Recognition Awards

UC Berkeley recognizes faculty and staff excellence in teaching and advising. If you know an individual or team who should be recognized for outstanding work, consider nominating them to one of the awards below.


Division of Undergraduate Education Awards

AC Excellence in Teaching Award

The AC Excellence in Teaching Award acknowledges individual faculty’s exemplary teaching in the American Cultures (AC) curriculum. Recipients receive a $2,500 award, are honored at a public award ceremony, and are permanently indicated as a recipient of the AC Teaching Award on the American Cultures website.

  • Next award cycle: 2024

  • Deadline: TBA

Distinguished Teaching Award

The Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes individual faculty for sustained performance of excellence in teaching. Recipients receive a cash award from the campus and recognition by the Academic Senate; are honored at a public ceremony; and are permanently indicated as Distinguished Teachers in the UC Berkeley catalog.

  • Next award cycle: 2024

  • Deadline: September 15, 2023

Excellence in Advising & Student Services Awards

The Excellence in Advising & Student Services Awards Program recognizes outstanding work and innovation in advising and student support. Awards will be made to individuals and teams who are making a significant positive impact on students, student support programs, and/or the student services community as a whole.

  • Next award cycle: 2023

  • Deadline: September 26, 2023


Campus Awards

Chancellor’s Outstanding Staff Awards

The Chancellor's Outstanding Staff Awards (COSAs) are presented to individual staff and teams who demonstrate exceptional initiative to create significant positive impact on the UC Berkeley campus community.

  • Next award cycle: 2024

  • Deadline: TBA

Excellence in Management Awards

The Excellence in Management Award honors exemplary managers and supervisors who have led their teams and team members to meaningful accomplishments this past year.

  • Next award cycle: 2024

  • Deadline: TBA

Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award

The Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor (OGSI) Award honors UC Berkeley GSIs each year for their outstanding work in the teaching of undergraduates. OGSI recipients are nominated from within their teaching department. 

  • Next award cycle: 2023-24

  • Deadline: TBA

Staff Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Awards

Staff Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards allow the campus to acknowledge and reward exemplary performance and contributions by employees.

  • Next award cycle: rolling

  • Deadline: rolling