The John S. Diekhoff Award

The Diekhoff Award honors John S. Diekhoff, who served CWRU and WRU from 1956-70 as professor and chairman of English, dean of Cleveland College, acting dean of the graduate school, and vice provost. The award is presented annually to faculty members who have made exemplary contributions to the education and development of graduate students at Case Western Reserve University through work in the classroom, as an advisor, and as a mentor. Part of the prestige of this award is that the process by which winners are selected is run entirely by graduate students. The award consists of a plaque and honorarium that will be presented at the University's annual commencement convocation.

EXCITING CHANGES FOR 2009: The selection committee would like to announce several changes to the Diekhoff Award. It is intended that these changes will make it easier for exceptional faculty to be nominated. 1. This year, the award has been expanded to include 2 awards for Distinguished Graduate Teaching and 2 awards for Distinguished Graduate Mentoring. 2. In previous years, the award rotated between departments, often making it confusing for those trying to nominate candidates. This year, faculty from all departments awarding degrees through the School of Graduate Studies are eligible for nomination. 3. The committee is working with the School of Graduate Studies to host a Diekhoff Award Reception so that the campus community can meet the award recipients.

Distinguished Graduate Student Teaching Award

The John S. Diekhoff Award for Outstanding Graduate Teaching is awarded annually to two faculty members that have made exemplary contributions of graduate students through work in the classroom. To be eligible, the professor must have a primary appointment in a department awarding degrees through the School of Graduate Studies and must have taught a graduate course in the last 3 years. If you are unsure if the candidate is eligible, please nominate anyway! The committee will contact all nominees to verify eligibility. Anyone (graduate student, professor, student association) may make a nomination.

To make a nomination please send an email to gssvp@case.edu titled “Diekhoff Teaching Nomination” and include the following information:
1. Your Name
2. Your Position at the University
3. The name of the Nominee
4. In 200 words, explain why the nominee is an outstanding graduate teacher.

Nomination deadline is 11:59PM on February 17th

Distinguished Graduate Student Mentoring Award

The John S. Diekhoff Award for Outstanding Graduate Mentoring is awarded annually to two faculty members that have made exemplary contributions of graduate students through advising and mentoring. To be eligible, the professor must have a primary appointment in a department awarding degrees through the School of Graduate Studies Furthermore, the person making the nomination should be directly advised/mentored by the professor.

To make a nomination please send an email to gssvp@case.edu titled “Diekhoff Mentoring Nomination” and include the following information:
1. Your Name
2. Your Position at the University
3. The name of the Nominee
4. In 200 words, explain how the nominee has been an outstanding graduate mentor to you.

Nomination deadline is 11:59PM on February 17th

Frequently Asked Questions

Nomination process

Q: I would like to nominate a professor for an award; is there a more extensive form to fill out?

A: There is no form to fill out. Please submit the professor's name with the information listed in the award description. This information will be used to assess which nominees will proceed to the next round.

Q: Can I nominate more than one professor?

A: Sure, if you think they are both equally outstanding.

Q: Can I nominate The same professor for both the teaching and mentoring awards?

A: Sure, but please send an individual nomination for each award.

Q: Can I ask another question?

A: Sure, email gssvp@case.edu.