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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, February 14.

Nominate an Outstanding Instructor

Eligibility

Individuals serving as the primary instructor for a First-Year Seminar (191) course are eligible for nomination. 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: The nominee’s ability to create a supportive and engaging learning environment, fostering student achievement both academically and in their personal growth.
  2. Develop Students' Personal Strategies: The nominee's efforts to help students build essential skills for success, including time management, study strategies, and personal development, contributing to their growth as individuals.
  3. 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 assignments that enhance student engagement and learning.
  4. Develop Critical and Analytical Thinking: How the nominee challenges students to think critically, analyze information, and approach problems with a thoughtful, reasoned perspective.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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, February 14.

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 (limited to 10 pages)

  • Nominee's Philosophy of Teaching
  • Nominee's Resume/CV
  • Nominee's First-Year Seminar Syllabus
  • Nominee's First-Year Seminar Teaching Evaluations (optional)
  • Nominee's Personal Statement, which should include answers to the following questions:
    1. How the nominee develops success in the classroom and beyond
    2. How the nominee develops students' personal strategies
    3. How the nominee incorporates innovation in teaching
    4. How the nominee develops critical and analytical thinking
    5. How the nominee fosters student involvement in the community
    6. How the nominee supports effective utilization of campus resources.

Packets must be submitted no later than Friday, March 14.

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.