Each year, presidents of American higher education institutions are invited to nominate one educator on their campus who exhibits exceptional work in the areas of student learning, development, and success. 

Two award recipients are chosen in each of the following institutional categories:

• Two-year colleges
• Four-year colleges and universities with less than 2,000 students
• Four-year colleges and universities with 2,000 to 7,000 students
• Four-year colleges and universities with 7,001 to 15,000 students
• Four-year colleges and universities with more than 15,000 students

As a group, these individuals mirror the diversity of American colleges and universities. They share the common goal of improving the educational experience of first-year students, yet their methods for doing so are uniquely responsive to the particular institutional settings of which they are a part.

What Advocates Receive

• Complimentary registration to the Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience, to include all conference sessions and meal functions (on a space-available basis)
• Recognition at the Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience, including the presentation of a plaque during the conference
• Recognition on the Center's web page, listservs (i.e., SOPH List, SYE List, TYE List, and GRAD), and social media channels

How We Select the Recipients

The selection committee (not to include any representatives from the National Resource Center or sponsor) will include a national panel composed of members and former members of the National Advisory Board of the National Resource Center, past Outstanding First-Year Student Advocates, and other leaders in American higher education. 

What is Required of the Application Process?

• Letter of Nomination (from Nominator)
• Nominee's Resume/CV
• Institution Where the Nominee was a First-Year Student
• Supporting Letter(s) from Faculty, Staff, or Students
• Supporting Narrative (not to exceed five pages)
  1. describe the nominee's efforts and attributes that make them an advocate for first-year students;
  2. provide evidence of the impact of the nominee's efforts on first-year students; and
  3. provide evidence of the impact of the nominee's efforts on the culture of the institution, college, or unit.