Academic Recognition
Graduate Dean’s Citation for Excellence
The Graduate Dean’s Citation for Excellence is awarded each semester to students nominated by faculty members in recognition of superior achievement in their graduate studies. Each school/department may recommend graduate students completing their programs during the fall or spring term provided they meet these minimum criteria:
- A cumulative graduate grade point average of at least 3.75, and documented evidence of superior accomplishment while a graduate student at UNC.
- Documented evidence of superior accomplishment while a graduate student at UNC.
Students graduating in the summer may be nominated in either the spring or fall term of the year they graduate.
The nomination is to be supported by:
- Written recommendations from graduate faculty of the academic program outlining the student’s accomplishments and/or,
- Special recognition by an agency or organization (outside UNC) for scholarly accomplishment, academic achievement or contributions to society, and a student resume or vita.
Awardees are reviewed by the Executive Committee of the Graduate Council or their designee. Recommendations for awards are forwarded to the Graduate Dean for final selection. The total number of awards will not exceed 3 percent of the graduating class.
Graduate Dean’s Citation for Outstanding Thesis, Doctoral Scholarly Project and Dissertation
The Graduate Dean’s Citation for Outstanding Thesis, Doctoral Scholarly Project and Dissertation may have six awards each semester with two in each category. Faculty members nominate a thesis, doctoral scholarly project or dissertation by submitting a letter of nomination that specifies contributions of the study to the discipline.