College Awards
The College of Arts & Letters annually honors faculty for outstanding teaching, research, and graduate student mentoring, and honors outstanding staff for leadership, collaboration, inclusion, and partnership.
Faculty Awards
Sheedy Excellence in Teaching Award
The Sheedy Excellence in Teaching Award is presented each December to an outstanding teacher in the College of Arts & Letters. The College's highest teaching award was founded in 1970 in honor of the Rev. Charles E. Sheedy, C.S.C., who served as College dean from 1952 to 1968. The award-winning faculty member demonstrates sustained excellence in research and instruction over a wide range of courses, motivates and enriches students using innovative and creative teaching methods, and influences teaching and learning within the department, College, and University.
Arts & Letters Research Achievement Award
The Research Achievement Award, established in 2022–23, is bestowed each spring upon one member of the College’s tenured faculty who has demonstrated outstanding and significant scholarly achievement. The recipient — who has been on the faculty at Notre Dame for at least five consecutive years — has a strong and sustained record of scholarly accomplishment, distinguished by an exceptional publication record and corresponding evidence of disciplinary impact. The faculty member consistently demonstrates extraordinary innovation or creativity, leadership in their field, and engagement with Notre Dame’s research and educational mission.
Arts & Letters Graduate Student Mentorship Award
The Graduate Student Mentorship Award, established in 2022-23, is presented each spring to a member of the College’s tenured faculty who has demonstrated outstanding scholarly mentorship of, and professional care for, doctoral or MFA students. The recipient has a strong and sustained record of extensive graduate mentorship, evidenced by uncommon student success (e.g., graduation rates, publications, and placements). The awardee — who has been on the faculty at Notre Dame for at least five consecutive years — also has a consistent and extraordinary commitment to developing students as teachers and departmental citizens.
Staff Awards
The College of Arts and Letters annually presents five awards to staff members: Leadership in Excellence, Leadership in Mission, Collaboration, Inclusion, and Partnership. Winners — who are announced at the Staff Spring Luncheon — receive a customized plaque and monetary reward. Staff and supervisors are encouraged to nominate colleagues for the awards.