A University Medal is one of several types of award conferred by universities upon outstanding students or members of staff. The usage and status of university medals differ between countries and between universities.
As award on graduation
Many universities award University Medals to the top undergraduate students upon graduation each year.
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. The number of medals awarded might also be limited. For example, the University of New South Wales' medal policy states: "it is expected that only in exceptional circumstances would there be more than one Medal for a particular specialisation". The usual criterion is very high marks across all the subjects undertaken in the 4-year Honours degree. In some universities, the University Medal is treated as a distinct division or class of the Honours degree. 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. For example, Australian politician and judge H. V. Evatt won University Medals in Philosophy and Law from the University of Sydney, and Brian Anderson, the former President of the Australia Academy of Science and the International Federation of Automatic Control, won University Medals in Engineering and Mathematics from the University of Sydney. Timothy Potts, Director of the J. Paul Getty Museum, won University Medals in Philosophy and Archaeology from the University of Sydney
In Sri Lanka, Universities award medals, usually named in honor of a senior faculty member at annual convocations for those who have achieved academic merit.
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.
As award for service
In some universities, the University Medal is bestowed upon members of the university for their extraordinary contribution to the University. Such an award is often conferred upon retirement of a staff member.
