• Nominations for the first annual advising awards will be accepted from October 1  through December 5, 2025. 
• Nominations must be submitted by a UVA faculty or staff member through this online form.
• 1-2 letters of support must be included with each nomination. (More than two letters will not be considered.) The body of each letter may be no longer than 1200 words. Accepted file types include .pdf or .doc.
• A committee of 4-5 members drawn from across multiple units will consider nominations and select awardees.
• Nominations will be kept confidential and shared only with the committee. Nominees will not be informed unless they are selected for the award. 

Naming the Nominee:

• The Award for Outstanding Advising Initiative is awarded to a team; in preparing a nomination for this award, determine the correct name for the initiative, and consider whether it is most appropriate to nominate a whole unit(s) or specific individuals. If nominating a whole unit(s), you will be asked to include a key contact(s) that the committee will utilize to communicate about the award.
• The Award for Outstanding Advising Collaboration and the Award for Outstanding Advising Commitment require only the name of an individual.

Award for Outstanding Advising Collaboration

Presented to an individual who exemplifies the spirit of partnership in advising—reaching across teams and units to build a stronger support network for students.

• Nominee must have been employed at UVA for at least two years in a professional (non-student) role.
• Nominee should have a direct role in supporting students—whether in the academic, personal, career, or other co-curricular realm.
• Nominations should describe how the nominee builds meaningful cross-unit connections that enhance student support, especially in ways that go above and beyond what is typical for their role.

Award for Outstanding Advising Commitment

Presented to an individual whose dedication to student support and development is unwavering—showing exceptional care, consistency, and impact in their advising work.

• Nominee must have been employed at UVA for at least two years in a professional (non-student) role.
• Nominee should have a direct role in supporting students—whether in the academic, personal, career, or other co-curricular realm.
• Nominations should describe how the nominee consistently supports students in navigating challenges, seeking opportunities, and pursuing their goals, with a level of care and excellence that stands out.

Award for Outstanding Advising Initiative

Presented to a team whose advising initiative or program stands out for its innovation, effectiveness, and meaningful contribution to student success and development. Teams can span units; nominations of initiatives that include collaboration among units or stakeholders are particularly encouraged.

• The nominated program or initiative must have been active for at least one year.
• Nominations should describe the program’s purpose, approach, and impact on students—whether through academic advising, student support, engagement, or development. Specific data is not required.
• Both new and long-standing efforts are eligible.

What do award recipients receive?

Award recipients receive a framed certificate and an invitation to an awards lunch with other awardees and leaders from Academic Affairs and Student Affairs. They will be recognized at the next Advising Summit.