The goal of the award is to recognize the importance of academic advising as a significant aspect of faculty roles and responsibilities. The nominee must demonstrate excellence in student advising and exemplify the criteria below. The award includes a monetary prize of $1000, awarded to the successful candidate at the annual Teaching, Research and Service awards ceremony.
Process
Nominations for this award can arise from faculty, staff or students. The Committee on Academic Advising will serve as the selection committee.
- The names and departments of nominees should be submitted via this online nomination form or emailed to abby.thomas@cortland.edu no later than December 13, 2024.
- Each nominee will be contacted to inquire whether they are interested in being considered. Materials from nominees (as listed below) are due February 7, 2025.
Eligibility
Tenure-track and non-tenure-track faculty who carry a consistent academic advising caseload and have completed at least four semesters of academic advising at SUNY Cortland prior to the year of nomination are eligible.
Criteria for Selection
In nomination and selection for this award, excellence in one or more of the following areas should be documented.
Evidence of:
- Sensitivity to the varied needs of students as they develop academically and personally.
- Ability to assist students in recognizing their academic strengths and weaknesses and monitor student progress toward academic and career goals.
- Accurate communication of College policies and academic expectations.
- Excellence in understanding college and departmental requirements as reflected in the College Catalog and degree audit.
- Excellence in creating or utilizing advising structures and procedures.
- Knowledge of appropriate campus resources for referrals.
- Building strong relationships with advisees.
- Availability and providing sufficient time in meeting with students.
- Assistance and support to colleagues in the advisement process.
Documentation Required of Nominees
Primary Documentation:
1. Statement of academic advising practice and philosophy of no more than two pages
2. Summary of advising caseload for four prior semesters
3. Two letters of support:
- One from a Department Chair, Dean or colleague
- One from a student
Secondary Documentation:
1. Supporting evidence that documents excellence in one or more of the criteria listed above. Evidence can include, but is not limited to: advising tools, assessments, communications, etc.
2. Additional letters of support.
Nomination materials not to exceed 20 pages.
Previous Excellence in Advising Award Recipients
2024 Dr. Anne Burns Thomas, Professor, Foundations and Social Advocacy
Dr. Jacob Hall, Associate Professor, Childhood/Early Childhood Education
2023 Dr. Elizabeth Bittel, Assistant Professor and Internship Coordinator, Sociology/Anthropology
2022 Dr. Avanti Mukherjee, Assistant Professor, Economics
Helene Schmid, Lecture III, Physical Education
2020 Dr. Kate McCormick, Assistant Professor, Childhood/Early Childhood Education
2019 Virginia Wright, Lecturer, Physical Education
2018 Dr. Deborah Matheron, Associate Professor, Communication Disorders and Sciences
2017 Dr. Peter Ducey, Distinguished Teaching Professor, Biological Sciences
2016 Dr. Kate Polasek, Professor, Kinesiology
Valerie Widdall, Lecturer III, Childhood/Early Childhood Education
2015 Dr. Paul van der Veur, Professor, Communication and Media Studies
2014 Dr. Kathleen Burke, Professor, Economics