The Graduate Student Council is pleased to announce that nominations for the inaugural Graduate Student Celebration and Recognition Awards, which includes the Ram Faculty Awards and Graduate Support Staff Recognition Awards, are now open as of March 30, 2026. 

Below is information regarding each of the GSC Recognition Awards, as well as links to the GSC awards site and submissions form, where nominations will be submittedWhen visiting the submissions page, please carefully read the nomination form, which describes the requirements for the nomination submission to be considered. Microsoft Forms will be used to submit a nomination for an award, so please visit the hyperlinks below. 

Nominations for all awards are due to GSC by midnight on Friday, April 24, 2026. The Award winners will be notified by email no later than Thursday, April 30, 2026, and celebrated at the inaugural Graduate Student Recognition and Celebration on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 in the Lory Student Center Grand Ballroom! 

To submit a nomination for a Graduate Student Recognition Award, please use the following form:

Graduate Student Awards Nomination Form

To nominate for Ram Faculty of Graduate Student Staff Support Awards, please use the following forms:

Graduate Support Staff Award Nomination Form

Graduate Student Recognition in Leadership Awards  

The GSC Graduate Student Recognition in Leadership Award honors graduating graduate or professional students who demonstrate exemplary leadership in service to graduate and professional students at Colorado State University. This award recognizes students who have made meaningful contributions through volunteer leadership in their programs, departments, and campus-wide committees. Recipients embody CSU’s Principles of Community: inclusion, integrity, respect, service, and social justice.  

Note: This award is limited to graduating students from graduate degree programs in 2026.

Excellence in Graduate Teaching Awards 

The GSC Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award honors graduating graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to teaching and student learning. This award recognizes graduate and professional students who provide high-quality education and foster inclusive and supportive learning environments while upholding CSU’s Principles of Community: inclusion, integrity, respect, service, and social justice. 

Note: This award is limited to graduating students from graduate degree programs in 2026.

Excellence in Graduate Research Awards 

The GSC Excellence in Research Award honors graduating graduate research assistants (GRAs) who demonstrate a strong understanding of their field and contribute meaningfully through research and scholarly work. This award recognizes graduate and professional students whose academic contributions reflect dedication, rigor, and CSU’s Principles of Community: inclusion, integrity, respect, service, and social justice. 

Note: This award is limited to graduating students from graduate degree programs in 2026.

Ram Faculty Awards 

The Ram Faculty Award recognizes Colorado State University faculty who have made significant contributions to the education, mentorship, and professional development of graduate and professional students. One award is given from each of the following colleges: College of Agricultural Sciences, College of Business, Walter Scott Jr. College of Engineering, College of Health and Human Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, Warner College of Natural Resources, College of Natural Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and one University-Wide award. 

Note: Nominations are made by graduate and professional students. 

Support Materials

The following materials must be submitted together. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

  1. A current copy of the nominee’s Curriculum Vitae, including work with graduate/professional students (e.g., coauthored papers) clearly marked.
  2. A typed, double-spaced nominating letter no longer than two pages. The letter should summarize the nominee’s qualifications and achievements, especially as they relate to the nominee’s dedication to graduate/professional student development, and should include any current research projects or internships undertaken by graduate students under the direction of the nominee.
  3. No more than three letters of support from current or former students, colleagues, and/or administrators. Letters of support should be typed, double-spaced, and no longer than two pages. No more than three letters for a nominee will be considered. If more than three letters are submitted, three letters will be read at random, and the remaining letters will be discarded without being read or considered.

Ram Faculty Award – Nomination form

Graduate Support Staff Recognition Awards 

The GSC Graduate Support Staff Recognition Award honors departmental staff and administrators who demonstrate exceptional dedication to supporting graduate and professional students at Colorado State University. This award recognizes staff whose service, mentorship, and advocacy contribute to student success and belonging while exemplifying CSU’s Principles of Community: inclusion, integrity, respect, service, and social justice. 

Note: Nominations are made by graduate and professional students. 

Graduate Support Staff Award – Nomination Form