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. 

Nominations Due: Friday, Feb. 24, 2023

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.

Nomination Timeline:  2023 Nomination Time 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.

Nomination Timeline:  2023 Nomination Time TBD

Awards and Honors for Faculty, Advisers and Staff
 

Distinguished Teacher
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.

Nominations Due: March 17, 2023

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.

Nominations Due: March 17, 2023

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.

Nominations are due: November 11, 2022

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.