Applications for nominations are now closed.
Deadline was March 23, 2026
Graduate School Awards
Student Awards
Both online and on-campus graduate students are eligible for nomination (excludes M.D. and J.D. students). Graduate students may be nominated by current faculty members or administrators.
- Outstanding Graduate Research or Scholarship Award
This award recognizes a graduate student distinguished in scholarly or research pursuits in a University of Miami graduate program. The award winner would have made a distinctive and discernible contribution to the field of study to which the student belongs during the academic year. Currently enrolled graduate students at the University of Miami during this academic year are eligible for this award.
- Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award
This award recognizes a graduate student for enhancing education at the University of Miami. The award winner would have demonstrated superior effectiveness or innovation in teaching while serving as an instructor or teaching assistant in a classroom, laboratory, studio or other setting, as well as demonstrated interest in professional development as a teacher. Currently enrolled graduate students with a teaching assistantship at the University of Miami during this academic year are eligible for this award.
- Graduate Student Exemplar Award
This award recognizes a graduating student who excelled academically and has either overcome tremendous odds to be successful or has consistently made contributions that benefit others. This student’s service, leadership or other distinctive efforts may have been to the campus, local, national or international community. Graduate students graduating during this academic year are eligible for this award.
- Graduate Student Inclusive Excellence Award
This award recognizes a graduate student who has fostered a culture of belonging and inclusive excellence at the University of Miami. Through their actions, the recipient has strengthened the sense of community and promoted an environment where all individuals can thrive. Currently enrolled graduate students at the University of Miami are eligible for this award.
Faculty Awards
Faculty may be nominated by faculty members, administrators, or graduate students.
- Outstanding Graduate Program Director Award
This award recognizes a Graduate Program Director who has made a significant impact on graduate education, and/or in support of graduate students in their program during the academic year. The outstanding Graduate Program Director may have made innovations and/or contributions to enhance curriculum, programming, recruitment, retention or placement. All Graduate Program Directors for this academic year are eligible for the Outstanding Graduate Program Director award.
- Faculty Mentor of the Year – Rising Mentor Award
This award recognizes a graduate faculty member in the early stages of their career who has demonstrated exceptional promise and commitment to mentoring, advising, and supporting graduate student advisees. The recipient has made distinctive and impactful efforts in mentoring and advising graduate students to 1) develop as professionals in their field, 2) shape and advance the scholarly and creative work of graduate students, and/or 3) provide meaningful personal support and developmental guidance to a graduate student. The Rising Mentor Award celebrates faculty who are building a strong foundation of mentorship excellence and whose contributions reflect emerging leadership in graduate education. All graduate faculty within 6 years of faculty appointment (typically at the assistant or associate rank) are eligible to be nominated for the Faculty Mentor of the Year – Rising Mentor Award.
- Faculty Mentor of the Year – Distinguished Mentor Award
This award recognizes a graduate faculty member who has demonstrated sustained excellence and leadership in mentoring, advising, and supporting graduate student advisees. The recipient has made distinctive and enduring contributions in mentoring and advising graduate students to 1) develop as professionals in their field, 2) shape and advance the scholarly and creative work of graduate students, and/or 3) provide exceptional personal support and long-term developmental guidance to graduate students. The Distinguished Mentor Award honors faculty whose mentorship reflects a consistent record of impact, commitment, and leadership in graduate education. All graduate faculty who have 6 or more years of faculty appointment (typically at the associate for full rank) are eligible to be nominated for the Faculty Mentor of the Year – Distinguished Mentor Award.
Butler Center Celebration of Involvement
The Butler Center's 2026 Celebration of Involvement took place on April 26, 2026. Click here for more information on this year's ceremony. The nomination deadline is March 23, 2026.
Graduate Award for Excellence
This award, created in 1996, recognizes a student who has excelled in the areas of leadership, service, and academics. In order to be considered eligible for this award, nominees must meet all of the following conditions and participate in an interview, if selected as a finalist:
- Nominees must be currently enrolled at the University of Miami and be graduating in the Spring
2026, Summer 2026, or Fall 2026 semesters.
- Nominees must be graduate students (excludes M.D. and J.D. students).
- Nominees must have a minimum overall cumulative graduate grade point average of 3.0.
- Nominees must demonstrate extensive student involvement, leadership and achievement in organizations and/or programs and activities at the University of Miami. The Graduate Award for Excellence is designed to recognize superior service above and beyond that required for degree completion in the area of involvement.
- Nominees must demonstrate personal integrity and exemplary character through specific leadership actions.
- Nominees must have a commitment to helping other students by encouraging, supporting and nurturing their involvement in leadership opportunities.
- Nominees must have demonstrated future leadership potential.
