Guidelines for the University Outstanding Department
or Unit Award for Enhancing Diversity
Purpose:
This award has been established by the provost
to recognize those departments or units that have made extraordinary
achievements to enhance diversity within the department, college
and/or the university. Units as defined here may include colleges
and administrative units and groups.
Award:
One department or unit will be recognized each
year during the spring semester. A plaque and $2,500 will be awarded
to the department or unit for that year.
Criteria:
Any department or unit within the university
may demonstrate its achievements in the area of diversity by providing
evidence that may include, but not be limited to, one or more of
the following:
- Developing innovative programs to enhance diversity
within the unit or university
- Incorporating a clear statement of the importance
of diversity in department or unit mission statement
- Recruiting students, faculty, and staff from underrepresented
groups
- Increasing the retention and graduation rates of
students from underrepresented groups
- Providing mentoring/advising for students from
underrepresented groups
- Providing mentoring for junior faculty and staff
from underrepresented groups
- Developing and implementing learning activities
that prepare students for a diverse and global society
- Integrating diversity into the curriculum
- Supporting research and scholarships in the area
of diversity
- Providing opportunities for professional development
for faculty and staff of underrepresented groups
- Developing activities that support partnerships
with minority-serving institutions, visiting scholars and guest
lecturers from underrepresented groups
Nomination/Application Process:
Any faculty or staff member, department or unit
head, dean or administrator may nominate a department or unit. The
nomination must include information on how the department has enhanced
diversity. The nomination will be forwarded to a screening committee
appointed by the provost. Normally, units that have previously received
this award will not be eligible for a subsequent award within a
three-year period. However, exceptions may be given.
Contents of Nomination Packet:
- Letter of nomination from a faculty, staff, department
or unit head, dean or vice president describing in detail why
the nominee is deserving of the award (maximum of three pages),
- Letters of support (not more than three total)
from faculty, graduate or undergraduate students, classified or
unclassified staff, administrators or alumni who work extensively
with the department or unit,
- Description of the activities within the last calendar
year that illustrates the outstanding efforts by the department
or unit to enhance diversity (three-page limit).
Deadlines:
The nomination and/or application materials are to be forwarded to the
Office of the Provost by April 3. Notification of the award will be
given by May 1, and presentation of the award will be made at the annual
Department Heads Retreat in August.