President’s Award

The University President’s Award is intended to honour individuals who have made an exceptional and sustained contribution to the work of the University, the city of Bath or the region, in ways other than those recognised by honorary degrees. The award also aims to recognise members of the University community who have had a significant impact on other people’s lives whether locally, nationally or internationally.

Award nominations are considered by the Honorary Degrees Committee which is a joint committee of Senate and Council and is chaired by the Vice-Chancellor. Council will approve the awards.

Who can nominate

All members of the University community are invited to put forward nominations for President’s Awards. This includes staff, students, University alumni, former members of staff, Members of Council and Members of Court. Nominations from other proposers should be supported by a University member of staff. Students should also seek a University staff member to second and support their nomination before submitting the form to the Committee. Please contact the Governance Office if you require help seeking internal support for your nomination.

Nomination criteria

The Committee will consider whether nominees meet the following criteria:

1. The University of Bath President’s Award is a mark of distinction conferred upon individuals who have made a sustained or distinctive contribution to the University, the city of Bath or the region in a way which reflects our objectives as defined in our Royal Charter and enduring values.
2. Recipients will serve as role models for the University community through their exceptional contribution or achievement in any field aligned to the University which has had a significant impact on other people’s lives whether locally, nationally or internationally.
3. Their behaviour, example or achievement will inspire others and encourage the determination and discipline to achieve, even against setbacks or difficulties.
4. Awards should reflect the values of the University.
5. Awards should recognise the importance of Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity.

A President's Award will not normally be awarded for work that has already been recognised by the University, e.g. through the award of an Honorary Degree.

Further guidance on the above criteria is included within the nomination form.

Nomination eligibility

The following individuals are eligible for a President’s Award:

• Any individual who meets the award criteria outlined above
• All members of the University community would be eligible for nomination
• Individuals who have made a financial donation to the University or pledged a legacy would be eligible for an award; however, their financial contribution would not be considered in the decision to offer an award
  
• Organisations/groups are eligible in exceptional circumstances, where no suitable individual recipient can be identified
• Awards can be made posthumously

The following individuals are not eligible for a President’s Award:

• Elected members of Parliament (whilst in office or nominated to stand for election)
• Elected members of local or regional government (whilst in office or nominated to stand for election)
• Serving Local Government officers
• Self-nominations (unless supported by a member of University staff)

Make a nomination

Please do give thought to those whom you have encountered in your own sphere of work and who have made a significant contribution to the University, the city of Bath or region. Also, to members of the University Community (e.g. alumni) who have had a significant impact on other people’s lives whether locally, nationally or internationally.

You can submit a nomination using the nomination form. Guidance on completing the form can be found within the document.

Nominations can be made at any time during the year. The Committee meets twice per year to consider nominations, in March and October.

Other awards

Before submitting your nomination for a President’s Award, you may wish to consider the other awards that are bestowed by the University, as follows:

• Honorary Doctorate Degrees are academic awards celebrating excellence in thought-leadership and the resulting impact, in a field that is recognised nationally or internationally
• Honorary Master’s Degrees are academic awards celebrating University staff who have made exceptional and direct contributions to the life of the University community, as perceived by its community

The Honorary Degrees Committee also recommends to Senate the award of the Chancellor’s Medal; an annual award which rewards outstanding service to the University by individuals who have made a valuable contribution to its life and work that is not directly academic in nature.