The Richard Sheldon Prize is awarded annually to the Russian major:

1. who has achieved an outstanding academic record, as indicated by such criteria as performance in courses, honors work, and overall background in Russian studies; and
2. who is most likely to contribute to the development of Russian Studies in the United States.
    

Selection Procedure:

Each spring, in mid-May, members of the Russian Department will select the winner from the graduating class.

• In exceptional cases, an additional award may be made to someone who graduated with a previous class and who has made a clear commitment to pursuing a career in the field of Russian Studies.
• In exceptional cases, the award may be given to a student minoring in Russian.

The decision, and the reasons for the selection, will be communicated to Karen Sheldon and the Sheldon family.