# Dean's Distinction ## expand\_more ![Dean's Distinction logo](/sites/g/files/omnuum746/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/fas-hr/files/dd_logo_01.jpg?itok=cIqBrHs_) Dean's Distinction recognizes a small number of exceptional staff members for their outstanding citizenship, collaboration, and exceptional contribution in support of the FAS. Those who are nominated for Dean's Distinction should act with the highest integrity and serve as role models among staff. ## 2026 Dean's Distinction Dean's Distinction has been paused for 2026. We anticipate this FAS recognition program returning in 2027. In the meantime, please take a moment to look at other ways to [show appreciation for your staff and colleagues](https://hr.fas.harvard.edu/rewards_recognition#appreciatingstaff). ![Harvard entrance gate](/sites/g/files/omnuum746/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2025-10/HarvardEntranceGates.jpg?itok=pwkxTrAr) ## Dean's Distinction Process Information Open all sections Close all sections ### Types of Nominations expand\_more - **Individual Dean's Distinction**: A staff member can be nominated for Individual Dean's Distinction for their outstanding citizenship, collaboration, and exceptional contribution over the last calendar year in support of the teaching and research mission. - **Team Dean's Distinction**: Teams consisting of up to eight (and in some cases up to twelve\*) staff members can be nominated for Team Dean's Distinction for their exceptional work, and for their outstanding collaboration and contribution over the last calendar year. *\*Please note, the maximum number of staff members that can be nominated for Team Dean’s Distinction is eight. However, exceptions can be made for up to twelve people if the circumstances call for it. If the team you are nominating has more than eight people, please explain why the team has additional members.* ### Guiding Principles for Nominations expand\_more When considering a staff member or team of staff members to nominate for Dean’s Distinction, please keep the following guiding principles in mind: - Cultivating a strong sense of community and connection across the FAS. - Building morale in the work environment with intentional care and consideration. - Exceeding regular responsibilities and expectations (i.e., going above and beyond) even in the course of doing one’s regular job. - Promoting empathy, authenticity, and mutual respect as hallmarks of excellence in the FAS. - Demonstrating creativity and innovation through collaboration and solutions-oriented approaches. When writing your nomination, it can be helpful to identify how an individual or team exemplified one or more of these principles in their work over the last year. When submitting your nomination, you will be asked which guiding principle(s) are best reflected in your nomination. ### Eligibility Criteria for Staff expand\_more Eligible FAS staff members for Dean’s Distinction are: - Benefits-eligible, full-time or part-time staff - Non-HUCTW and HUCTW staff - Has been in an FAS benefits-eligible position for at least one year - Job grade levels: - 47 through 60 for *Individual Dean's Distinction* - 47 through 64 for *Team Dean's Distinction* - Less than Half Time (LHT) staff may be nominated as a member of a team (but not as an individual) Please note: While previous Dean's Distinction **nominees** (from any year) are eligible to be nominated again this year, **recipients** of Individual Dean’s Distinction in 2020-2025 are not eligible to be nominated, unless they are being nominated for Team Dean's Distinction. Harvard coaches, faculty members, students and retirees are not eligible. ### Reflecting the FAS Staff in Recognition expand\_more At the FAS, we are intentional about creating an inclusive and supportive community. As such, we should look to reflect this same intentionality in our recognition of talented staff. Please keep the breadth of our FAS staff in mind when considering potential nominees. This includes staff from a variety of job types, departments or units, backgrounds, and union status. Especially please consider those who may be 'unsung heroes' in their work. Similarly, **please strongly consider individuals who have demonstrated excellence in creating and maintaining an environment where all individuals can thrive**, as this makes the FAS more prepared to serve our mission of excellence in teaching and research. ### Nomination Process: Keep in Mind expand\_more - **Nominees from all grade levels should be considered.** This is an excellent opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of support staff from across the FAS. - When describing the nominated staff member's/team's accomplishments, please explain why this individual or team meets the criteria for Dean’s Distinction. - Since the nomination form does not allow you to “save” your work, **we suggest that you write your nomination narrative in a separate Word document, and then copy and paste the text into the online nomination form**. Nomination narratives should be **between 500 and 2,500 characters in length**, including spaces. - After completing the nomination form, click "Submit" and you will see a confirmation notice. ### Resources for Dean's Distinction - [Writing a Compelling Nomination](https://hr.fas.harvard.edu/writing-compelling-nomination) - [Nominations Examples for the Guiding Principles](https://hu.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/FAS-HR-Programs/EYUyR0XIznJPhNo7sq2OtTcBf9PNGnlPbq8Ikls3hDUJQA?e=Z6sbgb) - [Dean's Distinction vs. Harvard Heroes](https://hr.fas.harvard.edu/deans-distinction-vs-harvard-heroes) ![Lowell House](/sites/g/files/omnuum746/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-03/lowell%20house%20pic.jpg?itok=sjFVshYf) ### Help and Questions If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Annie McGough ([amcgough@fas.harvard.edu](mailto:///amcgough@fas.harvard.edu)) or [hr\_programs@fas.harvard.edu](mailto:///hr_programs@fas.harvard.edu). ![Harvard dorm exterior](/sites/g/files/omnuum746/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-12/HarvardDormExterior.jpg?itok=iv-GnpRY)