Each spring the Intercollegiate Department of Black Studies (IDBS) gives special recognition to students' academic achievements in the field of Black Studies through its Outstanding Senior Thesis Award. Theses eligible for consideration for this award are those which explore African, African American, or Caribbean Studies, and may be in any academic discipline. Students do not have to be Black Studies majors to be eligible for this award.

Two prizes are awarded each year: a $150.00 prize is awarded for the first place and a $100.00 prize is awarded for the second place.

Final decisions are made by a committee composed of three IDBS faculty in conjunction with students' thesis readers.

Past Outstanding Senior Thesis Award submissions are kept on file and available for examination at the Intercollegiate Department of Black Studies office.