1. Eligibility:

Any regularly enrolled undergraduate student is eligible upon nomination by a faculty member or staff member.

2. Format:

Nominations minimally should consist of a letter of nomination and preliminary documentation of the specific effort that is being recognized.

3. Criteria:

The purpose of these awards is to recognize extraordinary academic achievement beyond that required for good grades. Thus for instance a student-originated publication in the arts or sciences, a publication with major student input, presentation of research or creative endeavor at a professional conference, a literary work, an exceptional research report, the creation or performance of an artistic work, or the construction of a device or instrument could all be the basis for this award.

The following criteria will be used to evaluate the nominations:
a. Originality
b. Extent of effort
c. Scholarly significance
d. Artistic merit/significance


Obviously only some of these criteria will apply to any given nomination. Furthermore the criteria will be refined as a specific history of nominations develops.

It may be necessary, in certain cases, to seek additional help in evaluation from experts outside the committee.

4. Procedures:

Upon receipt of a letter of nomination, the chair of the committee will distribute copies of the letter and supporting information to the committee members. Additional requests for back-up information and documentation will be made promptly.

All members of the committee will read the letters of nomination and supporting materials. The committee will meet no later than two weeks after the deadline for nominations to discuss its decision. If two nominees appear equally deserving, the committee reserves the right to divide the award between them ($250.00 per recipient). The committee's recommendation will be forwarded to the Office of Academic Affairs. Upon approval of the Academic Affairs office, the committee will notify the recipient(s) of the award and the nominating faculty member(s). The committee chair will write a commendation to be read to the student at the graduation ceremony and printed on the award certificate.

5. The awards will be presented at the Fall Commencement exercises.