ALVIN S. BYNUM AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ACADEMIC MENTORING - 2018
The Bynum Mentor Award is given each year to outstanding academic mentors who have demonstrated longstanding and extraordinary commitment to the learning process. One faculty member and one professional staff member may be named each year. A $1,000 cash award will be given to each recipient.
ELIGIBILITY: All full- and part-time faculty and academic professional staff members, including all advisors, mentors, and counselors at the TE, PA, and PB employee classification levels.
CRITERIA: Criteria for selection include the mentor’s cumulative impact on the lives of students, commitment to student development, and the ability to project and instill enthusiasm and pride. The emphasis in selection of award recipients will be on out-of-class mentoring activities, not in-class teaching. The awards are designed for individuals recognized by students and colleagues as having made truly extraordinary contributions.
Nominees may include persons working with undergraduate students, graduate students, and professional students, although the Selection Committee will place a priority on undergraduate mentoring. Nomination and support letters must speak to the candidate’s extraordinary service as an academic advisor or personal mentor to students over a period of several years and who have, thus, demonstrated a cumulative impact on the quality of learning available at IU Indianapolis.
PROCESS: Any member of the campus community may serve as a nominator. Nominations prepared jointly by faculty and students are encouraged. Complete the electronic nomination form and upload required documentation online at http://academicaffairs.indianapolis.iu.edu/bynum.
DOCUMENTATION: All supporting documents for the nomination must be submitted electronically and should include the following:
- An official nomination letter which should be concise, substantive, and specific, demonstrating why the candidate being nominated has made such a distinctive contribution
- Candidate’s curriculum vitae (CV)
- No more than six (6) letters of support from current and former students, faculty, and colleagues. Each letter should be solicited and addressed to the Bynum Mentor Selection Committee and include the writer’s full contact information. Letters should support the nomination letter by imparting direct experience with the candidate’s mentoring activities. Letters included in the nomination packet should address as thoroughly as possible the following items:
- Devotion beyond the “call of duty” and involvement with students beyond normal and expected requirements of candidate’s position with the university
- Indication of statements or activities which show commitment to the educational philosophy that a significant aspect of formal education is for students to “know thyself”
- Demonstrated pride and loyalty to IU Indianapolis and the instilling of that same pride and loyalty in students
- Recognition of outstanding record by students and colleagues
- No more than six (6) letters of support from current and former students, faculty, and colleagues. Each letter should be solicited and addressed to the Bynum Mentor Selection Committee and include the writer’s full contact information. Letters should support the nomination letter by imparting direct experience with the candidate’s mentoring activities. Letters included in the nomination packet should address as thoroughly as possible the following items:
Uploaded files should be in PDF format. If documentation is not available electronically, it can be scanned. The Center for Teaching and Learning, University Library Room 1125, can assist with this process.
In addition to the required documentation, please provide the following when completing the nomination form online:
· Nominee Information
First and last name; university ID #; candidate’s classification; school; department; campus address; e-mail; and phone number
· Nominator Information
First and last name; university ID #; school; department; campus address; e-mail; and phone number
NOTE: For jointly-prepared nominations, submit contact information for only one nominator. All other nominators can be accounted for at the end of the nomination letter.
Nominations must be submitted online no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, January16, 2018.
SELECTION: The review committee will be comprised of past winners of the Bynum Mentor Award.
Successful candidates will be honored at the Chancellor’s Academic Honors Convocation held on Friday, April 20, 2018, at 3 p.m. in the Hine Hall Auditorium.
QUESTIONS: Contact Jessica Wootten, Academic Affairs Coordinator (jwootten@iu.edu or 317-278-6090).