Kansas State University

Provost's office announces award for outstanding department or unit for enhancing diversity

Submitted by Gail Zeak

MEMORANDUM

Date:                      Jan. 3, 2012

To:                         Vice President Shubert

                               Vice President Bosco

                               Deans

                               Department Heads

From:                    April C. Mason, Provost and Senior Vice President

Subject:                 University Outstanding Department or Unit Award for Enhancing Diversity

The office of the provost is pleased to continue a university-wide award to recognize outstanding efforts of departments or units toward enhancing diversity. Departments or units in any area of the university are eligible for consideration. A plaque and $2,500 will be provided to the department or unit selected to receive this award.

Each nomination packet should include:   

1. A letter of nomination from a faculty, staff, department or unit head, dean, or vice president describing in detail why the nominee is deserving of this award (maximum of three pages),
2. Letters of support (not more than three total) which can come from faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, classified or unclassified staff, administrators, or alumni who work extensively with the department or unit,
3. A description of the activities within the last calendar year that illustrates the outstanding efforts by the department or unit to enhance diversity (three-page limit).

Please submit all nomination materials without staples, hole punches, binding, or sheet protectors. 

Nominations must be received by the office of the provost by 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 2. An advisory committee will make a recommendation to the provost. Attached is information about the award, criteria to be used in the review of the nominations and the contents to be included in the nomination packet. The award will be presented at the annual Fall Department Heads Retreat. 

This is an excellent way in which to recognize the diversity efforts of your department and units. Please share this information with department and unit heads within your administrative area. We look forward to receiving your nominations.

Criteria for the Selection of

University Outstanding Department or Unit Award for

Enhancing Diversity

Purpose: This award has been established by the provost to recognize those departments or units that have made extraordinary achievements to enhance diversity within the department, college and/or the university. Units as defined here may include colleges and administrative units and groups.

Award: One department or unit will be recognized each year during the spring semester. A plaque and $2,500 will be awarded to the department or unit for that year.

Criteria: Any department or unit within the university may demonstrate its achievements in the area of diversity by providing evidence that may include, but not be limited to, one or more of the following:

• Developing innovative programs to enhance diversity within the unit or university
• Incorporating a clear statement of the importance of diversity in department or unit mission statement
• Recruiting students, faculty, and staff from underrepresented groups
• Increasing the retention and graduation rates of students from underrepresented groups
• Providing mentoring/advising for students from underrepresented groups
• Developing and implementing learning activities that prepare students for a diverse and global society
• Integrating diversity into the curriculum
• Supporting research and scholarships in the area of diversity
• Providing opportunities for professional development for faculty and staff of underrepresented groups
• Developing activities that support partnerships with minority-serving institutions, visiting scholars and guest lecturers from underrepresented groups

Nomination/Application Process: Any faculty or staff member, department or unit head, dean or administrator may nominate a department or unit. The nomination must include information on how the department has enhanced diversity. The nomination will be forwarded to a screening committee appointed by the provost. Normally, units that have previously received this award will not be eligible for a subsequent award within a three-year period.  However, exceptions may be given.

 Contents of Nomination Packet:

• Letter of nomination from a faculty, staff, department or unit head, dean or vice president describing in detail why the nominee is deserving of the award (maximum of three pages),
• Letters of support (not more than three total) from faculty, graduate or undergraduate students, classified or unclassified staff, administrators or alumni who work extensively with the department or unit, 
• Description of the activities within the last calendar year that illustrates the outstanding efforts by the department or unit to enhance diversity (three-page limit).

Please submit all nomination materials without staples, hole punches, binding, or sheet protectors. 

Deadlines: The nomination and/or application materials are to be forwarded to the office of the provost by April 2. Notification of the award will be given by May 2, and presentation of the award will be made at the annual Department Heads Retreat in August.