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West Virginia University First-Year Experience

First-Year Seminar Instructor of the Year

The First-Year Seminar Advisory Council and the Office of the Provost are pleased to announce that nominations for the First-Year Seminar Instructor of the Year Award are now being accepted.

This prestigious honor recognizes a First-Year Seminar (191) instructor who demonstrates outstanding dedication to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment for first-year students. The awardee exemplifies excellence in teaching, commitment to student success and innovation in course design.

The recipient will receive $1,250, which may be used for professional development opportunities within the fiscal year awarded.

Nominations close Friday, December 5.

Nominate an Outstanding Instructor

2025 FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD RECEIPIENT

Franny Perez-Ramirez

Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Center for Learning, Advising and Student Success

Doctoral student in the Educational Theory and Practice program in the College of Applied Human Sciences

Read the Full Announcement

Eligibility

All First-Year Seminar (191) instructors across the WVU System, including those at Potomac State College and WVU Tech, are eligible. Nominees for the First-Year Seminar Instructor of the Year Award will be reviewed based on their overall impact on student success both in the classroom and beyond. The review process will evaluate how nominees:

  1. Develop Success in the Classroom and Beyond: How the nominee creates a supportive and engaging learning environment that fosters the development of essential skills, such as time management, effective study strategies, and personal development, that contribute to their overall growth and long-term success.
  2. Develop Critical and Analytical Thinking: How the nominee challenges students to think critically, analyze information, and approach problems with a thoughtful, reasoned perspective.
  3. Foster Student Involvement in the Community: How the nominee encourages and supports students’ participation in community service, outreach programs, or other activities that enhance their connection to the broader world.
  4. Support Effective Utilization of Campus Resources: How the nominee guides students in making the most of campus resources, such as academic support services, career counseling, or extracurricular opportunities, to enhance their educational experience.
  5. Incorporate Innovation in Teaching: The nominee’s use of creative and effective teaching methods, including the integration of new technologies, unique approaches to course delivery, and innovative activities that enhance student engagement and learning.

Each nominee’s contributions in these areas will be carefully considered to recognize those who make a lasting and meaningful impact on first-year students.

Nomination Procedure

A nominee is an individual whose name has been submitted for consideration via the Qualtrics form linked below. Nominees progress to the status of applicant once they have accepted the nomination and submitted all appropriate materials as outlined below.

Nominations may be made by WVU faculty, staff, or students. Instructors may self-nominate, as well.

The instructor will receive an official notification from the First-Year Seminar Instructor of the Year Committee of their nomination and is responsible for collecting and submitting all required materials.

Nominate an Outstanding Instructor

Nomination deadline is Friday, December 5.

Submission Procedures

Instructors who accept the nomination must submit an application to be considered for the award. The application should contain factual or narrative material that describes the extent to which they meet the award criteria. The cover sheet should include the basic information provided on the right.

Cover Sheet

  • Date
  • Nominee’s name
  • Nominee's College/School
  • College/School Dean's name
  • Dean's email
  • Work phone number and email
  • PO Box Address
  • Physical Campus Address
  • Select One:
    • Faculty Instructor
    • Staff Instructor
    • Graduate Teaching Assistant

Submission Packet

One PDF file as outlines below.

  • Nominee's Personal Statement, which should include the instructor's Philosophy of Teaching as well as responses to the following:
    • How the nominee develops success in the classroom and beyond.
    • How the nominee incorporates innovation in teaching.
    • How the nominee develops critical and analytical thinking.
    • How the nominee fosters student involvement in the community.
    • How the nominee supports effective utilization of campus resources.
  • Abridged First-Year Seminar Syllabus
    • Include only the sections that demonstrate learning outcomes, topics covered, assignment details and grading.
  • Supporting Evidence:
    • Robust examples of assignments/activities, supporting letters, teaching evaluations, etc. These materials should showcase your ability to adapt your teaching strategies to meet the needs of students and support their academic and personal growth during their first year.

Packets must be submitted no later than Friday, January 30.

Nominees who do not submit a complete submission packet will not be considered.

Selection Process

The selection committee, composed of members of the First-Year Seminar Advisory Council and representatives identified by the Office of the Provost will review all nominations. If additional information is requested, the nominee will be invited to interview with the committee.

Upon review of the nomination and supporting documentation, the committee will submit a recommendation to the chair of the First-Year Seminar Advisory Council and Office of the Provost. The award will be presented at the WVU recognition ceremony in April.

Recipient must comply with institution and state policies regulating the expenditure of centrally allocated funds.