Skip to Search Skip to Global Navigation Skip to Local Navigation Skip to Content
Diversity

 

** The nomination deadline for the 2013 awards has passed. Recipients will be announced at the University Excellence Awards on April 9.

2013 President’s Distinguished Diversity Awards

The President’s Distinguished Diversity Awards are annual awards that bestow the highest level of recognition to an individual or group that encourages the entire UTSA community to think and practice diversity and inclusion in more creative and collaborative ways.

Download nomination form, checklist and award criteria.

 

Categories

Faculty and Staff members — Two awards of up to $1000 will be given. One award will recognize any individual faculty/staff member and another award will recognize a group (10 members or fewer) comprised of any combination of individuals (faculty and/or staff), academic department, unit, or office.
Students — Two awards of up to $500 will be given. One award will recognize an individual student, while another award will recognize a group of students (10 members or fewer).

Nomination packet information

The selection committee requires a nomination packet for consideration for this award. In addition to the nomination form and nominator’s letter, the nomination packet will include the following:

  • A written statement (3 pages maximum) which describes what you (nominee) or your group brings to the nomination in the way of diversity/inclusion. Information about the activity and the nature of the individual’s or group’s involvement in the activity. Please use double spacing, 12 point font, one inch margins, and include your name, or group’s name, on every page of your writing. 
  • Two letters of support or recommendation. At least one letter from UTSA staff or faculty, the other letter can come from a person of your choice (12 point font, margins of one inch, limit of one page each).

The Written Statement and two letters of support must reference the first four criteria below. All other criteria are optional.

Criteria

Written Statements must include information on the following:

  • Developing innovative programs to enhance diversity within the group or University.
  • Involvement with programs and activities which promote the development of multicultural understanding and cross-cultural competence.
  • Implementing initiatives that create a supportive/inclusive environment.
  • Creating an environment in alignment with the current diversity initiatives as listed in the UTSA strategic plan. (http://www.utsa.edu/2016/strategic/7.html)

The following serve as examples of optional information to include in written statement/letters:

  • Incorporating a clear statement of importance of diversity in department or group mission statement.
  • Recruiting and retaining students, faculty, and staff from underrepresented groups.
  • Increasing the retention and graduation rates of students from underrepresented groups.
  • Providing mentoring/advising for students from underrepresented groups.
  • Providing mentoring for junior faculty and staff from underrepresented groups.
  • Developing and implementing learning activities that prepare students for a diverse and global society.
  • Integrating diversity into the curriculum.
  • Supporting research, service and scholarships in the area of diversity.
  • Providing opportunities or professional development of faculty, staff and students from underrepresented groups.
  • Developing activities that support partnerships with minority-serving institutions, visiting scholars and guest lecturers from underrepresented groups.

Submission and deadline

The nomination packet must be submitted in full. Incomplete or late nomination packets will not be considered. Nomination packets must be received no later than February 8, 2013. Complete nomination packets are submitted to:
Associate Provost for Diversity and Recruitment
Attn: President’s Distinguished Diversity Awards Selection Committee
One UTSA Circle
NPB 2.204A
San Antonio, TX 78249
Or electronically: diversity@utsa.edu

For any questions please contact Carlos M. Lopez @ 210.458.4296 before submitting any materials.