Honors and Awards

Outstanding contributions made by UW-River Falls faculty, staff, advisers, students and alumni are recognized annually in long-standing traditions honoring excellence and commitment to the institution.

Chancellor's Awards
 

Chancellor's Award for Students
In recognition of the leadership, service, and commitment that distinguish our most outstanding students, this honor has been awarded each year since 1980. Anyone on or off campus can nominate a student for this award. 

Spring 2024 Timeline is TBD

Chancellor's Academic Staff and Limited Appointee Excellence Awards
Since 1986, faculty, students, and staff have been invited to nominate outstanding academic staff members for this prestigious award.

The awards recognize an individual academic staff employee from each of these three categories: Limited Appointees, Non-Instructional Academic Staff, Instructional Academic Staff. Additionally, a program category was added in 2021 to recognize a unit, department or program primarily staffed by academic staff.

Fall 2023 Timeline is TBD

Chancellor's University Staff Excellence Awards
Permanent university staff and supervisors of university staff are eligible to nominate university staff colleagues in two categories. Awarded since 1996.

Additionally, a program category was added in 2021 to recognize a unit, department or program primarily staffed by university staff for the important role they play in supporting the UW-River Falls mission and priorities.

Fall 2023 Timeline is TBD

Awards and Honors for Faculty, Advisers and Staff
 

Distinguished Teaching Award
Since 1965, this has been the highest university honor bestowed upon our faculty. Current students and alumni are invited to nominate a distinguished teacher. If you meet these criteria, click the link above to access the nomination form.

2024 Nominations Due: TBD

Adviser of the Year
Good advising is a cornerstone of our students’ academic success. Since 2000, one outstanding faculty adviser has been chosen each year to recognize the contributions of this important role. Current students and alumni are invited to nominate an adviser of the year. If you meet these criteria, click the link above to access the nomination form.

Spring 2024 Timeline is TBD

University Excellence Award in Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities
The University Excellence Award in Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activities is intended to recognize noteworthy UW-River Falls faculty or academic staff for outstanding achievements in research and/or creative activities over many years while at UWRF.

University Excellence Award in Service
The University Excellence in Service award is intended to recognize faculty that provide exceptional service to the university, their discipline, and/or the community.

Years of Service and Retirements
Starting with 10 years of service to the UW System, all employees reaching a milestone year are honored along with all those who have retired in that year. 

Alumni Awards
 

Distinguished Alum
Since 1959, the Distinguished Alum Award has been the most prestigious acknowledgment of the professional accomplishments, honorable service, and commitment of our alumni. Alumni are encouraged to nominate an alum they feel meets the criteria for selection, even themselves.

Fall 2023 Timeline is TBD

Additional Alumni Awards
Visit the Alumni Association web page to learn more about ways others are recognized for their ongoing contributions to UW-River Falls.