2023 ACPA Commissions Award Nominations Form

All nominations will appear as typed in the form. Please review before clicking submit.

ACPA Commission for Academic Affairs Nominations

The deadline to submit an application is 1 November 2022.

All nominations will appear as typed in the form. Please review before clicking submit.

Coalition-Builder Award

In the spirit of collaboration, this award recognizes an individual who actively seeks out and engages various departmental units across academic, faculty, and student affairs and support, in order to build effective and collaborative working relationships at their institution.

Exemplary Program Award

This award recognizes a program or initiative that has proven to be instrumental in academic affairs on a particular campus and/or in the field of higher education. The program must exhibit clear mission/goals, innovation, and evidence-based results that indicate the breadth of its impact. The CAA award committee may reach out to the nominator for more detail regarding the nominated program.

Mentoring and Development Award

This award honors an individual who has effectively mentored a colleague in an academic affairs or academic affairs related unit and provided them with opportunities to develop as a scholar and professional in the field.

Pioneering Partner

This award recognizes a faculty member or practicing professional who has blazed trails in academic affairs related work and tremendously influenced their institutions or higher education work generally through dynamic leadership and service. *This faculty member or professional MUST have field-specific training or an academic background OUTSIDE OF/OTHER THAN higher education or student affairs/development.*

Rising Star Award

This award recognizes an individual new to the field (1-3 years) working in an academic affairs or academic affairs related position, who has already made significant contributions to the association or the profession and demonstrates potential for leadership and continuing service.

 

 

ACPA Commission for Academic Support in Higher Education Nominations

The deadline to submit an application is 11 December 2022.

All nominations will appear as typed in the form. Please review before clicking submit.

Commitment to Excellence in Academic Support

This award is presented to an individual who has shown a sustained commitment to the field of Academic Support through leadership, scholarship or practice. The individual must have a minimum of 4 years of professional experience in higher education academic support.

Innovative Academic Support Initiative

This award is presented to an individual or group who has shown innovation in the development of new or redesigned programs, practices, and collaborations to enhance Academic Support on an individual campus or within the larger field.

Outstanding Graduate Student

This award is presented to a graduate student who has shown outstanding work in the field of academic support. The individual must be currently enrolled in a masters or doctoral program at an accredited college or university.

Outstanding New Professional

This award is presented to a new professional who has shown outstanding work in the field of academic support. The individual must have 3 or fewer years of professional experience in higher education academic support.

ACPA Commission for Admissions, Orientation, and First-Year Experience
Nominations

The deadline to submit an application is 1 November 2022.

All nominations will appear as typed in the form. Please review before clicking submit.

Outstanding Experienced Professional Awards (one for 5-10 years of full-time experience & another for 11+ years of full-time experience)

These two awards (one for a professional with 5-10 years of full-time experience, and another for a professional with 11+ years for full-time experience) are given to experienced professionals working in or overseeing admissions, orientation, or first-year experience programs.

Outstanding Graduate Student Award

This award is presented to a full-time graduate student/graduate assistant studying at the master’s or doctoral degree level in any program who has greatly contributed to the admissions, orientation, or first-year experience programs at his/her institution; to the research and scholarship of these areas; and/or to professional practice in these areas.

Nominators need to be ACPA members to submit an award, but the nominees for the graduate student award is not expected to maintain ACPA membership.

Outstanding Mentor Award

The Outstanding Mentor Award is designed to give special recognition to those professionals who provide outstanding mentorship and guidance to graduate students who aid in admissions, orientation, and first-year programs with the association and on your campuses.

Outstanding New Professional Award

This award is presented to a new professional in the admissions, orientation, or first-year experience functional areas. A new professional is defined as a person with no more than four years of full-time professional experience. Nomination must include a letter of support from someone who has worked with the nominee, preferably in a supervisory capacity, describing the individual’s contributions.

Outstanding Program/Initiative Award

This award is presented to recognize and share an outstanding program, project, or initiative developed by a four-year or two-year institution for its campus community. The project must be situated in an admissions, orientation, or first-year experience setting.

ACPA Commission for Campus Safety and Emergency Preparedness Nominations

The deadline to submit an application is 1 November 2022.

All nominations will appear as typed in the form. Please review before clicking submit.

Distinguished Service to the Commission for Campus Safety and Emergency Preparedness

The Distinguished Service to the Task Force for Campus Safety and Emergency Preparedness (CCSEP) Award honors an individual who has displayed exemplary service to the Commission; going above and beyond ordinary expectations in terms of dedicated time, energy, and contributions. The recipient should demonstrate an ongoing dedication to the mission and goals of the Commission, uphold professional standards, and positively represent the Commission and ACPA.

Any ACPA member may submit a nomination, but only ACPA CCSEP members are eligible to receive the award.

Nomination letter: describe contributions the individual made to the department, institutional, or ACPA.

Outstanding Contribution to Campus Safety and Emergency Preparedness

The Outstanding Contribution to Campus Safety and Emergency Preparedness Award honors an individual who has demonstrated significant involvement in the development of an exceptional program, service, or piece of scholarship in the area of campus safety or emergency preparedness. Contributions must have resulted in a positive impact at the departmental, institutional, or association level.

Any ACPA member may submit a nomination, but only ACPA CCSEP members are eligible to receive the award.

Nomination letter: describe contributions the individual made to the department, institutional, or ACPA.

ACPA Commission for Career Services Nominations

The deadline to submit an application is 1 November 2022.

All nominations will appear as typed in the form. Please review before clicking submit.

Commitment to Social Justice in Career Services

This award recognizes an individual, group, or department, that has shown a commitment to social justice work in career services through education, practices, or programming to create more equitable experiences and opportunities for students and/or colleagues.

Distinguished Professional Award

The Distinguished Professional Award honors an individual who has displayed exemplary service and commitment of time and energy to the ACPA Commission for Career Services and/or the profession. The recipient has upheld professional standards showing integrity, and holds the esteem and appreciation of colleagues, students and peers. Experienced career services professionals are eligible (2+ years full-time in the field).

Innovation Award-Group

The Innovation Award honors a team that has initiated and developed an innovative program, service delivery, approach, or assessment in career services. The award is based on creativity, student impact, and success of the program, as determined by the achievement of the stated program goals. You are encouraged to provide supporting documents for this nomination, such as flyers, posters, or any other program materials.

Innovation Award-Individual

The Innovation Award honors an individual that has initiated and developed an innovative program, service delivery, approach, or assessment in career services. The award is based on creativity, student impact, and success of the program, as determined by the achievement of the stated program goals. You are encouraged to provide supporting documents for this nomination, such as flyers, posters, or any other program materials. 

Rising Star Award

This award recognizes a graduate student who has demonstrated strong leadership potential and contributions to the career services profession and/or to the ACPA Commission for Career Services. Career services professionals in a master’s or PhD/EdD program are eligible. Career services professionals new to the profession (or functional area) as well as those completing graduate degrees are eligible.

ACPA Commission for Commuter Students and Adult Learners Nominations

The deadline to submit an application is 1 November 2022.

All nominations will appear as typed in the form. Please review before clicking submit.

Outstanding Achievement by an Experienced Student Affairs Professional (5+ years of professional experience)

The recipient of this award will:

• Be a Student Affairs Professional with 5 or more years of professional experience.
• Have significant involvement in the development and/or operation of a program or service dedicated specifically to commuter and/or adult learners.

Candidates for this award shall provide:

• A brief description on how their engaging, educational, or innovative program has positively affected the academic or personal lives of commuter and/or adult learners.
• A brief description of how their program or service either moves towards a positive solution or successfully solves an issue specific to the commuter and/or adult learner population on their campus. (Please provide the issue in your description).

Outstanding Achievement by a New Student Affairs Professional (less than 5 years professional experience)

The recipient of this award will:

• Be a Student Affairs Professional with less than 5 years of professional experience.
• Have significant involvement in the development and/or operation of a program orservice dedicated specifically to commuter and/or adult learners.

Candidates for this award shall provide:

• A brief description on how their engaging, educational, or innovative program has positively affected the academic or personal lives of commuter and/or adult learners.
• A brief description of how their program or service either moves towards a positive solution or successfully solves an issue specific to the commuter and/or adult learner population on their campus. (Please provide the issue in your description).

Outstanding Achievement by a Student (undergraduate or graduate level)

The recipient of this award will:

• Be an undergraduate or graduate level student.
• Have significant involvement in the operation and/or promotion of a program or service dedicated specifically to commuter and/or adult learners.

Candidates for this award shall provide:

• A brief description on how their involvement has positively contributed to the success/development/implementation etc. of a program on their campus affecting the academic or personal lives of commuter and/or adult learners.

Outstanding Collaboration Award between Student Affairs Professionals and Faculty

The recipient of this award will:

• Represent collaboration between Student Affairs professionals and members of Faculty who work in unison to serve the needs of commuters and/or adult learners.
• Have significant involvement in the development and/or operation of an engaging, educational, or innovative or service dedicated specifically to commuter and/or adult learners.

Candidates for this award should provide a brief description how the program has successfully incorporated a collaborative, campus-wide approach positively affecting the academic or personal lives of commuter and/or adult learners. Accomplishments should be rooted in the following criteria:

• The effective sharing of staff, funding, and/or resources from multiple campus departments.
• Significant faculty involvement, including, but not limited to, faculty-student interaction.

Outstanding Program for Adult Learners Award

The recipient of this award will:

• Represent a single engaging, educational, or innovative program or service that provides exceptional support of adult learners. (Note: this award is not designed for an entire department or office for adult learners).

Outstanding Program for Commuter Students Award

The recipient of this award will:

• Represent a single engaging, educational, or innovative program or service that provides exceptional support of commuter students. (Note: this award is not designed for an entire commuter services department or office).

Outstanding Service to the Commission for Commuter Students and Adult Learners

The recipient of this award will:

• Be an individual whose service to the Commission excels above and beyond ordinary expectations.

Candidates for this award should provide a brief description of their accomplishments rooted in the following criteria (note: not all of the criteria must be met in order to be considered):

• How the nominee was/is consistent and competent in the execution of their duties and responsibilities as defined by the most current Directorate Manual.
• How the nominee has/had significant involvement in the development and/or operation of a program or service dedicated specifically to commuter and/or adult learners.
• How the nominee has/had focused positive attention toward the commuter and/or adult learner perspective at their institution or beyond.
• How the nominee has/had effectively and positively influenced the Commission and the ACPA as a whole.

Outstanding Use of Mobile or Web-based Application (App) Award

The recipient of this award will:

• Be an individual, group of individuals, or campus department.
• Have significant involvement in the development, design and/or operation of an engaging, educational, or innovative mobile or web application (App) which provides a benefit for commuter and/or adult learners (Apps may be campus-wide applications that provide valuable information and benefit for commuters and/or adult learners, or an App designed specifically for commuters and/or adult learners).

Candidates for this award need to provide access to the mobile or web application (App)

Outstanding Use of Social Media Award

The recipient of this award will:

• Be an individual, group of individuals, or campus department.
• Have significant involvement in the development, design and/or operation of an engaging, educational, or innovative use of various social media platforms which provide communication and engagement for commuter and/or adult learners (Social media should be specifically focused on attracting and informing commuters and/or adult learners). Social media platforms include (but not limited to): Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Flikr, Pintrest, and Vine. 

Candidates for this award need to provide access to their social media by providing direct access with links to each individual source of social media

ACPA Commission for Counseling and Psychological Services Nominations

The deadline to submit an application is 1 November 2022.

All nominations will appear as typed in the form. Please review before clicking submit.

Early Career

This annual award is given to honor and reward the exemplary achievements of an individual's early significant contributions to the field of college and university counseling and psychological services. Any member of CCAPS who has had 10 years or less post-terminal degree experience of providing mental health services (including teaching and training) to the college population is eligible for this award. These years do not include experience gained through academic programs (e.g., graduate school, practicum, and internship). 

If nominee nominated by directorate member, an additional support letter needs to be provided from a professional outside the CCAPS Directorate.

Joan Dallum Graduate Student Research Award

The purpose of the Joan Dallum Graduate Student Research Award is to recognize and encourage high quality research projects by graduate students and entry level professionals in counseling and human development. The award includes a plaque and a cash stipend. Membership in the American College Personnel Association or the Commission for Counseling and Psychological Services is not required in order to apply.

The criteria for eligibility:

• The research must have been completed during the applicant’s tenure as a graduate student. At the time of the next convention the candidate must be no more than 18 months post-graduation.
• The research project must have applicability to the counseling and human development goals of ACPA and Commission for Counseling and Psychological Services. For example, research on needs assessment, treatment intervention, outcome and process studies, or preventative programs are appropriate submissions.
• The results of the study must be known at the time of submission.
• The applicant must be the principal author.
• At the time of the deadline for submission it is permissible for the manuscript to have been submitted to a journal; however, if the manuscript has been accepted for publication it is not eligible for this award.

Submission guidelines:

• The research manuscript should be typed and double-spaced following the guidelines for authors found in the Journal of College Student Development. The reference style and general guidelines described in the current Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association should be followed.
• The manuscript should also be written in a formal style suitable for submission to a journal.
• The manuscript should be no more than 20 pages in length (not including the reference section).
• The manuscript should include the following five sections: introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and implications.

Please submit the following materials:

Submission checklist; applicant’s current vita; and the manuscript  

Magoon Excellence in Counseling

This award is given in the spirit of the long- standing CCAPS/ACPA conference presentation entitled Innovations in Counseling, and in particular in honor of the originator and coordinator of that presentation, Dr. Thomas M. Magoon. The Magoon Excellence Award is given to a university or college counseling agency that has provided either inventive or original programming or has provided exceptional comprehensive services during the past fiscal year. In particular, CCAPS encourages nominations that reflect the inclusion and integration of multicultural competence and values. Eligible agencies shall be an organizational unit within a college or university.  

A letter of support must accompany the nomination form. The letter must address the unique nature of the program or service, the originality of its design and implementation, and the benefits gained by students and/or the campus community. Up to three letters may be submitted; supporting documentation of the innovative program or service may also be submitted in lieu of the letters of support. 

If nominee nominated by directorate member, an additional support letter needs to be provided from a professional outside the CCAPS Directorate.

Mid-Level Career

This annual award is given to honor and reward the exemplary achievements of an individual's mid-level career contributions to the field of college and university counseling and psychological services. Any member of CCAPS who has had 10 to 20 years post-terminal degree experience of providing mental health services (including teaching and training) to the college population is eligible. These years do not include experience gained through academic programs (e.g., graduate school, practicum, and internship). 

If nominee nominated by directorate member, an additional support letter needs to be provided from a professional outside the CCAPS Directorate.

Outstanding Lifetime

This annual award is given to honor and reward the exemplary achievements of an individual's lifetime career contributions to the field of college and university counseling and psychological services. Any member of CCAPS who has had 20 years or more experience of providing mental health services (including teaching and training) to the college population is eligible. These years do not include experience gained through academic programs (e.g., graduate school, practicum, and internship). 

If nominee nominated by directorate member, an additional support letter needs to be provided from a professional outside the CCAPS Directorate.

ACPA Commission for Global Dimensions of Student Development Nominations

The deadline to submit an application is 1 November 2022.

All nominations will appear as typed in the form. Please review before clicking submit.

Excellence in International Research
Recognizes an individual for significant scholarly contributions of educational and intrinsic value to international education and/or international student affairs and services. 

Outstanding International Education Initiative
Recognizes programs and other educational initiatives that support international education and the global dimensions of student development. Recipients for this award will be asked to provide a brief presentation at convention or via a Webinar about the program/initiative. 

Service to the International Community
Recognizes an individual for outstanding service to the international community. The nominee has to demonstrate a history of involvement and leadership, over several years, to the international Student Affairs community. 

Eligibility 

• Neither nominators nor nominees have to be current ACPA members or members of CGDSD; everyone can nominate or be nominated.
• Self-nominations are accepted for all awards and encouraged.

Award Nomination Process

• All nominations require contact information for the nominee and nominator, as well as a nomination letter.
• All nomination letters should address the specific criteria for each award (see above).
• Self-nominations for the Service to International Community and Excellence in International Research awards require an additional letter of support from a colleague/supervisor.
• Self-nominations for the Outstanding International Education Initiative does not require a letter of support.
• Recipients will be notified by late November by email.

ACPA Commission for Graduate and Professional Student Affairs Nominations

The deadline to submit an application is 11 December 2022.

All nominations will appear as typed in the form. Please review before clicking submit.

Outstanding Contribution to Knowledge Award

The nominee must be a practicing professional who has worked in the college personnel field or a supporting discipline for at least three years, must be employed in a graduate school or discipline or working directly with graduate students. This award is intended to recognize outstanding scholarship or practices which advance our professional understanding of graduate student affairs. Nominees must be members of ACPA.

Outstanding Innovative Program Award

The Outstanding Innovative Program Award honors an innovative program that provides exceptional support to graduate/professional students; represents a new and creative way to support graduate/professional students or achieves outstanding results. Nominated programs will be evaluated on creativity and the success of the program, as determined by the achievement of the stated program goals. Programs that should be nominated for this award are any innovative programs that break new boundaries in serving graduate/professional students, achieve outstanding goals, or make a significant positive impact on the quality of the graduate/professional student experience. This award is especially interested in recognizing innovative programs that improve the success of a diverse and inclusive graduate/professional student population. While we encourage nominations from ACPA-affiliated institutions, it is not a requirement for award consideration.

The Lehker Outstanding Service to the Profession Award

The nominee must be a practicing professional (i.e., faculty member, administrator, or staff member) employed at a college or university and a member of ACPA. This award recognizes a professional who served graduate student affairs through their work in the association. This may include, but is not limited, to work with the CGPSA or other leadership branches of the association. Nominees must be members of ACPA.

ACPA Commission for Housing and Residential Life Nominations

The deadline to submit an application is 12 December 2022.

All nominations will appear as typed in the form. Please review before clicking submit.

Commitment to Racial Justice Award

The Commitment to Racial Justice Award is presented in recognition of outstanding work in fostering diversity and racial justice education, competency, and/or action among students, staff, and/or faculty at their institution or in their community. Determination of the award will be based on: 

• An outstanding or an exceptional contribution to one’s campus community in the area of diversity, interculturalism, and racial justice.
• The identified contribution may have resulted in a wide range of identifiable outcomes, including, but not limited to,
• Further community engagement in diversity dialogue and education,
• Examined and modified current practices and policies impacting one’s department/institution,
• Addressed the particular needs of underrepresented populations, and
• Implemented projects and initiatives that foster diversity and racial justice.
• Successful candidates have sought to address marginalization, oppression, and/or privilege through their academic, co-curricular, and/or social engagements.
• Through their efforts, successful candidates will have helped promote critical awareness, perspective taking, understanding, critical thinking, and/or action for fairness and the common good.

Excellence In Service Award

In the tradition of National Residence Hall Honorary’s (NRHH) Spotlight Award, this award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to her/his campus and/or the housing profession and is not eligible for any of the other awards; therefore, the nominee cannot be a student or professional housing staff member. Possible nominees could be food service personnel, night security staff, administrative assistants, or custodial staff.

Criteria and submitted materials should include, in no more than 800 words:

• Performance and contributions in current position
• Contributions to student success
• Contributions to community in which university or college is located

Excellence In Sustainability-Department

This award is presented to a program, an individual, or a department that has demonstrated outstanding contributions toward sustainability on their campus and/or to the housing profession.

Excellence in departmental sustainability criteria include:

• Integration of sustainable practices
• Responsible growth and management
• Education and conservation

Submitted materials should include, in no more than 800 words:

• Performance and contributions of department
• Contributions to integrative sustainable practices 
• Contributions to the promotion of sustainable opportunities within college or university

Excellence In Sustainability-Individual

This award is presented to a program, an individual, or a department that has demonstrated outstanding contributions toward sustainability on their campus and/or to the housing profession.

The individual award criteria for excellence in sustainability are:

• Individual responsibility
• Integration
• Collaboration and assessment.

Submitted materials should include in no more than 800 words:

• Performance and contributions in current position
• Contributions to sustainability at current institution
• Contributions to community in which university or college is located

Excellence In Sustainability-Program

This award is presented to a program, an individual, or a department that has demonstrated outstanding contributions toward sustainability on their campus and/or to the housing profession.

Criteria related to an outstanding initiative or program include:

• Holistic nature of program or activity (advancing students’ understanding of the relationship between environmental stewardship, social justice and economic growth)
• Relationship of initiative to the ACPA learning outcomes for sustainability
• Degree of collaboration
• Assessment and sustainability of initiative, embedded nature of practice and conservation

Submission Materials

• Please describe the origin of the program (200 words max)
• Please give a brief description of the program (400 words max)
• Please describe the goals of the program (200 words max)
• Please describe the positive and lasting effects of the program (200 words max)
• Provide a short evaluation of the program (200 words max)
• Describe how this program could be adapted to other campuses (200 words max)

Outstanding Experienced Professional Award 4-9 Years of Experience

This award is presented to an individual with 4 to 9 years of professional employment who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to their campus and/or the housing profession. Criteria include performance and contributions within current position, performance and contributions to student affairs scholarship, contributions to the profession and/or contributions to the community.

The nominee:

• Must be a full-time housing professional (four-nine years of professional employment).
• Must have contributed to residence life through research, a program, or related activity which was above and beyond normal expectation

Submitted materials should include:

• One letter of recommendation, which should be from the nominee's direct supervisor. The letter should include an outline of campus or professional contributions, listing of specific activities in which the nominee was involved, and rationale as to the nominee's commitment as a contributing member of the housing profession.

Outstanding Experienced Professional Award 10 or more Years of Experience 

This award is presented to an individual with 10 or more years of professional employment who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to their campus and/or the housing profession. Criteria include performance and contributions within current position, performance and contributions to student affairs scholarship, contributions to the profession and/or contributions to the community.

The nominee:

• Must be a full-time housing professional (10 or more years of professional employment).
• Must have contributed to residence life through research, a program, or related activity which was above and beyond normal expectation

Submitted materials should include:

• One letter of recommendation, which should be from the nominee's direct supervisor. The letter should include an outline of campus or professional contributions, listing of specific activities in which the nominee was involved, and rationale as to the nominee's commitment as a contributing member of the housing profession.

Outstanding Graduate Student Staff Member

This award is presented to an outstanding full-time graduate student employed in a paraprofessional staff position.

Criteria includes:

• Performance and contributions in current graduate assistantship or paraprofessional position
• Contributions within nominee’s academic program
• Contributions to the Student Affairs profession
• Other recognitions of achievement.
• Must be a full-time graduate pursuing a Master's Degree, currently employed in a graduate assistant position within residence life.
• Must have contributed to residence life through research, a program, or related activity which was above and beyone normal expectations.

Submitted materials should include:

• One letter of recommendation, which should be from the nominee's direct supervisor. The letter should include an outline of contributions, listing of specific activities in which the nominee was involved, and rationale as to why the nominee's performance was outstanding.

• The nominee's resume or list of involvement.

Outstanding Innovation in Housing and Residential Life

This award recognizes and honors excellence for an innovative program, project, collaboration with student affairs or academic departments, or service sponsored by a housing or residential life department. The nominated program or initiative should demonstrate improvement in the quality of life for students, the efficiency in the department and/or the effectiveness in service delivery.

• Should address a problem or need in housing and residential life
• May be student or staff initiated
• Should advance the field/profession
• Should impact campus specific efforts
• Must be allowed to be shared with other housing operations across the nation.

Submitted materials should include:

• An innovation summary sheet which includes: a) name of institution; b) name of innovation; c) problem and/or purpose of innovation; d) name, address, and telephone number of a contact person
• A description of the innovation, target audience(s), implementation strategy, publicity, and approximate costs. 
• A summary of the nominator’s evaluation of the innovation including goals and problems.

Outstanding New Professional In Residence Life

This award is presented to an individual in the first three years of professional employment who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to their campus and/or the housing profession.

The nominee:

• Must be a full-time new housing professional (1-3 years of professional employment).
• Must have contributed to residence life through research, a program, or related activity which was above and beyond normal expectations.
• Must demonstrate potential for a successful career in housing or residence life.

Submitted materials should include:

• One letter of recommendation, which should be from the nominee's direct supervisor. The letter should include an outline of campus or professional contributions, listing of specific activities in which the nominee was involved, and rationale as to the nominee's potential as a contributing member of the housing profession.
• The nominee's resume

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Staff Member

This award is presented to an outstanding undergraduate student employed in a paraprofessional staff position.

Criteria include:

• Performance and contributions in current undergraduate paraprofessional position
• Contributions in nominee’s academic program
• Contributions to community and university, and other recognitions of achievement.
• Must be a current undergraduate student employed in a paraprofessional position in student housing.
• Should have demonstrated outstanding performance in that position above and beyond normal expectations.
• Must have contributed to residence life through research, a program, or related activity.

Submitted materials should include:

• One letter of recommendation, which should be from the nominee's direct supervisor. The letter should include an outline of contributions, listing of specific activities in which the nominee was involved, and rationale as to why the nominee's contributions were outstanding.
• The nominee's resume or list of involvement.

Research Grant

The CHRL Research Grant will support research efforts that explore the impact of housing and residential life work on the student experience. Research proposals will be evaluated by the Commission for Housing and Residential Life based on the importance and usefulness of the topic to student affairs professionals and the strength of the research methodology. This will be a one time award of $500.

The submission will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Purpose and goals of project/research
• Significance of project/research
• Supporting literature and rationale for project/research
• Appropriate methodology
• Degree project supports and relates to mission & goals of CHRL
• Alignment with ACPA’s Strategic Imperative for Racial Justice and Decolonization
• Clearly outlined budget & financial need demonstrated 
• Background and experience of applicant

Outline of Submission

• Cover Page
• Brief Description (not to exceed 1 page)
• Project narrative (not to exceed 10 double-spaced pages)
• Literature Review
• Project timeline, including work already accomplished (not to exceed 2 pages)
• Detailed budget (not to exceed 3 pages)
• Appendices (including CV & letter of Support from a faculty member)

 

ACPA Commission for Professional Preparation Nominations

The deadline to submit an application is Monday, 1 November 2022.

All nominations will appear as typed in the form. Please review before clicking submit.

Burns B. Crookston Doctoral Research Award
This award recognizes research by a doctoral student or students which must entail original, journal-quality, research that brings greater understanding to the learning or development of students or the organization and administration of student affairs practice.

Submissions should not exceed 7,500 words (approximately 30 double-spaced pages), including references, tables, and figures. All writing must strictly conform to the American Psychological Association 7th edition style manual. Content and style should be appropriate for a professional journal in higher education.

CPP Teaching Excellence Award

The Commission for Professional Preparation is pleased to announce a new annual beginning this year. The ACPA CPP Teaching Excellence Award offers instructional faculty in higher education and student affairs graduate programs an opportunity to be recognized by their peers as teachers who inspire the next generation of college student educators. Below are details about the criteria for the award as well as a description of the supporting materials required for all nominees. 

Selection Criteria

Selection for the award is based on the following criteria, which are not ranked by order of importance, nor exclusive:

• Uses multiple approaches in classroom/practicum instruction and evaluation
• Stimulates intellectual curiosity in students
• Shows evidence of employing cutting-edge knowledge in the field
• Demonstrates commitment to student learning as instructor, role model, or positive influence on career development of students
• Reflects on past teaching experience or professional practice to improve current practice

Submission Content

Please compile all material into one PDF document for submission. The required materials include:

• Description of Teaching Excellence:  Statement authored by the nominee, emphasizing pedagogy and reflection on teaching experiences over time (750 word maximum) 
• Sample teaching material: Carefully selected item that best represents teaching excellence. The artifact could include, for example: a syllabus, course assignment, project guidelines and support material, teaching tool, self-authored learning object. 
• Evidence of impact on student learning: A single item demonstrating impact on student learning. Examples include: student evaluations from a course, peer observation report, or student project sample (shared with permission)
• Two letters of support:
• One letter of support from an instructional colleague
• One letter of support from a student (current or past)

Gerald Saddlemire Masters Research Award
Submissions must be from students in a Master’s student affairs graduate preparation program (or someone who graduated December 2021, Spring 2022, or Summer 2022). Submissions must entail original, journal quality research that gives insight into the learning or development of students or the organization and administration of student affairs practice.

Submissions must not exceed 3,500 words (approximately 14 double-spaced pages), including references, tables, and figures. All writing must strictly conform to the American Psychological Association 7th edition style manual. Content and style should be appropriate for a professional journal in higher education.  

ACPA Commission for Recreation, Athletics, and Wellness Nominations

The deadline to submit an application is 1 November 2022.

All nominations will appear as typed in the form. Please review before clicking submit.

Distinguished Scholar Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize a member of RAWC for their scholarly contributions to the advancement of intercollegiate athletics, campus recreation, or wellness. Candidates must be a current member in good standing of ACPA and the RAWC and register to attend the 2021 ACPA National Convention. Individuals may self-nominate for the award or be nominated by another member of the RAWC. In addition to the online nomination form, a current resume or CV and brief summary of their work not to exceed 2 double-spaced pages should be submitted for review. The award recipient will be asked to provide an edited version of their work for publication in the RAWC newsletter prior to the convention.

Graduate Student/New Professional Conference Award

The purpose of this award is to assist a graduate student and/or new professional with the cost of attending the 2021 ACPA conference while supporting them in the engagement of the activities of the RAWC. The recipient of this grant will receive a stipend to cover the cost of registration. To be eligible for the grant, applicants must be a current member in good standing of ACPA. Applicants must have no more than 4 years of post-collegiate professional experience in intercollegiate athletics, campus recreation, or wellness, excluding part-time employment or graduate assistantships.

Outstanding Contribution Award - Group

The purpose of the outstanding contribution group award is to honor a team for their contributions and commitment to student learning and development in campus recreation, intercollegiate athletics, and/or wellness. We encourage nominations to be recognized groups for the projects, initiatives, and/or events that is creative and unique in their respective areas. This award is based on creativity, student impact, and success of their program. Nominees do not have to be members of ACPA or the RAWC for consideration.

Outstanding Contribution Award - Individual

The ACPA Recreation, Athletics, and Wellness Commission is accepting nominees for the RAWC Award for Outstanding Contribution to Recreation, Athletics, and Wellness. The purpose of this award is to honor a member of the community for their contributions and commitment to student learning and development in campus recreation, intercollegiate athletics, and/or wellness. This award is based on creativity, student impact, and success of their program. Nominees do not have to be members of ACPA or the RAWC for consideration.

 

 

ACPA Commission for Social Justice Education Nominations

The deadline to submit an application is 1 December 2022.

All nominations will appear as typed in the form. Please review before clicking submit.

The Commission for Social Justice Education (CSJE) annually recognizes individuals, groups, and programs that contributes our own learning goal: CSJE organizes educators who collaboratively and boldly advance social justice in higher education.

CSJE offers the following awards:

Commitment to Social Justice Education
This award honors a group, department, or institution that has committed to social justice education and development, training, or programming over an extended period of time. 

Exemplary Social Justice Education Contribution by a Graduate Student
This award honors a full-time graduate student that has demonstrated leadership and activism in social justice education on campus and has role-modeled the qualities of a positive change agent in their community.

Outstanding Social Justice Education Collaboration:
This award recognizes outstanding collaborative efforts between campus and community groups/offices/organizations, or committees/commissions of ACPA and/or other national associations. This award recognizes creative initiative taking in a collaborative partnership that addresses an issue of social justice education on their campus or in their community. Some examples could include inter-department training, cross-campus collaborations and initiatives for week-long events, and the development or adaptation of new policies and procedures between entities. 

Outstanding Social Justice Educator, Trainer, or Mentor
This award recognizes an individual who is personally committed to social justice education and/or activism and is an outstanding educator, trainer, or mentor to other professionals or students in social activism. This award is different than the Voices of Inclusion Medallion, which is given by the larger umbrella of ACPA and recognizes individuals who have shown leadership over five years on broader initiatives of diversity and interculturalism on their campuses.

To view our grading rubric, click here.

ACPA Commission for Spirituality, Faith, Religion and Meaning Nominations

The deadline to submit an application is 1 November 2022.

All nominations will appear as typed in the form. Please review before clicking submit.

ACPA Commission for Student Conduct and Legal Issues Nominations

The deadline to submit an application is 1 November 2022.

All nominations will appear as typed in the form. Please review before clicking submit.

Please upload files for your nomination. Files should include the rationale for the nomination with supporting information about the nominee's professional contributions to the field such as involvement with professional organizations, completed projects, impact of research, assessment results/reports, presentations/publications, etc. Additionally, up to three letters of recommendation may also be included. If the award has a limit/requirement pertaining to years in the field, please include a timeline of the nominee's professional journey or the nominee's résumé/CV.

Award for Student Impact

This award is for an student affairs scholar/practitioner who shows extraordinary abilities to connect with and educate students. The evidence of this could include skills in conducting an effective administrative convention in which the student really “gets it,” promoting community and student leadership by advising an active and educational peer board, creativity in developing appropriate educational sanctions to maximize a student’s learning experience, and/or developing innovative proactive programming to foster the integrity within each individual and the respect and commitment to one’s community.

This award may also be awarded to an office that has an extraordinary commitment to training and supporting staff to become conduits for the aforementioned skills or to an individual. Individual nominees must be currently practicing within student affairs or in post-master’s graduate study.

New Professional of the Year Award

This award recognizes the contribution of a new professional in student affairs who is involved in campus student conduct affairs and /or legal issues. This person should be known not only for their campus contributions but also for their involvement in expanding the field of student conduct affairs through membership(s) in professional associations, research, presentations, and authorship of articles. We are particularly interested in candidates who have implemented new initiatives that have made a difference on their campus and can be modeled by other institutions.

Nominees must have fewer than 10 years of professional experience (post master’s degree) in student affairs with fewer than five (5) years in student conduct affairs and/or legal issues. Nominees must be currently practicing in student affairs or in post-master’s degree study.

Outstanding Research in Student Conduct and Legal Issues

This award recognizes research in areas applicable to campus discipline and legal issues in higher education. Research should contribute to the expansion of the profession’s body of knowledge concerning the application of due process, developmental theory, and legal or legislative mandates. Evidence of such contributions may include but are not limited to surveys, experimental research, historical treatment of current issues, literature reviews, or annotated bibliographies.

Research done by nominees must have been done within the last 24 months prior to nomination. Nominees must be currently practicing within student affairs or in post-master’s graduate study.

Outstanding Service to the Commission Award

This award is determined on the basis of a member’s contribution of effort, energy, and time on behalf of the goals of Commission for Student Conduct and Legal Issues. This may involve work on committees, convention, and programs related to Commission for Student Conduct and Legal Issues. In addition, recruitment and retention of new members, work assisting newcomers to the Commission for Student Conduct and Legal Issues, and the student affairs profession can be used in judging merit for this award.

Nominees must be a member of Commission for Student Conduct and Legal Issues for at least two (2) years. Nominees must be a current member of ACPA.

Tracy R. Teele Memorial Award

This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the area of student conduct affairs and legal issues and is the highest award given by Commission for Student Conduct and Legal Issues. This is not an annual award and can be awarded to an individual, group or institution that has demonstrated one of the following: 1. Development of an innovative approach to the field of student conduct. The approach may contribute to promoting individual student’s development or may contribute to furthering development of student conduct processes in general. This approach must have been successfully modeled and implemented by others in the field. In all cases, the contribution will have a positive affect on the quality of the facilitation of student conduct affairs in higher education. 2. Contributions to expanding the field of student conduct affairs through research, instruction, publication authorship, or service to ACPA or other professional organizations.

This award may be awarded to an individual or an office. Individual nominees must have 10 years or more professional experience (post master’s degree).

ACPA Commission for Student Involvement Nominations

The deadline to submit an application is Friday, 9 December 2022.

All nominations will appear as typed in the form. Please review before clicking submit.

In addition to other materials outlined below, please submit for each award:

Additional information that would help make a decision (not required but limited to 100 words)

Any supporting documents that you wish to share (not required except for Program of the Year and Research Awards)

CSI Distinguished Service Award

The CSI Distinguished Service Award honors a professional staff member who has displayed exemplary service and commitment of time and energy to both the Commission for Student Involvement and the profession. The recipient has given outstanding service to the Commission, upheld professional standards showing integrity, and holds the esteem and appreciation of colleagues, students and peers.

The recipient must be a member of the Commission for Student Involvement; has involvement in and made contributions to ACPA; has involvement in and made contributions to a Commission for Student Involvement functional area (fraternity/sorority affairs, organizations/activities, service/service-learning, and leadership); has held leadership or volunteer position(s) within the Commission for Student Involvement; has made contributions to the individual's campus and/or agency; displays genuine support and regard for students.

CSI Research Grant

In order to encourage research and scholarship in student involvement (including targeted research in the four functional areas the CSI oversees), the Commission for Student Involvement (CSI) will award one $500 research grant. Graduate students are especially encouraged to apply. Research question(s) must align with the various purposes and activities of the four functional areas of the CSI or their intersections (fraternity/sorority affairs, organizations/activities, service/service-learning, and leadership). Additional consideration will be given to research that brings a critical and/or social justice lens. Grant money can support research in the following ways: marketing, promotion, or incentives to attract participants; transcription assistance; travel for researchers; others as approved by the CSI's Vice Chair for Research. Grant funds will be distributed through reimbursement and submission of expense receipts, due by December 1, 2022.

 

The Outstanding Graduate Student Award

This award seeks to acknowledge an individual who has made a significant impact upon students, their department, and/or campus through specific initiatives or by way of their day-to-day interactions with others. The award also attempts to acknowledge regional and/or national participation in the field. The recipient of this award will be invited to write an article for Interchange, the Commission’s blog to highlight their work, personal experience in the field, and/or research.

The recipient must be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program (M.Ed., M.S., M.A., PhD, EdD, etc.) in a related area of higher education or support one of the four functional areas of CSI through their graduate work. Previous award winners demonstrated volunteer work, professional contributions to, and/or research in one of the four functional areas (fraternity/sorority affairs, organizations/activities, service/service-learning, and leadership) of the Commission for Student Involvement.

The Outstanding New Professional Award

This award seeks to acknowledge an individual who has made a significant impact upon students, their department, and/or campus through specific initiatives or by way of their day-to-day interactions with others. The award also attempts to acknowledge regional and/or national participation in the field. The recipient of this award will be invited to write an article for Interchange, the Commission’s blog, to highlight their work, personal experience in the field, and/or research.

The recipient must be working in the field of higher education for 0-5 years upon date of nomination ; works in one of the four functional areas (fraternity/sorority affairs, organizations/activities, service/service-learning, and leadership); has demonstrated a commitment and/or has made contributions to the functional area of Student Involvement.

The Outstanding Leading Professional Award

The Outstanding Leading Professional Award will be presented to a professional staff member. The recipient for this award will be featured in one of our publications in the upcoming year. The recipient of this award will be invited to write an article for Interchange, the Commission’s blog, publication to highlight their work, personal experience in the field, and/or research.

The recipient must be employed as a professional staff member in the field of student affairs for at least five years by the date of nomination; has demonstrated commitment to the profession through work both at their institution and through professional organizations; is viewed by colleagues as an educator; displays genuine support and regard for students; has involvement in and contribution to one of the four functional areas (fraternity/sorority affairs, organizations/activities, service/service-learning, and leadership) of the Commission for Student Involvement; is currently employed as a full-time professional staff member within the field of student affairs and higher education.

The Outstanding Program of the Year

The Outstanding Program honors an innovative program conceived by the campus that exceeds programming expectations in one of the four functional areas (fraternity/sorority affairs, organizations/activities, service/service-learning, and leadership) of the Commission for Student Involvement. The award is based on student involvement, creativity and the success of the program, as determined by the achievement of the stated program goals. The recipient of this award will have their program highlighted in one of the Commission’s publications.

Supporting documents to attach with the nomination should include posters, flyers or assessment data, along with a narrative of no more than 100 words outlining the impact of the program to the campus, and any other program material that will assist the committee with their decision. Also, please provide the name, phone number, and email address of a student or staff member who could serve as a reference if the committee feels they need to gather more supporting information.

 

ACPA Commission for Two-Year Colleges Nominations

The deadline to submit an application is 22 November 2022.

All nominations will appear as typed in the form. Please review before clicking submit.

New Professional at a Two-Year College Award

This award recognizes a new professional employed at a two-year college who has displayed outstanding professional potential and commitment to Student Affairs/Student Development. A new professional is an individual who has begun working at a two-year college within the past five years or less of continuous full-or part-time employment.

Nominee must be employed at a two-year college during the period for which they are being nominated.

Promising Practice in Social Justice

This award is given to a person or institution at a two-year college that develops and implements a program or practice that is inclusive of a historically underrepresented group, promotes equity on their campus, or encourages thoughtful contemplation of social justice.

This program or practice must have been developed and implemented at a two-year college. *A copy of the program or practice must be submitted.

Service to the Profession

This award is given to an individual who has a history of distinguished involvement to Student Affairs/Student Development in the two-year college setting.

Nominee must be employed at a two-year college during the period for which they are being nominated and must have served for seven years or more of continuous full-time employment at a two-year college in some area of Student Affairs/Student Development