Established in 1986 as the Chancellor’s Exemplary Service to Students Award and renamed in 2006 as the James V. Griesen Exemplary Service to Students Award, this award acknowledges extraordinary and sustained performance by individuals serving Nebraska students.
Students, faculty members, staff members and administrators are encouraged to submit nominations from Monday, December 8th through Monday, February 16th, 2026.
This award will be accompanied by a $1,500 stipend to be provided by private funds made available by the University of Nebraska Foundation.
Nomination form is now closed.
Submit a Nomination
Students, faculty members, staff members and administrators are encouraged to submit nominations from Monday, December 8th through Monday, February 16th, 2026.
Nomination Form ClosedNomination Process
The lead nominator should coordinate the nomination packet.
The nomination form must be completed in one session, as the form cannot be saved. All letters and information should be ready to enter/upload prior to completing the form. Each nomination packet should include:
- Nomination Form
- The nominator should provide summaries to address first-hand knowledge of the quality of service performed or the extraordinary effort contributed to students by the nominee, and an assessment of the perceived value of that service to the university. Nominees will be evaluated based on the following characteristics:
- Indications that the nominee devotes time and energy toward service to students outside the normal job expectations
- Indications that the individual has gone above and beyond the performance of their assigned responsibilities over an extended period of time
- Indications that the nominee demonstrates a sensitivity to and understanding of a diverse student body
- Indications of the direct impact the nominee's service has had on the lives of students
- The nominator should provide summaries to address first-hand knowledge of the quality of service performed or the extraordinary effort contributed to students by the nominee, and an assessment of the perceived value of that service to the university. Nominees will be evaluated based on the following characteristics:
- Letters of Recommendation
- Letters should be from peers, students and former students with no more than three from each category.
- Job Description
- A listing of the nominee's professional position and job responsibilities should be included.
- Résumé or Vita
- Additional Support (Optional)
- Documents that demonstrate evidence of the nominee's self-development efforts, evidence of creative activities in serving students and other pertinent information may be added.
Selection will be made by a committee comprised of students, faculty and staff.
Requirements
All full-time University of Nebraska-Lincoln employees are eligible for nomination.
Timeline
Nominations Start: December 8, 2025
Nominations End: February 16, 2026
Nominees and Recipients Notified: March 9, 2026
Awards Banquet: April 17, 2026