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Academics

Distinguished Thesis and Dissertation Awards

Distinguished Dissertation Awards 

Overview 

The Distinguished Dissertation Awards recognize exemplary graduate research that significantly advances the student's discipline. 

Award Categories & Amounts 

  • Distinguished Dissertation Award – $1,000 
  • Notable Dissertation Award – $500 (as merited) 

Eligibility (CDSP Students) 

Students earning graduate degrees with a thesis or dissertation in August 2026, January 2027, or May 2027 are eligible for the 2026-27 award cycle.

Nomination Process 

Students must be nominated by their thesis or dissertation advisor. Departments may submit an unlimited number of nominations. 

Required Materials in one combined PDF file

  1. Signed Nomination Form (download the fillable PDF) by Director of Graduate Studies. 
  2. Nomination Letter from advisor. 
  3. Recommendation Letter from second faculty member.

Remember to submit Items #1-3 above in a combined PDF file.

Additionally, the final thesis/dissertation must be submitted to the ETD portal. The CDSP Dean’s Office will access the ETD and distribute materials for review. 

Deadline 

All nomination materials (items #1-3 above) must be received by the published deadline which will be available in early spring. It is typically around mid-April.

Submission Instructions 

Submit all nomination materials by email to the CDSP Dean’s Office at cdsp-gradstudies@wm.edu  

Purpose and Impact for CDSP 

This award helps elevate the visibility and research impact of CDSP. Graduate research in CDSP is essential to William & Mary’s standing as a research institution.