On behalf of the Board of Regents, I am pleased to invite you to submit nominations for the 2009 UW System Board of Regents Diversity Award. The purpose of the award is to recognize institutional change agents who have fostered access and educational success for historically under-represented populations. By recognizing the exceptional impact these change agents have had on university life, this new award affirms the University of Wisconsin System’s strong commitment to diversity, equity, and excellence. The submission deadline is Nov. 21

In this inaugural year, one award will be made in each of the three categories – individual, team, and institution/unit. The funds for these awards will be designated to support the individual recipients’ professional development or to continue the program being honored. Winners will be publicly recognized at the UW Board of Regents meeting on March 6, 2009.

Each UW System institution may submit one nomination for each of the three categories with a maximum of three nominations per institution. Institutions are free to follow their own process for nominations insofar as they submit the appropriate materials and documentation (see attached Diversity Award guidelines and Diversity award checklist). Individuals, teams, and units may also nominate themselves for the award. Please keep in mind that this award is intended to recognize those whose work has had a significant, measurable impact on closing the achievement gap for students from under-represented populations (African Americans, American Indians, Latinos/Hispanics, Asian Americans — particularly Southeast Asians, and economically disadvantaged students).
A special committee for the Board of Regents will review all the nominations. This is a unique opportunity to highlight outstanding individuals, departments, and programs for the Board, and thus, we strongly encourage you to submit a nomination in each category. The enclosed guidelines will provide you with detailed information on the criteria for the awards and on the documentation that should accompany the nominations. The Guidelines will also soon be posted at www.uwsa.edu/oadd/award/index.htm.

Rebecca R. Martin
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
UW-System