In September of 1980 and after a number of years of discussion, the Griffith Council decided to approve the introduction of the University Medal. The Medal was originally intended to be awarded to bachelor degree graduates who received first class honours and who displayed a very high standard of academic results throughout their degree program. The decision was also made to bestow the medal retrospectively upon previous students who had met the conditions for this award, prior to 1980. The University Medal remains a distinguished award. From its inception through to today it has not been intended to present the Medal annually, but rather on occasion as a recognition of rare academic excellence.

For more information on the awarding of the University Medal see the University Medal Policy.