2026-27 Awards Campaign
Our 2026-27 awards campaign will kick off in late spring. Stay tuned for more information on how to nominate an exceptional colleague for the Excellence in Teaching First-Year Seminars award.
Award recipients will have achieved great success in teaching first-year seminars and continue to inspire student learning, development, and success.
What the Recipients Will Receive
- Complimentary registration to the Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience
- Recognition at the Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience, including the presentation of a plaque during the conference
- Recognition in the spring issue of the Center's online newsletter, Insights for College Transitions
- Recognition on the Center's web page, social media channels, email blasts, and press releases
How We Select Recipients
The selection committee (not to include any representatives from the National Resource Center or sponsor) will include a panel composed of members and former members of the Advisory Board of the National Resource Center, past Excellence in Teaching award recipients, and other leaders in American higher education.
What is Required of the Application Process
- Nominee's Resume/CV
- Nominee's First-Year Seminar Syllabus
- Nominee's First-Year Seminar Teaching Evaluations
- Nominee's Letter of Recommendation
- Nominee's Personal Statement (not to exceed five pages) which addresses:
- How the nominee develops success in the classroom and beyond
- How the nominee develops students' personal strategies
- How the nominee incorporates innovation in teaching
- How the nominee fosters student involvement in the campus community
- How the nominee supports effective utilization of campus resources