Awards & Recognition

All nominees must have a minimum of two years of service at the time of nomination with ongoing academic advising responsibilities at UNCG. Faculty award nominees must be teaching faculty in which academic advising accounts for less than 50% of their institutional responsibilities.

Nominations are solicited early during the spring term each academic year and can be submitted by supervisors or faculty/staff peers. The Advising Excellence Award selection committee typically begin their review of all nominations in early March, and award recipients are announced by the end of the Spring term.

Award Selection Committee Co-Chairs

• Dana Saunders – Division of Student Success
• Kim Sousa-Peoples – New Student Transitions and First Year Experience

• Proven ability to establish strong rapport and interpersonal relationships with advisees and advising colleagues
• Demonstrated ability to engage in, promote, and support development advising
• Exhibited commitment to guiding students in their academic and career paths
• Evidence of advising that supports and aligns with NACADA’s Core Values (Caring, Commitment, Empowerment, Inclusivity, Integrity, Professionalism, Respect)
• Mastery of institutional regulations, policies, procedures, and curricula
• Participation in and support of advisor development programs

The award is open to any full-time or part-time UNCG staff or faculty member with a minimum of two years of service at UNCG at the time of nomination. This award recognizes staff and faculty who provide programmatic, service-delivery, or curricular initiatives in support of first year students. (Academic advisors should be nominated for the Academic Advising Excellence Awards.) 

Nominations are solicited early during the spring term each academic year and can be submitted by supervisors or faculty/staff peers. The selection committee typically begins their review of all nominations in early March, and award recipients are announced by the end of the Spring term. 

Award Selection Committee Co-Chairs 

• Dana Saunders – Division of Student Success 
• Kim Sousa-Peoples – New Student Transitions and First Year Experience 

Nominee’s efforts and attributes that make them an advocate for first-year students 

• the persistence and ingenuity of the nominee 
• the nominee’s personal commitment to first-year students 
• the amount of time and energy exerted beyond the nominee’s ordinary job expectations 
• how the nominee has used theory and/or research on best practices to guide their efforts 

Impact of the nominee’s efforts on first-year students 

• providing resources and/or support to assist first-year students 
• successful transition of first year students to UNCG 
• feedback from students regarding the nominee’s efforts 
• the breadth and depth of the impact on first-year students 
• assessment efforts that show an actual impact on student outcomes, including academic and personal success 

Impact of the nominee’s efforts on the culture of the institutions, college, or unit 

• exhibiting a positive attitude that fosters a positive first-year experience
• promoting a welcoming campus environment 
• any tangible or demonstrable evidences of impact on campus culture 
• any departmental partnerships/collaborations that have occurred as a result of the nominee’s efforts 

Graduate Assistant/Teaching Assistant of the Year Award

The GA/TA of the Year is an award recognizing a student serving in a graduate assistantship or teaching assistantship in Student Success who has displayed exemplary performance both in their own position as well as in service to the Division, University, and/or community. 

Innovation and Impact Award

The Innovation and Impact Award is presented to a staff member who has demonstrated a commitment to the Division and the University through a particularly innovative and/or impactful contribution. All Division staff (professional, graduate, and undergraduate staff) are eligible for this award. 

Diversity and Inclusion Award

This award recognizes a Division staff member who has provided distinguished service in the areas of diversity and inclusion. Whether maximizing or creating an opportunity, this staff person prioritizes diversity and inclusion when supporting and engaging with students from various backgrounds and identities, when collaborating with colleagues and departments within the

Division, and/or when engaging in their own ongoing professional development. All Division staff are eligible for this award.

Student Success Champion Award

This award is presented to a person or department outside of Student Success for their collaborative efforts with Student Success. More than one recipient may be selected.

Nominations are solicited during the spring term each academic year. The selection committee typically begins their review of all nominations in early April, and award recipients are announced by the end of the Spring term.

The primary criteria for consideration for each award are service and job performance that helps the division efficiently meet the overarching goal of student success.

• Exemplary performance both in the employee’s own responsibilities as well as established record of significant achievement sustained over a period of time.
• Continuous leadership in the programs, services, or operations. Contributing to positive relationships by offering helpful and friendly assistance, which can serve as a model for other employees.
• Innovative and/or creative ideas that have improved the efficiency and/or effectiveness of the Division of Student Success, UNCG, or the community. Ideas that might contribute to the resolution of a difficult problem or a method that would improve department output or quality of work.
• Distinguished service and meritorious contributions within the Division of Student Success and/or the University and/or the community. Contributions could include services at the department, division, or university that have had a significant influence on the University or the Division (i.e., brought recognition to the division or University). Extensive contributions to Division or University committees or organizations.
• Activity fostering collegiality and partnership, making the Division a more connected workplace. Successful use of human resources with fairness, respect, and equal opportunity. Outstanding concern for the welfare of others that has led to an improved work environment.