National University (NU) is committed to our core pillar of “Graduate Culture” by supporting research innovation and scholarly contributions to society by faculty and students. To maintain our commitment to a graduate culture, NU offers several research funding opportunities for faculty and staff. These include Faculty Research Support Awards and one-time payments to recognize faculty research publications, poster sessions, and conference presentations. The availability of these funds is subject to annual budget approvals, subsequent distribution to, and usage by faculty. For more information on these annual awards, please contact [email protected].

• Faculty and Staff Poster and Conference Award Application
• Faculty and Staff Research Support Funding Manual
• Faculty Research Support Award Application
• Faculty and Staff Publication Award Application

National University (NU) is committed to creating a graduate culture through supporting innovation in research and scholarly contributions to society from students (current and alumni). These awards are to recognize completed student research publications, poster sessions, and conference presentations.

• Student and Alumni Research Award Manual
• Student and Alumni Publication Award Application
• Student and Alumni Presentation and Poster Award Application    

University and School Awards – Dean’s Selections and Nominations

Excellence in Teaching Award

This award recognizes a faculty member from your school who has gone beyond the faculty role and responsibility to ensure student success. This individual not only meets the expectation of the role but has successfully demonstrated a higher level of commitment to teaching excellence. One part-time and one full-time faculty receives the award.

Excellence in Scholarship Award

This award is given to one individual from your school who published and/or presented scholarly research on behalf of the University. One part-time and one full-time faculty receives the award.

Outstanding Dissertation Chair Award

This award honors a faculty member from your school who has gone beyond the faculty role and responsibility to ensure student success in the dissertation process. This individual not only meets the expectation of the faculty role but has successfully demonstrated a higher level of commitment to excellence. One part-time and one full-time faculty receives the award.

Service to the School Award

This award honors a faculty member (part-time or full-time) or staff member from your school who goes beyond their role and responsibility to ensure the success of the school. These individuals work beyond the call of duty, often taking on last minute projects or outstanding items. They are always willing to serve the school.

Jerry C. Lee President’s Award

This award recognizes an employee or a team who made a marked impact on NU achieving its Mission and advancing its Ways of Work. Your nomination will be presented to the University President for consideration.

Hokstad/Wilcox Spirit Award

This award recognizes a National University staff member who goes beyond their role and displays consistent support and service to the university, enthusiasm in providing that support and service, and willingness to be available when needed. Your nomination will be presented to the Provost for consideration.

Innovation Award

This award recognizes a full-time faculty or staff member who has gone beyond their role to create and implement innovative programs, practices, partnerships, and/or policies toward NU’s ability to serve students. Your nomination will be sent to the Provost for consideration.

Outstanding Teaching Award

This award recognizes a full-time faculty member who has gone beyond the faculty role and responsibility to ensure student success. This individual not only meets the expectation of the role but has successfully demonstrated

The Office of Graduate Studies coordinates the President’s Circle process by working with the faculty and staff of each school for nominations to the President’s Circle annually. One student per degree program of each school is nominated. The President’s Circle Selection Committee will review nominations and conduct interviews to make recommendations to the Deans who will make the final selection decision.

Students are selected based on academic excellence, leadership today and tomorrow, the ability to represent NU, personal character, initiative, potential for impact, and other special circumstances. The primary objective of this award is to acknowledge and celebrate academic excellence and the potential of National University students to have a profound and positive impact on the world. Each year’s winners are featured on the NU website and may be included in other content such as books, social media, grant and foundation presentations, and more. They receive special accolades at commencement, including a certificate, and wear President’s Circle cords.

The Office of Graduate Studies team oversees the Dissertation of the Year (DOY) and Poster of the Year (POY) processes. The office also works with doctoral students eligible for graduation by submitting a poster for the poster session held during graduation. This allows doctoral students to display their research among other researchers.