COLLEGE OF AGRICLTURE AND LIFE SCIENCES
SHIRLEY O'BRIEN DIVERSITY AWARD
NOMINATION GUIDELINES

WHAT IS THE SHIRLEY O'BRIEN DIVERSITY AWARD?

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) values diversity in its people and programs and strives to foster a diverse, fair, and respectful community. The Shirley O'Brien Diversity Award was created in honor of Shirley O'Brien for her exemplary work in promoting diversity and an inclusive environment within CALS and across campus. We believe that her efforts, in keeping with the college's emphasis on diversity in its student body, faculty and programs, deserve recognition. The award will be given annually and will include a plaque and monetary gift of $1,000. We encourage members of the faculty, staff, appointed personnel, and student body to nominate individuals who have contributed significantly to the advancement of diversity within the college. Please think broadly about the term diversity.

WHO CAN BE NOMINATED/WHO CAN NOMINATE?

All faculty, staff, and appointed professionals in CALS are eligible for nomination and can be nominated by any administrative head, faculty member, staff member, appointed professional, student or student organization.

INFORMATION TO PROVIDE IN THE NOMINATING PETITION:

The nomination form and a nominating letter (one to two pages in length) should provide specific examples of how the nominee has actively promoted the goals of diversity, fairness, and respect within his or her workplace. Activities include but are not limited to teaching, training, mentoring, research, extension, and outreach and should cover both day-to-day interactions and the participation in or organization of special events. The nomination may be accompanied by up to two additional letters of support.

SELECTION PROCEDURE AND CRITERIA

A selection committee will be appointed by the dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The nominee should excel in one or more of the areas listed below:

• Special efforts to recruit graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, appointed personnel and/or staff from underrepresented groups (as defined on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and sexual orientation).
  
  
• Special efforts to retain and/or mentor graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, appointed personnel and/or staff from underrepresented groups.
  
  
• Special efforts to aid people from underrepresented groups in obtaining access to leadership training and/or professional development.
  
  
• Special efforts to foster a fair and diverse university community that respects the rights of all its members.
  
  
• Special efforts to develop a curriculum or program that promotes diversity in CALS and/or the university community.

HOW TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS

Please send the nomination form and accompanying nominating letter to Shane C. Burgess, Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (P.O. Box 210036, Forbes 306). For further information, contact Ursula Schuch, Chair, CALS Diversity Committee, E-mail: ukschuch@ag.arizona.edu.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Deadline may vary from year to year but will be announced in the CALS Weekly Bulletin.