February 26, 2001

Community Service Awards Program Seeks Nominees
Nominations are currently being accepted for statewide community service awards. The Student Award recognizes individual students or student groups for development of a clearly defined project or unique approach to effective community service during the past year. A Special Award recognizes an individual from the faculty, staff or community for personal contributions and institutiona l commitment beyond his or her job.

To nominate someone from the Storrs campus, contact the Office of Community Outreach at (860) 486-1165, Student Union 290, for an application. Each UConn campus has its own contact person:
Avery Point: David Madacsi, director
Greater Hartford: Dan O'Reilly, coordinator of student activities
Health Center: community liaison
School of Law: Laurie Werling, associate dean
Stamford: Carole Prescott, community service coordinator
Torrington: Ken Fuchsman, director of continuing studies
Waterbury: Stuart Brown, assistant dean of students

The deadline for submission of completed nominations is Thursday, March 8. The awards will be presented at a ceremony at the state Capitol in April.

Nominations of Outstanding Teaching Assistants Welcomed
The Institute for Teaching & Learning is seeking nominations for the 2001 Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards. The awards recognize (pre-doctoral) teaching assistants who demonstrate excellence in the classroom or laboratory. These awards are one way in which the University expresses its acknowledgment of the very important role teaching assistants play in the undergraduat e program. The value of each Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award is $500. Awards will be presented at a Teaching Awards Recognition Dinner on April 17.

Nominations should include evidence that the TA demonstrates effective instructional skills, excellent interpersonal skills, provides practical feedback, and contributes to the development of the instructional program.

Evidence might include, but should not be limited to, a statement of teaching philosophy, letters of reference and other commentary from students and faculty, indication of attendance at teaching workshops and programs, evidence of development and innovation in teaching and learning activities, evidence of concern for students in the creation of excellent learning materials and support activities, and teaching ratings.

Nominations may be made by faculty or senior administrators only. Please send an original and four copies of nomination and supporting documentation to "Outstanding TA Awards," Institute for Teaching & Learning (Family Studies building), 348 Mansfield Road, Storrs, CT 06269-2142, by Friday, March 16.

The guidelines are also available online.

Nominations Sought for 2001-2 University Teaching Fellows
The advisory board of the Institute for Teaching and Learning is seeking nominations from senior faculty and academic administrators for the 2001-2002 University Teaching Fellows. The board intends to recognize four Fellows this year. Each will receive a stipend of $3,000 to be use in support of his or her instructional programs. Fellows will be named during a special dinner on April 17 and will receive a medallion during the 2001 Commencement ceremonies. They will also be recognized during Scholars' Day in April 2002. Teaching fellows engage in a number of teaching and learning activities, including participating in workshops developed by the Institute for Teaching and Learning, allowing teaching assistants to visit their classrooms, and serving as mentors for faculty in their discipline or related areas.

There is a structured nomination form that is intended to capture the essence of scholarship with respect to teaching. Nominators should prepare a cover sheet outlining the case in broad terms and add the particulars, including some that the candidate must provide, in the form. The form is available from Edye Gucwa at (860) 486-2686, or can be downloaded in pdf format. See also this file.

Completed nominations (an original and six copies) should be forwarded to Keith Barker, director, Institute for Teaching & Learning, (Family Studies building), 348 Mansfield Road, Unit 2142, Storrs, CT 06269, by Friday, March 16.