Internal Resources for the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
University at Buffalo (UB)
SEAS Faculty & Staff Award Descriptions and Criteria
The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences recognizes faculty and staff excellence through an awards program. Recipients are nominated by fellow faculty/staff and vetted by the SEAS Faculty Awards Committee or the SEAS Staff Awards Committee.
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Best Teaching Faculty of the Year Award
Description
This award is presented to teaching faculty member(s) whose recent teaching performance, initiatives, publications and/or presentations demonstrate outstanding contributions to education within the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Eligible awardees must be full-time members of one of the School's departments/units and they must have an in-house title of Teaching Assistant Professor, Teaching Associate Professor, or Teaching Professor. The award recognizes outstanding performance during the past 5 years. A recipient may receive the award multiple times, but not more than once in 5 years. A maximum of two awards will be made each year.
Nomination
Each Chair may nominate up to three persons from their department for this award. A cover letter from the Chair (maximum 1 page) and recent CV (maximum 3 pages) must accompany the nomination, together with a citation paragraph which states succinctly why the individual being nominated is worthy of the award. Applications shall be considered by the SEAS Awards Committee. The nominee's name (with nomination materials) will be forwarded to the Dean for final approval.
Nomination Deadline: March 1
Criteria
This award is designed to recognize a teaching faculty member with a documented record of teaching excellence over the previous 5 years. Descriptions of new teaching methods or initiatives and/or publications and presentations related to teaching may also be considered positive evidence of excellence.
Nominations
Nominees may be individuals or teams. With supportive examples, describe why and how the nominee(s) demonstrate(s) excellence in relation to the award criteria. Please submit nominations using the linked forms.
Nomination Deadline: March 1
Dean’s Award for Staff Excellence
Description
Recognizes a staff member whose extraordinary contributions and exceptional achievements reflect superior performance and have enriched SEAS.
Criteria
5 or more years of service in SEAS
- Exemplary execution of professional responsibilities in one’s department, unit, or the school.
- Outstanding achievements should have either direct or indirect schoolwide impact. An example of direct impact might be advising first-year SEAS students. An example of indirect impact might be exemplary performance as a director of administration who provides mentorship for colleagues or models excellence for other SEAS departments and staff.
- Builds cooperation and collaboration among colleagues in support of departmental, unit, or SEAS strategic initiatives.
Graduate Mentor of the Year Award
Description
This award is presented to faculty or staff for their effective mentoring commitments to graduate students. It recognizes and celebrates excellence and innovation in faculty mentoring and advising that goes above and beyond to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for graduate students in SEAS. The award highlights efforts that significantly contribute to student progress and success through activities that include but are not limited to:
- Providing ongoing support throughout complex family or personal situations.
- Offering extended office hours or increased availability to accommodate students’ needs.
- Encouraging students to prioritize their mental and physical well-being alongside other responsibilities.
- Connecting students with professional opportunities that may otherwise be unavailable to the students.
- Utilizing innovative approaches or programming to actively engage students in the program.
- Demonstrating a sincere interest in student success through proactive outreach and involvement.
Please note that this award recognizes efforts that go beyond the formal and required mentoring of students, such as those involved in group master projects, internships, or PhD advisement.
Individuals who previously received the award within the past five years are not eligible to apply.
Nomination
Nominations for this award may be solicitated from students who were advised or taught by the proposed nominee, as well as faculty or administration familiar with their mentoring approaches.
To submit the nomination packet:
- Complete the fillable nomination form (endorsed by a chair, relevant associate deans, or other relevant members of SEAS leadership).
- Obtain at least one letter of support from graduate students (co-signed letters are welcome and recommended).
Additional letters from faculty peers or staff are optional. Compile these documents into a single PDF portfolio and submit to the online portal.
Nomination Deadline: March 1
Criteria
The evaluation committee will review the submitted application based on, but not limited to, the following criteria:
- Advising or mentoring methods that demonstrate rigor, creativity, or innovation.
- Accessibility and openness in addressing not only academic and research needs but also institutional, logistical, or personal challenges faced by students.
- Ability to connect to career-enhancing networks and relationships, including guidance on developing strong portfolios.
- Effective balancing of job responsibilities (e.g., teaching, research, service), and non-work responsibilities.
- Treating students equitably, providing tailored support, and encouraging independent and critical thinking to create a lasting impact on students beyond their time in UB.