The College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Council on Academic Advising (CASACAA) are accepting nominations for the Dean’s Outstanding Academic Advising Award. The purpose of this award is to recognize College advisors who have demonstrated the qualities associated with outstanding academic advising. Because we value the role of academic advisors, the College and CASACAA will recognize up to two College advisors, each of whom will receive a $500 cash award and have his/her name inscribed on a plaque in the College of Arts and Sciences Academic Services office. Previous recipients include Ms. Peggy Chambers, Dr. Tade Okediji, Dr. Pat Cross, Dr. LeRoy Blank, Ms. Grettie Bondy, Dr. Charles Clay, Ms. Johnnie-Margaret McConnell, and Dr. Mary Davis.

WHO MAY NOMINATE: Any currently enrolled student or any member of the College of Arts and Sciences faculty or staff.

ELIGIBLE NOMINEES: Any current faculty or staff advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences who advises undergraduate and/or graduate students.

SELECTION CRITERIA: To qualify for the Dean’s Outstanding Academic Advising Award, candidates must have consistently provided superior advising services to students in the College of Arts and Sciences. The distinguished advisor should reflect perspective, initiative, and efforts that transcend the boundaries of the advisor’s designated advising responsibilities. Specifically, the selection committee will look for evidence of the following:

• mastery of university, college, and departmental regulations, policies, and procedures
• demonstrated concern for educational outcomes
• effective interpersonal skills
• availability and interest in working with advisees
• mentoring to encourage academic achievement
• willingness to intervene on behalf of advisees

NOMINATION PACKET: Of particular importance in evaluating a candidate will be the supporting materials included in the nomination packet as follows:

• nominator’s letter
• letter from the department chair addressing the effectiveness of the nominee’s advising effort in the context of departmental needs (Note: If the department chair is the nominator, one letter will suffice.)
• minimum of five and a maximum of ten letters of support from current and/or former students, indicating how the nominee meets the selection criteria

SELECTION PROCEDURES: A selection committee composed of faculty, students, professional advisors, and the assistant dean will review nominations and supporting materials.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNER: The Award recipient will be named at the College of Arts and Sciences Spring Faculty meeting.