The Faculty Recognition and Awards Committee created these guidelines to aid in the organization and preparation of nomination packets. It is not mandatory that one follow the guidelines, but the committee has found that the ability to compare nominees is enhanced if the information in each packet is presented in a similar manner. We hope that this will make the nomination and selection process a little easier.

Nomination Form and Cover Sheet

  • Since each award has a unique nomination form and coversheet, please ensure that the correct forms are completed and submitted. The coversheet shall be the first page of the packet, with the nomination form following.
  • Nomination materials are most effective when the information provided is very specific about the candidate's qualifications and demonstrates how each criterion is satisfied.
  • Please note that the eligibility and criteria differ depending on the award. It is important to ensure that the candidate meets each of the criterion for the award for which they are nominated.
  • The Qualtrics form should save work in progress in the online nomination form, but it is recommended that responses be drafted outside of the form and cut and pasted into the form when all responses are finalized. If you do choose to close the form and return later, be sure you are using the same computer and browser.

Supporting Letters

  • It is helpful to forward a copy of the criteria to those writing supporting letters and remind them that the letters should address each criterion as specifically as possible. Of course, those writing letters may not be familiar with the candidate's qualifications in every area and should address only those criteria with which they have direct knowledge.
  • A good rule of thumb is to discuss only criteria for which specific examples illustrating the candidate's qualifications can be provided. Letters asserting that the candidate is qualified without supporting evidence are not useful.
  • The committee has observed that the supporting letters which stand out are those that celebrate the human spirit and demonstrate care for others (particularly students) that goes well beyond the ordinary.
  • Because the nominator or those writing letters of support may not know that the selection committee is mulitidisciplinary and they may not be familiar with what excellence looks like in a given discipline, the commnitte felt it may be helpful to advise those asked to write letters of the multidisciplinary nature of the selection committe members.
  • Signatures on the letters and supporting documents must be included but may be electronic.
  • Each letter of support shall not exceed two single-sided pages using at least 12 font and 1" margins.
  • Please ensure that the appropriate type of supporting letters are submitted. Each nomination form will indicate the number and type of letters required. Including more than the indicated number or type of letters may result in disqualifying the nomination packet.

Curriculum Vitae

  • If a scholarly component is required, the committee is better able to assess a candidate's scholarly contributions when the curriculum vitae clearly indicates which publications are peer-reviewed.
  • In addition, it is easier to glean the relevant information when the vitae is in outline rather than narrative form and lists publications in reverse chronological order (i.e., most recent publications first).
  • The nominee or nominator might also indicate which publications they consider to be the most significant, though this is certainly not a requirement.

Teaching Effectiveness

  • For awards that require evidence of effective teaching, a summary of teaching evaluations is helpful (and, in some cases, is required – check the criteria for each award). Information that has been found to be especially useful in reviewing packets includes: overall scores from course evaluations for all classes taught during the last 4-5 years; whether each class taught meets a baccalaureate core requirement; whether each course is required for the major or is an elective; class enrollments (note: these are used for comparison purposes only, as we recognize that average class sizes vary significantly across disciplines); the percentage of enrolled students completing course evaluations; the average GPA in each class; and how the nominee's evaluations compare with the departmental average.
  • We recognize that it is not easy to compile such complete information, so we do not expect every packet to include all of these items.
  • Of course, other information that you feel is especially indicative of the candidate's teaching effectiveness is welcome.

Other Suggestions

  • If not required, a copy of the nominee's job description, if one is available, would allow the committee to formulate realistic expectations and compare candidates with differing responsibilities. The goal is to identify faculty members who routinely perform beyond the call of duty, so it helps to know the exact duties of each candidate.
  • There are a few units that have had an exceptional number of successful nominees. In addition to following most of the suggestions above, many of these units have a formal nominating committee that reviews the packets to make sure that all required materials are included and presented in an organized manner. This can help reduce the burden of compiling a nomination packet by spreading the responsibility among several people.

 

We hope you find these suggestions useful and wish your nominees the best of luck! If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact the Faculty Senate Office at 541-737-6268 or [email protected].

 

03/2024