The Office of Distance Learning and Instructional Technology assesses nominations to determine if they meet eligibility requirements. Then, each Dean in consultation with at least two faculty members from that School/College, will review the nominations from his/her School/College and submit up to two (2) School nominations (finalists) for each award.

The Distance Learning Advisory Committee will appoint a special Review sub-committee, composed of faculty, administrators and/or staff from across the university who are experienced in online instruction.

Then the Review sub-committee, individually and collectively ranks the application package according to how strongly each candidate meets the stated criteria. After careful deliberation, one recipient is selected from the pool. The review committee provides its recommendation to the Provost.

This committee, in association with the Office of Distance Learning and Instructional Technology, will review the nominations from each school and make a recommendation on the Awards winners to the Provost.

The award committee will look for persuasive evidence that nominees:

  • Are strongly committed to quality online teaching and learning, as evidenced by teaching and scholarly activities designed to advance the quality of online teaching and learning.
  • Use effective and innovative online teaching practices that result in student engagement, student satisfaction, and effectiveness in achieving desired learning outcomes.
  • Demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to fostering the academic success of online students through the development of rapport with individual learners in and beyond the virtual classroom.

Note: Recipients of these Awards will contribute to communities of practice by leading and facilitating, with the support of the Office of Distance Learning and Instructional Technology, campus-wide opportunities for colleagues.

In addition to being recognized, the nominees and winners will be invited to participate in a campus conference or presentation so that their work may be highlighted and shared with the campus community.