University Faculty Service Recognition

A large group of people standing in a garden listening to people speaking from a porch.

Each year, faculty members volunteer their time to serve on the University’s faculty committees, which maintain operations critical to University governance and the stewardship of Princeton’s academic programs.

Recognizing that faculty contribute significantly to Princeton’s academic mission through service, in addition to research and teaching, the Office of the Dean of the Faculty has established an annual reception and award to recognize the contributions of faculty members’ time and effort to University committees.

University Faculty Service Reception

Four people standing in a circle talking at an outdoor reception

Each spring, the Office of the Dean of the Faculty hosts the University Faculty Service Reception to recognize faculty members’ exceptional dedication and contributions to standing University committees.

Active members of faculty committees are invited to this annual event.

Distinguished Faculty Service Award

The Distinguished Faculty Service Award is given annually to faculty who have made exceptional contributions in service to Princeton on University-wide committees or projects. All faculty who qualify for service on a faculty committee are eligible to be nominated. Winners receive a monetary award of $5,000 and are honored at a dinner in early February; they must be available to attend the dinner to be eligible.

Man wearing suit and orange tie speaks with a group at an outdoor reception.

Faculty from any department, program or institute at Princeton can be nominated for the Distinguished Faculty Service Award. Each nomination should include a statement setting forth the reasons for the recommendation, the candidate’s CV, and other supporting evidence, such as letters from faculty colleagues or administrators. All nominations are reviewed by a University-wide committee consisting of the dean of the faculty, the dean of the graduate school, the dean of the college, the vice dean for diversity and inclusion, the clerk of the faculty, and, beginning in 2025, two past winners.

Nominations for the award will reopen in summer 2025.