The “Best Director of Graduate Studies” Award

A recognition program for Directors of Graduate Studies (DGSs), sponsored by The Graduate School

The Role of the DGS

On the recommendation of the program graduate faculty, the graduate dean appoints the program’s DGS, usually for a three-year term, whose responsibility it is to coordinate all graduate student activities in the program – recruitment, admissions, financial aid, degree progress tracking, fellowship nominations, and so forth.  The DGS, therefore, becomes the focal point for most communication between the graduate program and The Graduate School, as well as the key to the program’s smooth functioning and long-term success through the admission, enrollment, and graduation of high quality students.  Many DGSs serve in this role without released time or extra compensation.

The “Best Director of Graduate Studies” Award Program

The Graduate School established the “Best Director of Graduate Studies” award program in 2003 to recognize and reward the University’s most outstanding DGSs.  The Dean of The Graduate School extends a call for nominations, every other year, during the fall term.  Up to two recipients of the “Best DGS” Award are chosen.  Recipients, announced in the spring, receive a $1000 honorarium and a special plaque at a reception in their honor.

The Selection Procedure

The selection committee, appointed by the Dean of The Graduate School, comprises representatives from the graduate faculty, the graduate student body, and The Graduate School.  Selection of the strongest nominees, whatever their field, will be based on the following:  The strength, innovation, and effectiveness of program management; the level of success in maintaining or bettering program quality; and/or the extent to which students have benefited from the DGS’s achievements.

Nomination Instructions for the 2008 Best DGS Award (pdf)

View list of recipients