Overview
Established in 1999 to honor those who elect to teach or mentor in an FYP & LC sponsored FYE course, each recipient receives $500 for their contributions to UConn's students. FYE classes are designed to support and challenge students as they transition to the University of Connecticut. These awards acknowledge the hard work and dedication of both instructor and undergraduate FYE Mentors for their embodiment of FYE's mission and for their commitment to innovation and excellence. The award recipients are announced at the annual FYE Awards Ceremony in April.
About
Re-established in 2007 as the John T. Szarlan Memorial Award in honor of the 13 years Mr. Szarlan served as a counselor and student advocate supporting students in their transition to the University.
Criteria
The following criteria is used to determine which nominee will be the recipient of the John T. Szarlan Mentor Award:
- Serves as a positive role model and consistent leader for students in and out of the classroom
- Exhibits an ability to relate to all students
- Effectively shares tailored knowledge and support to help students academically and interpersonally
- Actively introduces students to opportunities to engage with the community and their undergraduate experience
- Collaborates with the FYE Instructor to determine expectations of their FYE Mentor role that are appropriate to that specific course
- Helps to create a positive classroom environment and build community among students through actions like co-curricular coordination, outside of class community building, and in-class activities
- Open to FYE Mentors at all campuses
Nomination procedures
Mentors can be nominated by instructor(s) or students who they assisted in a FYE class. Upon receiving a nomination, the Office of FYP & LC contacts the FYE Mentor to inform them of the application process.
Application process
The items listed below are required for submission by the nominated FYE Mentor to be considered for the award:
- An up-to-date résumé, including a description of the FYE Peer Mentor experience
- A comprehensive statement that explains how the nominee meets the criteria for the award
- Average length is 1-2 pages, double-spaced
- Up to two additional letters of support (one must be from the FYE Instructor if the instructor did not nominate the student)
- Recommended: any additional documentation that would strengthen and support the application. This could include the lesson plan for the mentor-led in-class presentation, sample assignments the nominee had a significant role in creating, photos of events demonstrating FYE student engagements, etc.
Criteria
The criteria used to determine the recipient(s) of the First Year Experience Excellence in Teaching Award are as follows:
- Minimum of two semesters teaching First Year Experience classes
- Demonstrates commitment to furthering student growth and development in and out of the classroom
- Tailors their approach to the students in their FYE class to personalize the undergraduate experience
- Cultivates a student-centered classroom through effective and creative facilitation
- Creates an environment that encourages students to cultivate their curiosity by increasing self-awareness and exploring opportunities
- When applicable, collaborates and coaches the FYE Mentor to maximize the FYE students’ experience
- Participates in our community of practice through ongoing professional development and collaboration with other faculty and staff
Nomination procedures
FYE Instructors can be nominated by another FYE Instructor, the undergraduate FYE Mentor who assisted with his/her class, another faculty/staff member, or by a student. Upon receiving a nomination, the Office of FYP & LC contacts the instructor to inform them of the application process.
Application process
The items listed below are required for submission by the nominated FYE Instructor to be considered for the award:
- CV or resume
- A comprehensive statement that explains how the nominee meets the criteria for the award
- Average length is 1-2 pages, double-spaced
- Any other supporting documentation that illustrates how the nominee has met the criteria for this award
About
The First Year Experience Teaching Innovation Award honors instructors who have implemented outstanding innovative teaching approaches shown to increase student learning and success. “Innovative teaching is defined broadly and may include the use of new instructional technologies, the use of traditional technologies in creative ways, novel approaches to instruction, and new ways to engage students in the learning process.” (Towson University, Academic Innovation Award).
Criteria
The criteria used to determine the recipient(s) of the FYE Teaching Innovation Award are as follows:
- Taught an FYE class during the current academic year
- Dedicated to teaching effectiveness and support enhanced levels of student engagement and learning
- Demonstrates innovation and creativity in teaching
- Shows a commitment to continuous improving teaching through innovation and reflective practice
- Uses innovative and creative assignments, projects, or lesson plans when working with students
- Employs effective, new, inclusive teaching methods and/or utilizing technology to enhance learning
- Engages students in active learning in and out of the classroom
- Provides a stimulating environment that encourages students to challenge the intellectual and creative status quo and discover new ways to accomplish their goals
Nomination procedures
FYE Instructors can be nominated by another FYE Instructor, the undergraduate FYE Mentor who assisted with his/her class, another faculty/staff member, or by a student. Upon receiving a nomination, the Office of FYP & LC contacts the instructor to inform them of the application process.
Application process
The items listed below are required for submission by the nominated FYE Instructor to be considered for the award:
- CV or resume
- A comprehensive statement that explains how the nominee meets the criteria for the award
- Average length is 1-2 pages, double-spaced
- Any other supporting documentation that illustrates how the nominee has met the criteria for this award
Criteria
The criteria used to determine the recipient(s) of the First Year Experience Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award are as follows:
- Be enrolled in a graduate program while teaching First Year Experience classes
- Demonstrates commitment to furthering student growth and development in and out of the classroom
- Tailors their approach to the students in their FYE class to personalize the undergraduate experience
- Cultivates a student-centered classroom through effective and creative facilitation
- Creates an environment that encourages students to cultivate their curiosity by increasing self-awareness and exploring opportunities
- When applicable, collaborates and coaches the FYE Mentor to maximize the FYE students’ experience
- Participates in our community of practice through ongoing professional development and collaboration with other faculty and staff
Nomination procedures
FYE Instructors can be nominated by another FYE Instructor, the undergraduate FYE Mentor who assisted with his/her class, another faculty/staff member, or by a student. Upon receiving a nomination, the Office of FYP & LC contacts the instructor to inform them of the application process.
Application process
The items listed below are required for submission by the nominated FYE Instructor to be considered for the award:
- CV or resume
- A comprehensive statement that explains how the nominee meets the criteria for the award
- Average length is 1-2 pages, double-spaced
- Any other supporting documentation that illustrates how the nominee has met the criteria for this award
Criteria
The criteria used to determine the recipient(s) of the One UConn Award are as follows:
- Taught an FYE class during the current academic year at a regional campus
- Dedicated to teaching effectiveness and support enhanced levels of student engagement and learning
- Demonstrates innovation and creativity in teaching
- Shows a commitment to continuous improving teaching through innovation and reflective practice
- Uses innovative and creative assignments, projects, or lesson plans when working with students
- Employs effective, new, inclusive teaching methods and/or utilizing technology to enhance learning
- Engages students in active learning in and out of the classroom
- Provides a stimulating environment that encourages students to challenge the intellectual and creative status quo and discover new ways to accomplish their goals
Nomination procedures
FYE Instructors can be nominated by another FYE Instructor, the undergraduate FYE Mentor who assisted with his/her class, another faculty/staff member, or by a student. Upon receiving a nomination, the Office of FYP & LC contacts the instructor to inform them of the application process.