Awards for Graduating Students

The Ken Haycock Award for Exceptional Professional Promise

Open for applications February 1 – February 29

The Ken Haycock Award is given annually to the MLIS student who, in the opinion of the faculty, exhibits the most exceptional professional promise for leadership. The recipient demonstrates flexibility in program delivery modes, excellence in academic performance, ability to think theoretically and practically and ability to analyze and communicate the results of knowledge gained. The award winner will be honored by being the Outstanding Student speaker at convocation, and will also receive $1,000 and a citation.

The Ken Haycock Award opens for nominations on February 1 (before the other award nominations) because the winner becomes the Outstanding Student speaker at the iSchool convocation.

To self-nominate or to be nominated for the Haycock Award, submit the iSchool Awards form between February 1 and the February 29 deadline to the Ken Haycock Award drop box in the advising site on Canvas. August and December Graduates: If you no longer have access to the advising site in Canvas, email your completed form to Roffna Principe.

Eligible students graduated last August or December, as well as those who will be graduating this May or August. A final decision will be made by the members of the Student Scholarships and Awards Committee. The award recipient will be notified during the third week of March.

Awards for Graduating Students

Open for applications March 1 – March 30

To self-nominate or to nominate another graduating student for all other awards, submit the iSchool Awards form by the March 30 deadline. Eligible students are those who graduated in the previous August or December, as well as those who will be graduating this May or August. Final decisions are made by the faculty members of the Student Scholarships and Awards Committee. Award recipients are notified beginning the third Monday in April. 

Award for Outstanding Thesis

Awarded annually to the student who, in the opinion of the faculty, completed the most outstanding graduate thesis in library and information science. The recipient must have demonstrated superior academic performance in research methods, thesis design and writing.

The award consists of a gift certificate and citation.

Director’s Award for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion

Awarded annually to the student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has shown outstanding leadership through a work or community service innovation, internship or scholarly research effort benefiting an economically, linguistically or otherwise diverse service population.

The award consists of a gift certificate and citation.

Director’s Award for Excellence in Intellectual Inquiry

Awarded annually to the student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has demonstrated intellectual curiosity above and beyond their required coursework, a passion for learning, and continued learning.

The award consists of a gift certificate and citation.

Director’s Award for Excellence in International Contribution

Awarded annually to the student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has demonstrated outstanding involvement in library and information science on a global scale.

The award consists of a gift certificate and citation.

Director’s Award for Excellence in Innovation

Awarded annually to the student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has demonstrated a strong ability to develop and implement novel approaches to services and the use of technology.

The award consists of a gift certificate and citation.

Director’s Award for Excellence in Building Community

Awarded annually to the student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has demonstrated an ability to work collaboratively and strengthen communities of all types.

The award consists of a gift certificate and citation.