NCHC-TWC Honors Award
NCHC-TWC Honors Award for Excellence in Experiential Education
The purpose of this award is to recognize a National Collegiate Honors Council honors director or dean whose demonstrated innovation and success utilizing the theories and practice of experiential education have enhanced the civic engagement of students and their pursuit of public service career pathways.
Experiential Education and Civic EngagementExperiential education in this context encompasses a wide variety of educational activities, from internships and study trips to simulations and participant observation. The intent of the award is to recognize leadership in the development of innovative programs that particularly promote civic development and learning that result in transformational educational experiences that enhance student capabilities for leadership and achievement, especially within the public sector. By creating this award, The Washington Center seeks to enhance the visibility of meritorious individuals and their programs for emulation by others in the higher education community.
EligibilityThe nominee must currently be a dean or director of an NCHC member program or college.
Award There are two awards. One is given to a dean or director of a four-year degree granting institution and the other to a dean or director of a two-year degree granting institution. The amount of the award is $2,000 to the program/college to be used at the discretion of the director/dean in order to enhance the quality of programs or provide scholarship support for student participation in such endeavors.
Award CriteriaThe award will be granted to an outstanding director or dean who has:
• Demonstrated the character of leadership, entrepreneurship, risk-taking or bold, forward thinking in support of experiential education that has had an impact beyond one’s program or college;
• Supported the establishment of innovative experiential education programming with an emphasis on civic engagement that has increased students’ interest in some form of public service after graduation; and/or
• Supported the establishment of experiential programming that makes it possible for honors students of all economic backgrounds to participate.
To Nominate a CandidatePlease provide the following documentation by April 15, 2013:
1. A letter of nomination from someone either within or outside one’s institution. The letter should address how the candidate has met the stated criteria, providing whenever possible, specific examples, data, outcome assessments or other concrete information that support the criteria.
2. A letter of recommendation from a director/dean’s colleague or outside associate who has been a witness to the activities of the candidate.
3. A letter of recommendation from a student or former student who can recount the significant impact that the candidate had, through the application of theory and practice of experiential education, on the student’s civic engagement and/or interest in public service.
Email for submission of nominations to awards@nchchonors.org.
SelectionThe award winners will be chosen by a seven person committee, composed of:
• Two representatives from a four-year institution
• One student from a four-year institution
• Two representatives from a two-year institution
• One student from a two-year institution
• One representative from The Washington Center
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