A single staff member can be nominated for an Individual Dean’s Distinction for their outstanding contribution, collaboration and exceptional citizenship in 2025 in support of the teaching and research mission.
A team consisting of up to eight (and in rare...
f you would like to recognize a strong-performing staff member for consistent performance over several years, there are other recognition opportunities to consider. such as local level recognition programs or Harvard Heroes. Dean’s Distinction honors...
Yes, cross-departmental nominations are encouraged. If you decide to nominate a staff member or team who works in a department other than yours, we encourage you to have a conversation with the proposed nominee or team’s direct manager(s) to confirm there...
Yes, you may nominate more than one staff member or team for Dean’s Distinction. We have no limit on the number of nominations you may submit.
Yes, several nominators can use the same form to nominate a staff member or team. Alternatively, nominators can use separate forms to nominate the same person or team.
Nomination narratives should be between 500 and 2,500 characters in length.
When writing your nomination, it can be helpful to identify how an individual or team exemplified one or more of the guiding principles in their work over the last year:
Nomination forms may be submitted online beginning Monday, January 5, 2026 through to 11:59pm on Friday, January 16, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Yes, provided the employee meets all eligibility requirements, and will still be actively employed by Harvard by the time of the celebration event in the spring.
Coaches are not eligible for recognition under Dean’s Distinction. If you are looking to recognize a coach for excellent work, we recommend looking at other recognition programs such as Harvard Heroes. However, coaches may nominate other FAS staff members...
Yes, FAS staff members may nominate themselves, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
