The CU Board of Regents, along with faculty members from each campus, award extraordinary individuals with honorary degrees, university medals and distinguished service awards each year.

An honorary degree is the highest award the University of Colorado can bestow. It is the policy of the Board of Regents to award honorary degrees in recognition of outstanding achievement in one or more of the following areas: intellectual contributions, university service, public service and/or philanthropy.

University medals are awarded in recognition of those persons whose achievements and contributions are particularly associated with the university.

Distinguished service awards are given in recognition of achievements and contributions particularly associated with the state and/or nation.

Visit the awards webpage to learn more about the nomination process and to submit nominations for an honorary degree, university medal or distinguished service award.

Nomination rules

• A person may not nominate themselves.
• A current university employee may not be nominated.
• A public official currently serving in office may not be nominated.
• A public official may be nominated two years after completion of their term of office.
• A regent may submit a nomination but must recuse themselves from commenting and voting on the nomination.