Overview
Annually, the Graduate College issues a call for nominations to identify faculty who excel in their teaching and mentoring of graduate and professional students. The Graduate Teaching and Mentoring Awards are the highest honor presented by the Graduate College in recognition of distinguished teaching and mentoring of graduate students. Excellence in graduate teaching and mentoring is critical to the Mission of the Graduate College and contributes to a thriving graduate community. Awardees are recognized at the annual Outstanding Faculty Awards celebration (Presidential Events & University Ceremonies) for their long-standing commitment to excellence in graduate education, including mentoring, professional development, and a dedication to diversity and inclusion. Individuals wishing to enhance their mentoring excellence are encouraged to complete the mentor training available through the MENTOR (Mentorship through Effective Networking, Transformational Opportunities, and Research) Institute.
Eligibility
UArizona faculty who have a record of excellence and commitment to graduate education are eligible for nomination. Candidates may be nominated by students, staff, faculty members, department heads, or deans. A committee of faculty members and university professionals review the nomination packets and make their recommendations to the Dean of the Graduate College. The selection committee will prioritize nominees who have completed the MENTOR training.
Nominations
Because this award is now recognized at the Outstanding Faculty Awards celebration hosted by Presidential Events & University Ceremonies each spring, we have adjusted the nomination cycle. The 2024 nomination cycle will open March 8, 2024. The deadline for the 2024 nominations is May 24, 2024.
Two candidates will be awarded. Each awardee will receive a check for $2,500.00*, a medallion, and plaque.
The nomination portal will open March 8th and all nomination materials must be submitted through this link: https://grad.arizona.edu/teachmentor/nomination-form Please note that submitters will need to log in with their UArizona NetID to access the form. Emailed submissions will not be accepted.
What is Required for the Submission
- A nomination letter, specifically addressing the candidate’s qualifications for the award. The letter should provide specific examples that demonstrate the exceptional quality of both graduate teaching and mentoring by the nominee. There may be multiple signatures on the nomination letter.
- Letters of support with at least two letters from graduate students.
- A current curriculum vitae for the nominee.
- A list of graduate courses taught within the last three years at the University of Arizona.
- A list of graduate student committees and advisees, as well as service on committees directly related to graduate education (e.g., Graduate Committees, Graduate Council, Graduate Admissions, etc.).
- Evidence of diversity and inclusion in graduate teaching and mentorship.
- Preference will be given to faculty who have completed the MENTOR Institute training. Please confirm whether the faculty member and/or their advisees have completed the training. Information about the training can be found here: https://facultyaffairs.arizona.edu/faculty-resources/mentor-institute/mentoring-training
- Preference will be given to first time awardees.
For questions regarding submission of the nomination packet, please contact:
Lori D'Anna, Executive Associate to the Dean
ldanna@email.arizona.edu
For questions regarding the content of the nomination packet, please contact:
Maggie Pitts, Ph.D., Senior Associate Dean
mjpitts@email.arizona.edu
* Please note that this award is considered taxable income paid by the University of Arizona Foundation. The recipient will receive a Form 1099 from the Foundation.