2009-2010 Distinguished Graduate Faculty Awards

Guidelines for Nomination at Kansas State University

The Distinguished Graduate Faculty (DGF) Award was established to honor current members of the Graduate Faculty who are recognized nationally/internationally for their outstanding scholarly achievements and for their contributions to the graduate education enterprise. Up to two awards will be made annually. Recipients of the award will be recognized at Fall Commencement ceremonies and by their presentation of a public lecture to the university community during the following calendar year.

Nominations are to be made in letter format, generally less than three (3) pages in length, by individuals who are sufficiently familiar with the record of the nominee so that the credentials of the candidate are presented in proper perspective. In preparing such nominations, it should be recognized that the members of the awards committee will generally be from academic disciplines different from that of the nominees, and hence they may be unfamiliar with the honors, journals, and characteristics of the field unless background documentation places such items in proper context. While the nominee can supply key information, the nomination should be prepared by the nominator and should be considerably more than a recitation of facts typically representative of the curriculum vitae. In particular, it is advantageous if the nominator writes about the candidate, addressing the special reasons why the candidate deserves to be recognized by this prestigious award, both in scholarship and contributions to the graduate education enterprise at K-State.

An important component in the evaluation process will be external letters of recommendation from national and international scholars who are identifiable leaders in the field. Equally important are letters addressing contributions to the KSU graduate education enterprise. Only those letters, solicited directly by the Graduate School, will be considered by the awards committee. However, nominators are asked to provide names of references that might be contacted. In this context, it is important that the qualifications or status of the potential reference in the academic field be made clear. Further, any present or prior connections between the potential reference and the candidate should be fully disclosed, e.g., dissertation advisor, collaborator, spouse, relative, etc.

Nominators are asked to supply the following documentation in support of the nomination by Monday, May 18, 2009:

1. The Original Letter of Nomination PLUS one (1) copy should generally be on the order of three (3) pages in length, should highlight the major accomplishments of the individual. This letter should make particular reference to why the candidate merits selection for this award. This is a clear obligation of the individual preparing this nomination. Complete documentation of the nominee's accomplishments should be included in the support materials. Examples might include information regarding degrees and other education background, positions and appointments, honors, awards or recognition by peers, research grants (as applicable to the profession), memberships and offices in professional organizations, journal editorships, and any other materials deemed especially relevant in support of the nomination.

2. The original Candidate's Curriculum Vitae PLUS one (1) copy.

3. The names and email addresses of five (5) potential references that might be contacted regarding the candidate's scholarly qualifications complete with professional background information on these individuals. These potential references should be national and international leaders in the field, and external to Kansas State University. Additional letters from scholars at K-State may be submitted as desired and may be utilized by the awards committee at their discretion. In addition to the referees names and email addresses, please include their current address (including zip code) and telephone number for every potential referee; fax numbers are welcome, as available.

4. The names and email addresses of three (3) potential references that might be contacted regarding the candidate’s contributions to the graduate education enterprise at Kansas State University. In addition to the referees names and email addresses, please include their current address (including zip code) and telephone number for every potential referee; fax numbers are welcome, as available.

Please Note: A maximum of three (3) consecutive years are allowed for consideration. After a one year hiatus, the candidate may once again be nominated with a complete set of new materials. If you have questions, please email Caron Boyce at cboyce@ksu.edu or call 532-6195. All materials should be sent directly to:

Caron Boyce

c/o The Graduate School

Fairchild Hall Room 102 - Kansas State University

by Monday, May 18, 2009