TO: National Louis University Community

FROM: The Senate Faculty Development & Welfare Committee - Paula Jordan (Co-Chair), Amy LeFager (Co-Chair), Shani Beth-Halachmy, Efrat Efron, Michael Fontaine, Susan McMahon, Kristen Mitchell, Marlene Suvada, and Daniel Buckman (Senate Liaison)

SUBJECT: Nominations for 2015-2016 Faculty Awards of Excellence - Deadline March 31st

The Senate Faculty Development & Welfare Committee invites you to nominate an NLU faculty member (college or library) for university-wide recognition for outstanding teaching, research, or service. Three awards will be presented to full-time faculty in the areas of Excellence in Teaching, Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Inquiry, and Excellence in Service and Engagement.  Awards will be presented to adjunct faculty in the award categories of either teaching or service. Eligible adjunct faculty are those adjunct faculty who have taught at any time during the academic year.

Nominations can be submitted via an online form:
Faculty Excellence Awards Nomination Form<http://www.nl.edu/academics/faculty/facultyawardsnomination/>
Nominations will be accepted through March 31, 2016.

Following the close of the nomination process, the nominated faculty will be contacted and letters of support for the nominees will be solicited from the NLU community. Information regarding the submission of support documentation will be provided to the nominees.

The following criteria will used to evaluate each nominee. The award criteria are aligned with NLU's Promotion and Tenure policy. The successful nominee will be one who meets the majority of the criteria.

Excellence in Teaching Award
Teaching is sharing knowledge with, eliciting insight of, and promoting informed action by learners. National Louis University recognizes faculty that exemplify devotion to the teaching profession.
Criteria for the Excellence in Teaching Award

  *   Demonstration over time of a sustained commitment to quality instruction that promotes student engagement in the field of study.
  *   Evidence of employing creative, diverse, and innovative teaching strategies and instructional methods that enhance student learning.
  *   Development of new curricula, programs, or courses that provide students an unparalleled classroom experience and enhance the course offerings of National Louis University.
  *   Demonstrating a significant commitment to students by providing advising and mentoring that supports student success.

Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Inquiry Award
Research is the process of asking a question of importance, systematically obtaining an answer to this question, and sharing the results of this process in an appropriate public forum. National Louis University embraces an expanded definition of scholarship that appropriately reflects the University's active engagement with the broader society.
Criteria for the Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Inquiry Award

  *   Demonstration over time of a commitment to a research agenda that enhances understanding within a field of study.
  *   Scholarship has a demonstrable disciplinary impact that is highly recognizable within and beyond National Louis University.
  *   Evidence of engagement with community partners to enhance understanding and to find innovative solutions to problems.
  *   Publications or presentations that substantially advance knowledge within a field.
  *   Recognition by professional organizations or associations for outstanding scholarship.
  *   Securing competitive grants or contracts to fund research.

Excellence in Service and Engagement
Service is sharing expertise with others and facilitating collaborative efforts to solve problems. National Louis University's partnership goals include a commitment to bringing together communities of practice and advocacy around important educational and societal issues.
Criteria for the Excellence in Service and Engagement Award

  *   Demonstration over time of a record of service excellence within and beyond National Louis University.
  *   Demonstration of substantial contribution in a leadership role toward process and content issues to help service groups work toward accomplishment of goals.
  *   Engaging with community partners to creatively solve problems and work toward solutions.
  *   Providing a service to the community or profession that distinguishes National Louis University at the forefront of innovative education.

When nominating individuals, it is strongly recommended that you contact the individuals you are nominating to inform them of their nominations. It is also recommended that you inform other colleagues via your College/Department/Program meetings and/or a general request for documentation in support of the individuals you are nominating.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Amy LeFager, the FDWC Co-Chair, at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>

Please note:  Members of the Senate Faculty Development & Welfare Committee are eligible for these awards. If nominated, the committee member will abstain from voting in the award category for which he or she is nominated.