University Medal
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A University Medal is one of several different types of awards, bestowed by universities upon outstanding students or members of staff. The usage and status of university medals differ between countries.
As award on graduation
Many universities award University Medals to the top undergraduate students upon graduation each year.
Australia
In Australia, the University Medal is usually awarded upon completion of Honours degrees based on academic merit. The criteria for bestowing the University Medal are stringent »Award of University Medals policy. University of New South Wales. Accessed 2007-05-02., and the number of medals awarded is limited »Guidelines for the Award of UTS Medals. University of Technology, Sydney. Accessed 2007-05-02.. The usual criterion is very high marks across all the subjects undertaken in the 4-year Honours degree. In some universities (such as the University of Sydney), the University Medal is treated as a distinct division or class of the Honours degree ("First class Honours and University Medal").
It is rare, but possible, for a student to receive two University Medals, by winning a Medal in each of two undergraduate degrees or majors within a degree. H. V. Evatt, Australian politician and judge, for example, won University Medals in Philosophy and Law from the University of Sydney.
United States
The University Medal is often awarded to the most distinguished undergraduate student upon graduation. In addition to stringent academic criteria, students are also judged on extracurricular activities, publications, and other qualities. »University Medal. University of California, Berkeley. Accessed 2007-05-02.
As award for service
In some universities, the University Medal is bestowed upon members of the university for their extraordinary contribution to the University.»The University Medal. Duke University. Accessed 2007-05-02. Such an award is often conferred upon retirement of a staff member.
»The Medals:Awards and Honours. Indiana University. Accessed 2007-05-02.
Notable University Medal winners
- Edmund Barton - Australian prime minister and judge; University of Sydney; Classics.
- Garfield Barwick - Australian judge; University of Sydney; Law.
- H.V. Evatt - Australian politician and judge; University of Sydney; Philosophy and Law.
- Joshua Gans - Economist; University of Queensland; Economics.
- John Quiggin - Economist; Australian National University; Economics
- Chancellor's Gold Medal