The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is seeking nominations for the annual Social Justice Community Awards. Honorees will be recognized in the spring semester and receive an award ($250 gift cards for students; $100 gift cards for faculty and staff; $500 professional development funds, preferably used toward something DEI-related, for organizations and departments). This award honors individuals and groups for outstanding achievement in promoting diversity, inclusion, equity, and access at Southern and/or the community at large -- and for a demonstrated commitment to these goals through programs, projects, or partnerships.
The Social Justice Community Awards will be presented in six categories:
- Outstanding Faculty Award
- Outstanding Staff Award
- Outstanding Graduate Student Award
- Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award
- Outstanding Student Organization Award
- Outstanding Department/School Award
University employees whose key job responsibilities connect with Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are not eligible for these awards. In addition, student organizations focused on equity, diversity and inclusion may only be nominated for the award if their activities exceed the scope of their organization’s mission and objectives.
Nomination Form Includes:
- Nominee Abstract: Please complete, in no more than 100 words, a brief overview of the reasons you have nominated this person, group, or organization for the award. Language from the “Abstract” will appear on the award citation as well as in the printed program.
- Nomination Narrative: Narrative detailing the nominee adherence to criteria. In no more than three pages, please explain how the nominee has met the criteria. Details of the nominee’s programs, services, character, and outstanding accomplishments can be included. The nominator should be diligent and thorough in writing the narrative and preparing the nomination. If a nominee’s diversity efforts are job-related, the nomination must explain how the nominee’s diversity and inclusion-related achievements are extraordinary and beyond the scope of assigned duties. No self-nominations are permitted. Optional support letters for nominees are welcomed but not required; up to three letters can be uploaded.
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Award Categories and Criteria
Outstanding Faculty Award
- Incorporates diverse values in the classroom, curriculum and/ or research;
- Displays a commitment to diverse cultures, religions, abilities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and other areas of inclusion and perspective;
- Makes the classroom accessible for and supportive of diverse learning styles;
- Engages in equity, diversity and inclusion efforts in the campus community;
- Uses innovative teaching methods to support students with special learning needs; and/or
- Mentors underrepresented students or diverse populations of students, faculty and/or staff.
- Eligible to all full and part-time faculty.
Outstanding Staff Award
- Incorporates and embraces diversity in their ongoing departmental duties;
- Displays a commitment to diverse cultures, religions, abilities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and other areas of inclusion and perspective;
- Engages in equity, diversity and inclusion efforts in the campus community;
- Contributes to the cross-cultural environment of the College or Department; and/or
- Mentors underrepresented students or diverse populations of students, faculty and/or staff.
- Eligible to all full and part-time staff includingUniversity Assistants (UAs) and Graduate Assistants (GAs)
Outstanding Department/School Award
- Demonstrates a consistent pattern of commitment to the recruitment, retention and promotion of individuals of underrepresented populations;
- Cultivates and promotes diversity initiatives that establish and foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment;
- Exhibits visionary and insightful leadership to confront and resolve inequities through strategic decision-making, allocation of resources, and establishment of priorities;
- Outlines defined goals, action steps and accomplishments toward achieving a work and academic environment that recognizes, promotes and encourages a diverse workforce; and/ or
- Demonstrates progressive best practices that support equity, diversity and inclusion goals.
Outstanding Graduate and Undergraduate Student Award
Exhibits leadership in promoting and facilitating dialogue and social engagement with and between individuals of varying ethnic, racial or religious backgrounds, gender identities, socioeconomic statuses, sexual orientations and/ or physical and mental capabilities.
Outstanding Student Organization Award
Actively engages students, the campus community, and/ or the wider community in efforts that promote and facilitate dialogue and social engagement with and between individuals of varying ethnic, racial or religious backgrounds, gender identities, socioeconomic statuses, sexual orientations and/ or physical and mental capabilities.