The Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs is pleased to announce an award for Excellence in Inclusivity in Academic Affairs. Recipients will receive a $1,000 honorarium and will be recognized at the Academic Affairs Awards and Retirement Recognition event in the spring.

Eligibility

Persons recognized for this award will be committed leaders, advocates, creators and exemplars in the Division of Academic Affairs to include staff and full and part-time instructors.

Submission Process

Colleges are invited to submit one nominee. This also includes areas such as Libraries, CGE, University Studies, TGS, SPCE and Academic Resources.

Self-nominations will not be accepted.

Submission must include:

1. A nomination letter from the office of the dean of no more than 500 words about the nominee along with a current CV. 
2. A candidate statement that describes how the work done has changed them, how this work will bring change and where we might see the greatest impact.

Protocol

• Letters of nomination must be signed.
• Colleges and other areas may nominate one person.

Rubric

The nomination letter, CV and candidate statement shows substantial evidence that the nominee’s activities and achievements:

1. Indicate awareness that inclusion means that the institution or social/political/economic system must be prepared to change in response to the presence of underrepresented groups and gender diversity. Inclusion addresses systemic challenges and empowers marginalized people/groups to represent in the community through collaborative relationships. A successful candidate may demonstrate different styles of addressing inclusion toward lasting change.
2. Can be evaluated as excellent contributions to their field and venue.
3. Are multiple, whether in the same area or in several areas. We are interested in dedication and continuity.
4. Show a willingness to take risks on behalf of a vision of inclusive excellence.
5. May have lasting and practical, beneficial consequences for the JMU community and/or the profession as a whole.

Deadlines 

All relevant documents for the nomination process are due by January 31, 2025 to Sarah Burke at burke2se@jmu.edu. A faculty committee coordinated by the provost’s office will evaluate the nominations and select the final awardee. Selection of candidates must be completed and sent to the provost's office by February 28, 2025.