Nomination Form

Graduate students graduating in Fall 2026 may nominate a faculty member for recognition at the Graduate School Citations for Academic Excellence. Students should submit a letter of nomination (up to 250 words maximum) and describe how the faculty member exemplifies the criteria for the award. You may also give specific examples of how the nominee has influenced your academic experience.

NOMINATIONS DUE: October 23, 2026

Eligibility:

Faculty members must be full-time, regular faculty at GVSU who engage in graduate education.

GSA Faculty Awards

Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award

Nominees must contribute to graduate student development by using thoughtful and creative methods of instruction in the classroom as well as in clinical and laboratory experiences. They should maintain a level of academic rigor commensurate with graduate education and assist in deeply understanding course content, including theory and practice. Nominees engage with students in a dynamic and inclusive manner and demonstrates respect and a sincere and active interest in the educational development of graduate students at GVSU.

Outstanding Mentorship Award

Nominees must contribute to graduate student development by encouraging the development of individual talent through advising graduate level research and promoting professional development opportunities beyond the classroom. They should assist in promoting successful transition from graduate studies to faculty positions or other employment. Nominees have sponsored students and their work in and beyond the campus community, including supporting student attendance and participation at conferences. They must act as an advocate and leader in administrative and professional matters, such as publishing, grant writing, presentation of research findings, post-doctoral options, and job placement. Lastly, nominees must demonstrate respect and a sincere and active interest in the well-being of students.

The Kimboko Inclusion Award

The award will recognize outstanding accomplishments and general impact in any or all following areas:

• Teaching: development and implementation of effective teaching strategies that advance understanding of underrepresented groups in the discipline or across disciplines, to include activities such as classroom instruction, supervision of student scholarship, theses or dissertations, and graduate student mentoring.
• Research or Creative Work: generation of new knowledge or creative work that advances understanding of underrepresented groups in a field of study; knowledge that has the potential to improve the quality of life among underrepresented groups in the field of study.
• Service/Outreach: activities that promote the professional and/or academic advancement of underrepresented groups in the faculty's discipline; contributions to diversity and equal opportunity in the university through activities such as recruitment and mentoring of faculty and students; activities that promotes the well-being of underrepresented communities in the faculty's discipline.