Every year, the University of Central Missouri presents an award to the top male and female student of the graduating class.

This is the Charno Award and is scheduled to be presented at 4 p.m. Thursday in the Elliott Student Union, Rooms 234 and 236.

Students are first nominated by organizations, faculty and staff and then invited to complete applications to receive the award.

Gretchen Reynolds, administrative assistant to the vice provost of Student Experience and Engagement, said after the nominations, the Awards Selection Committee scores and reviews the applications.

This committee is comprised of four faculty members and the vice provost for Student Experience and Engagement.

After the students are chosen, they are interviewed and the winners are selected.

“Selection is based on a combination of criteria, not just a single trait or characteristic,” Reynolds said. “Who’s Who at UCM recognizes students who are well-rounded and have contributed to the university and community in a variety of ways.”

Reynolds said the criteria they look for in Charno finalists include leadership, academic standing, membership and involvement in campus and community organizations, service to the university, involvement in academic department and character.

Winners of the Charno Award are kept confidential until announced at the ceremony.