a
hardship for the nominating unit, it is encouraged to seek partial funding
through the Office of the President. In general, award and citation costs are
borne by University Relations, award ceremony costs by the nominating unit,
and travel expenses (except as described above) by the awardee. [Refer also to
the Presentation Procedures]
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:
To print a copy of these requirements, Click Here.
Alumni Service Award
This award recognizes service as a volunteer to 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 executive director of the University of Minnesota
Alumni Association in the following format:
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.]
Nomination Summary -- 50 words or less, restricted to outlining the
nominee's accomplishments and services as a volunteer (to see a sample citation, Click Here).
Outstanding Service to the University -- 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 or 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.
Supporting Letters -- 3 ideally 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 or 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 honors committee of the appropriate college, if one exists, and if not, to the Senate All-University Honors 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 alumni association's Awards Committee reviews nominations and forwards
its recommendations to the Senate All-University Honors Committee, c/o Vickie Courtney, Univeristy Senate, 427 Morrill Hall, 100 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 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. If this is not possible or creates a
hardship for the nominating unit, it is encouraged to seek partial funding
through the Office of the President. In general, award and citation costs are
borne by the nominating unit, and travel expenses (except as described above)
by the awardee. [Refer also to the Presentation Procedures]
Naming of Buildings, Parts of Buildings, or Grounds:
University buildings, parts of buildings, and grounds may be named to honor
one or more individuals. Buildings should be named after people who have
achieved prominence in their fields of endeavor, or persons who have
contributed significantly to their construction. Separate names may be given
to rooms, laboratories, lecture halls, or auditoriums within a building that is
already named for another individual.
Procedures for Naming a Building, Its Parts, or Grounds in Recognition of
Persons in the University Community:
The University's tradition is to limit the naming of buildings as Hall or
Library to the names of people who were associated with the University. A
building 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. Recommendations should
be reviewed by the honors committee of the recommending unit if one exists, and
if not, by the Senate All-University Honors Committee. A recommendation sent
to and approved by the Senate All-University Honors Committee is submitted to
the President and, finally, to the Board of Regents for approval.
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 and
the Faculty Consultative 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
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 unit.
Recommendations need not be forwarded to the Senate All-University Honors
Committee.
Procedures For Naming a Building or Its Parts in Recognition of Philanthropy
The University of Minnesota Foundation has established the following
procedures to enable the public recognition of donors who finance significantly
the new construction or renovation of a University of Minnesota facility.
They were approved by the Senate All-University Honors Committee in April
1992:
For each proposed new construction or renovation of a University of Minnesota
facility, the University of Minnesota Foundation will prepare guidelines to
ensure consistency between contribution levels and opportunities to recognize
donor generosity through the naming of a building, part of a building, or
grounds.
Guidelines for the naming of specific facilities or areas of the campus will
be submitted by the University of Minnesota Foundation to Senate All-University
Honors Committee for information and coordination prior to any public
announcement or publication of the naming opportunities.
For gifts exceeding $500,000 that qualify and are recommended for naming an
entire building or major portion of a facility, proposals will be submitted to
the Senate All-University Honors Committee with appropriate documentation for
approval.
For gifts under $500,000 proposals will be reviewed by the University
Foundation, or by individual units of the University in cases where such gifts
are made specifically to them, and need not be reviewed by the Senate
All-University Honors Committee.
Forwarding of Recommendations
Recommendations approved by the Senate All-University Honors Committee will
be submitted to the president, and then to the Board of Regents for final
approval.
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:
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.]
Nomination Summary -- 50 words or less.
Reasons for Nomination -- single page, 12-point type.
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.
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 -- 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 unit that occupies
the building, if one exists, and if not, to the Senate All-University Honors Committee, c/o Vickie Courtney, University Senate, 427 Morrill Hall, 100 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455. In the case of gifts exceeding $500,000, proposals
should be cleared first with the University of Minnesota Foundation.
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.
Procedures for the naming of buildings or their parts will be reviewed
periodically by the University of Minnesota Foundation in consultation with the
Senate All-University Honors Committee.
Once the name of a building, its parts, or an area of University grounds is
approved, the following should be notified in writing:
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:
Nominator -- must be an alumnus or alumna of the University or a current
member of the faculty or staff.
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,
telephone/fax number, University background such as current job
title and classification or last job title before retirement.
Vitae and/or job description -- appropriate for the position (no
folders or binders).
Supporting Letters -- three (in addition to the letter of nomination)
from the nominee's peers in and outside of the University; again, these should
focus on personal knowledge as above.
Number of copies -- 8
Date for Submission -- March 7, 2008
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.
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. Help in planning the
event at which an honor will be bestowed is available by contacting
University Relations.
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
The Regents' 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.
The honorary degree is conferred by the president of the University or a designated
representative on behalf 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.
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.
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.
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. If this is not possible or
creates a hardship for the nominating unit, it is encouraged to seek partial
funding through the Office of the President. In general, award and citation
costs are borne by University Relations, award ceremony costs by the nominating
unit, and travel expenses (except as described above) by the
awardee.
Board of Regents policy requires that no disclosure is to be made to the nominee while his or her name is under consideration.