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National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition

Excellence in Teaching First-Year Seminars Award

Awards sitting on a table

The National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience will award the Excellence in Teaching First-Year Seminars Award to one exceptional instructor at the Annual Conference on the First-Year Experience.

Submit a nomination

2025-2026 nominations are open. All nominations are due by Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

 

Award recipients will have achieved great success in teaching first-year seminars and continue to inspire student learning, development, and success.

What the Recipients Will Receive

  • Complimentary registration to the Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience
  • Recognition at the Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience, including the presentation of a plaque during the conference
  • Recognition in the spring issue of the Center's online newsletter, Insights for College Transitions
  • Recognition on the Center's web page, social media channels, email blasts, and press releases

How We Select 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 Excellence in Teaching award recipients, and other leaders in American higher education. 

What is Required of the Application Process

  • Nominee's Resume/CV
  • Nominee's First-Year Seminar Syllabus
  • Nominee's First-Year Seminar Teaching Evaluations
  • Nominee's Letter of Recommendation
  • Nominee's Personal Statement (not to exceed five pages) which addresses:
    • How the nominee develops success in the classroom and beyond
    • How the nominee develops students' personal strategies
    • How the nominee incorporates innovation in teaching
    • How the nominee fosters student involvement in the campus community
    • How the nominee supports effective utilization of campus resources

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.