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Faculty Mentor Award

2008
Colin Allen
History and Philosophy of Science

Colin Allen is the recipient of the 2008 Faculty Mentor Award, presented by the Indiana University Graduate and Professional Student Organization. Allen, Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of History and Philosophy of Science, as well as a faculty member in IU's Cognitive Science Program and a member of the core faculty in IU's Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, was recognized by GPSO members and others at the University Graduate School Awards Ceremony on April 22nd. The award is made annually to an IU faculty member who best demonstrates the quality of guiding graduate students through their studies and research activities.

Colin Allen (third from left)with his students at the University Graduate School Award Ceremony, 2008

“This award provides an ideal opportunity for students to voice their gratitude," says GPSO Moderator Elect Nick Clark, a political science doctoral candidate. As a testament to his work with graduate students, the Professor Allen received nominations from 11 students and former students across three IU departments.

Allen promotes IU’s graduate students in many different settings. For instance, one student wrote: “This brings me to a final aspect of Professor Allen’s advising that should be emphasized: his effectiveness in training students for the academic profession. His dissertation support group served as a regular form of pre-professional training, as more advanced students completed their PhDs and entered the job market. […] Throughout this process I repeatedly relied on his sound advice and support, which doubtless contributed to the happy outcome of academic employment.”

[ Past Recipients ]

2002
Dr. William Yarber
Applied Health Sciences

2003
Susan D. Gubar
English

2004
Laura Stachowski
School of Education

2005
Pheadra Pezzullo
Communication and Culture

2006
Randall Bramley
Computer Science

2007
Michael Reece
Applied Health Sciences

[ Nominations ]

The Graduate and Professional Student Organization is proud to announce the Indiana Bloomington Faculty Mentor Awards, 2008. All graduate and professional students are invited to give their support to faculty members that they feel deserve special recognition for exemplary behavior.

Nominations should be in the form of a letter, and letters may be emailed to gpso@indiana.edu until March 1st to be considered. All nominees, graduate and professional students, and faculty as well as the award recipient, will be invited to attend the GPSO Garden Party.

Faculty Award Guidelines:

  • Faculty must be current/have retired within the 2007/2008 academic year.
  • Student must be current/have graduated within the last year (Graduate Class of 2007)
  • The award encompasses tenured and non-tenured faculty, including lecturers and adjuncts. Faculty status is not factored into the committee’s decision.
  • This is an award from the Graduate Student body of the IU-B campus: candidates nominated must be faculty of the IU-B campus.
  • The winners will be determined by a committee of graduate students (2 excom, 3 GPSO reps)
  • All nominated faculty will be issued a certificate of nomination from the GPSO.
  • Any student is free to nominate as many people as they would like. The quantity of letters received for a particular faculty member does not increase or decrease their chances of being selected.
  • Letters will be read only for the purpose of the GPSO Faculty Mentor Award and will not be disseminated for general access.
  • Nominations from students within GPSO-inactive departments will not be eligible. If you are not certain if your department is currently eligible, contact the GPSO Parliamentarian or send an email to gpso@indiana.edu.
  • Letters should be no longer than 300 words.

Examples of what can serve as nomination criteria:

  • Fosters the long-term development of students.
  • Is active and vocal in administrative and professional matters, such as assistance with publishing and grant writing, conference presentations, post-doctoral opportunities and job placement.
  • Encourages students to develop individual talents and strengths by providing support and guidance in their research.
  • Helps students acquire the skills and resources necessary to succeed as professionals in their fields.
  • Sponsors students and their work both on and off campus, including supporting student attendance and participation at conferences.
  • Assists with alumni contacts, furnishes specific job information tailored to the student’s strengths/regional preferences.

Letters of recommendation need provide the following criteria:

  1. Information about your faculty mentor, including description of why they are deserving of this award.
  2. A brief summary about yourself, including program of study, years in the program and any other information that may aid the selection committee in understanding the impact your mentor has had on your life/ academic/ professional development.

Nomination letters can be emailed to:

gpso@indiana.edu
Subj: Faculty Mentor Award

All nominations must be received by 5:00 pm on March 1st, 2008.

Please direct questions about the Faculty Mentor Award to
gpso@indiana.edu, Subj: Faculty Mentor Award