Award--Criteria

The following are recognized as suggested criteria for evaluation of excellence in teaching. Given that these criteria are not ordered in any priority fashion, it is assumed that any faculty member considered for the award shall demonstrate superior ability in most, if not all, of these criteria. Of paramount consideration in any analysis of teaching excellence is the willingness of the teacher to undertake those activities, which will enhance and expand the learning experience for the student.

1. The nominee must present an active and positive record of service to students as an academic, professional and/or personal advisor. Inherent in this role is the assumption that the nominee is readily and willingly available to students for advice and guidance.

 2. The nominee must demonstrate that he/she has actively undertaken involvement in faculty development programs (such as research, continuing study, self-initiated study, academic short courses, etc.) and has applied the knowledge and skills derived to effective teaching.

 3. The nominee must demonstrate that he/she has developed innovative course offerings and/or programs of study providing enhanced educational opportunities for students within and/or outside of the classroom. It is assumed that such courses/programs are characteristically of a high level of professional quality. 

4. The nominee must demonstrate a superior level of teaching effectiveness. Recognizing that effectiveness is a subjective nature, it is intended here to include but not be limited to the following:

development of innovative teaching techniques and regular application of these techniques in the classroom;

presentation in an interesting, stimulating and scholarly manner of course materials;

presentation of pertinent, timely and reliable knowledge relative to the course work, as well as the relationships between and across related areas of study;

demonstration of sensitivity to and respect for student inquiry and discussion, both in and out of the classroom;

evidence of such other traits, techniques or qualities employed or possessed by the teacher to enhance, strengthen and encourage the student to actively and enthusiastically enter into the learning process.