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The Graduate Dean’s List of University Scholars and Artists provides recognition of the University’s most outstanding graduate students. The annual list is limited to one percent of the University’s graduate enrollment. Those selected will be named in the Commencement Program and will receive a plaque from the Dean of Graduate Studies. 

Criteria for the Graduate Dean’s List of Scholars and Artists:

1. Students must have graduated in the previous Summer, the previous Winter, or in the current Spring Commencement;
2. Students must have a minimum 3.75 cumulative GPA;
3. Students must have applied the theoretical knowledge gleaned from their program of study in at least one of the following ways:
   1. Contributions to the campus community at the department, college, and/or university levels;
   2. Contributions to the body of knowledge in their field (e.g., conducting research or other scholarly and creative activities);
   3. Contributions to the discipline/profession on and off campus (e.g., leadership activities).

Graduate Student Honors are awarded to no more than three students or five percent of a Department's graduating master’s and doctoral students, whichever is larger, who exemplify excellence but have not been recognized by other University or College awards. Honorees receive a certificate from the Dean of Graduate Studies and recognition in the Commencement Program. 

Criteria for Graduate Student Honors:

1. Students must have graduated in the previous Summer, the previous Winter, or in the current Spring Commencement;
2. Students must demonstrate excellence in, and contribute to, the discipline, including outstanding seminar papers, special achievements in fieldwork, applauded artistic exhibitions or performances, service to University committees and functions, and participation in creative, scholarly, or professional organizations;
3. Student's overall and program GPA must be considered.

The Distinguished Thesis is awarded to one graduate student whose master’s thesis was selected for its clarity, rigor, originality, creativity, significance, and impact. Each College can only nominate one master’s thesis for consideration. Honorees receive a certificate, a monetary prize, recognition in the Commencement Program, and notation in its Library record, where applicable.

The Distinguished Project is awarded to the graduate student(s) whose master’s or doctoral project was selected for its clarity, rigor, originality, creativity, significance, and impact. Each College can nominate only one master’s or doctoral project for consideration. All graduate students nominated for this award must be eligible to participate in the Spring commencement ceremonies. Honorees receive a certificate, a monetary prize, and recognition in the Commencement Program.

The Distinguished Dissertation is awarded to one graduate student whose dissertation was selected for its clarity, rigor, originality, creativity, significance, and impact. Each College can only nominate one dissertation for consideration. Honorees receive a certificate, a monetary prize, recognition in the Commencement Program, and notation in its Library record, where applicable. 

1. College-Level Nomination

Each college conducts its own internal review to select nominees. Each college may forward:

• 1 thesis nomination
• 1 dissertation nomination
• 1 project nomination

Nomination packets must include:

• Abstract (250–300 words)
• PDF of the current version of the thesis, dissertation, or project report
• Graduate advisor nomination letter (see below for required elements of the nomination letter)

2. Submission to Graduate Studies

Colleges submit their final nominees to Graduate Studies by March 15.

3. Final Review & Selection

The Dean of Graduate Studies and Faculty Director of Graduate Studies will:

1. Review nomination packets using their official rubrics. View the rubrics here: Graduate Dean's Distinguished Awards Evaluation Rubrics (.docx)
2. Evaluate overall scholarly merit, impact, and clarity and 

Select:

• 1 recipient of the Dean’s Distinguished Dissertation Award
• 1 recipient of the Dean’s Distinguished Thesis Award
• 1 recipient of the Dean’s Distinguished Project Award

4. Recognition

Each awardee receives:

• $100
• Certificate of Recognition
• Notation in the Commencement Program
• Notation on library record, where applicable.

Colleges are encouraged to highlight and celebrate their nominees as “Distinguished Graduate Studies Thesis/Dissertation/Project Nominees” at the college level.

Required Elements for Graduate Advisor Letter 

1. Introduction

• Advisor’s name, title, and role in relation to the student (e.g., “thesis chair,” “graduate advisor”).
• Student’s name, program, and thesis/dissertation/project title.

2. Scholarly/Professional Merit

• Brief summary of the quality of the student’s thesis/dissertation/project.
• Comment on originality, rigor, creativity, and execution (as relevant).

3. Contribution & Impact

• Significance of the work to the discipline, profession, or community.
• Potential for dissemination (publication, presentation, application in practice, etc.).

4. Student Reflection (200–300 words, inserted or appended)

Advisor should include a short reflection written by the student, addressing:

• The significance of the work;
• Its impact (academic, professional, or community);
• The meaning of the project for the student’s own growth.

(This can be included as a block quote within the advisor’s letter or as an addendum page).

5. Closing Endorsement

• Advisor’s explicit statement of support for the student’s nomination for the award.
• Signature, date, and contact info.

Colleges must submit their nominations by March 15 to the Office of Graduate Studies via the Graduate Advisor Canvas.  The Dean of Graduate Studies will select the awardees, notify the awardees, the Deans, Associate Deans, and the Graduate Directors/Advisors, and produce the awards. The Dean is available to provide the physical awards to the recipients at College/Program award ceremonies.