Academic Excellence Awards

Nominations are sought for faculty colleagues who demonstrate academic excellence in their various roles both individually and collectively. Deans, directors and individual faculty members are asked to nominate persons/departments for one of the awards described below. (NOTE: Only current UNC faculty members are eligible for faculty awards.)

To nominate an individual or school, first check the criteria below, complete the attached form (or link below, if on the web site) and submit it to the Office of Academic Affairs. Please attach any relevant supporting documentation to your nomination.

GENERAL CRITERIA FOR AWARDS

All nominees, whether individual or department, must meet the following general criteria:
• Demonstrates THOROUGH KNOWLEDGE of the field.
• COMMUNICATES that knowledge in an effective and organized manner.
• Establishes a POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.
• Shows RESPECT and CONCERN for students.
• Inspires ENTHUSIASM for learning.
• Has HIGH EXPECTATIONS for students’ performance.

 

Specific Criteria for the Awards

 

Teaching Excellence in Undergraduate Education
  • "Goes the extra mile" for students
  • Is unselfishly available to students
  • Provides additional learning opportunities
  • Uses innovative teaching methods

 

Teaching Excellence in Graduate Education
  • "Goes the extra mile" for students
  • Is unselfishly available to students
  • Provides additional learning opportunities
  • Uses innovative teaching methods
  • Produces a model of outstanding teaching in the discipline
  • Effectively guides students in professional development and/or in research/activity

 

Excellence in Faculty Service
  • Contributes significantly to the development of other faculty members
  • Contributes significantly to the curriculum and instructional program of the University beyond one’s own courses and department
  • Contributes significantly to the discipline/profession

 

Excellence in Faculty Advisement
  • Is unselfishly available to students
  • Provides career mentoring as well as academic scheduling advisement
  • Is widely knowledgeable of university requirements, academic policies, and student support services
  • Consistently demonstrates respect, concern, and interest in students and their progress

 

School/Program Excellence in Teaching
  • School/Program demonstrates excellence and/or innovation in classroom/lab advising, and/or instructional development
  • School/Program’s graduates have demonstrated record of accomplishment

 

School/Program Excellence in Service
  • School/Program demonstrates a commitment to public service which has an impact on the community, state, region, or beyond
  • School/Program applies expertise to consequential problems in society

 

School/Program Excellence in Scholarship
  • School/Program has a collective demonstrated record of excellence in research or creative activity
  • Has demonstrated a collective record of contributions to the discipline and the university
  • Has demonstrated a collective record of excellent teaching and involvement of students in research and creative activity

 

Excellence Through Performance Assessment

  • The program or initiative is committed to on-going assessment and improvement, based on its goals, so as to contribute to recognized, exemplary programs.
  • The program or initiative regularly monitors achievement of its goals and objectives, and makes relevant changes that lead to innovative practices
  • The program or initiative makes data reflecting the effectiveness of its program available to relevant constituents, and receives systematic feedback from which changes are made
  • The program or initiative reflects innovation and creativity in addressing assessment challenges at the unit, college, program, and/or student/course levels
  • The program or initiative uses data to gain visibility as to its effectiveness, and thus influences the culture of accountability at UNC and higher education in general

 

Academic Leadership Excellence
  • Consistently leads his/her unit toward academic excellence in teaching, scholarly activity, and service
  • Promotes the professional development of both individuals within his/her unit as well as the collective whole
  • Performs routine responsibilities and tasks efficiently, effectively, and fairly
  • Demonstrates academic leadership in the broader university context beyond advancement of his/her own discipline
  • Service as a role model for other faculty members