Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Leadership Award

Any current University employee may nominate an eligible candidate.

Nominee must have three years of cumulative service at the University by the nomination date to be considered for this achievement award. In addition, the candidate must be a current, full-time University academic/administrative faculty or classified staff member that has not received this award.

The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will send a campus announcement calling for nominations in early spring.

Nominations are due to the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by March 7.

Each nomination should include the following information, which will be submitted through the nomination form:

• Nominator Information: The nominator should indicate how they know the nominee, the length of time they have known them, and their familiarity with the nominee’s contributions to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).
• Nominee Information: The nominee’s current role within the university and their department/unit.
• Nomination Criteria: Responses to the following questions, which highlight how the nominee’s work in DEIA is exceptional and beyond their formal work responsibilities:
  • Programming & Educational Efforts: How has the nominee advanced the understanding and practices of inclusion, equity, diversity, and accessibility at the University by providing mentorship and leadership within and beyond their formal work responsibilities?
  • Advocacy & Policy Impact: How has the nominee advocated for DEIA, served as a role model, facilitated opportunities for others, and/or taken a stand on critical issues?
  • Innovation & Sustainable Change: How has the nominee generated innovative and sustainable ways to improve the overall organizational, cultural, and physical climate?

Nominations do not require a formal letter of nomination. Instead, all necessary information is collected through the nomination form.

In addition, up to three letters of support may be submitted by individuals familiar with the nominee’s work, including students, faculty, and staff. Letters of support are optional and can be submitted separately through the provided form.

Nominees will be evaluated by a selection committee composed of the most recent recipient, two University Associate Deans of Diversity & Inclusion, and the University Diversity and Inclusion Officer.

The award recipient will be notified in early April and receive the award in early May.