Andy Marsch Legacy Award

Requirement: Must have a UAB start date on or before February 2018. (Must have 2 nominations to be considered)

Conditions: This award may not be awarded each year

This award honors an individual who exemplifies the mission of the Division of Student Affairs. The nominee must be employed with UAB for no less than seven years, four within the Division of Student Affairs. The ideal candidate is a pillar of student involvement, engagement, and success on the UAB campus and making visible contributions towards the ongoing development of the Division and the University as a whole. This person has shown a dedication to excellence that is consistent with the ideals of Student Affairs—integrity, collaboration, accountability, advocacy, and maintaining a student-centered perspective in everything they do.

NOTE: Andy March nominees can also qualify for Star Professional, Star Support Professional, and Outstanding Contributor to Higher Education. Consider submitting nominations in these additional individual award categories.

Department of the Year

Requirement: Department action(s) or event(s) dates between March 15, 2024 – February 15, 2025.

This award honors a department that has excelled in helping and assisting students, Student Affairs professionals, and the Division of Student Affairs. This department should be one that has effectively executed impactful, educational, and innovative programs or collaborations across the campus which promote the mission and values of the Division. Additionally, this department should effectively impact and promote the growth of students and staff alike. This department works both independently and collaboratively with other departments to provide a holistic experience for the campus community.

Event of the Year

Requirement: Events that took place between March 15, 2024 - February 15, 2025.

This award honors an event and the individuals, department, committee, or group who has created an impactful event aimed at developing students and/or student affairs professionals. An event is a one-time activity assembling individuals around a particular topic, cause, or issue for the purpose of celebration, education, or unification. Event of the Year encompasses a singular gathering whereas Program of the year encompasses a series of interconnected events geared at accomplishing a specific goal. The Event of the Year may be a reoccurring annual event, or may be a one-time only event.
Attention should be paid not only to what draws the largest crowds but also those which inspire excellence and meaningfully impacts the student body, UAB community, and/or Division of Student Affairs.

NOTE: Please refrain from nominating a program or event in more than one category. In other words, do not nominate a program for both Program of the Year AND Event of the Year. Nominate the program/event for only one category.

New Professional of the Year

Requirement: UAB Division of Student Affairs start date must be on or after February 28, 2023.

This award honors an incoming professional, new to the Division of Student Affairs. It will recognize new professionals that have used their short time at UAB to strive to meet the needs of students and have a positive impact on their department. The recipient will be one who interacts and engages students through programming, counseling, or leadership development. This employee provides outstanding service. “New” is considered to be at UAB Student Affairs less than two years.

NOTE: No person can be eligible for New Professional, Star Professional and Star Support Professional simultaneously. Please refrain from nominating a Blazer for all three categories.

Outstanding Contributor to Higher Education Award

Requirement: UAB Division of Student Affairs start date must be before February 28, 2023, to qualify.

This award honors an individual who has made contributions to the Student Affairs profession in an exceptional way through research, scholarship and/or leadership. Such contributions include but are not limited to: conference presentations, published articles, regional and national board roles and/or implementation of best evidence-based innovative approaches within the Student Affairs profession.

Outstanding Star Professional

Requirement: UAB Division of Student Affairs start date before February 28th, 2023.

This award honors an individual who has contributed to the Student Affairs profession in a unique way. This individual has primary responsibilities in planning, developing and/or delivery of programs or services to students. This person takes into consideration the impact that the Division of Student Affairs makes on students and takes great strides to make a meaningful impression on fellow staff members, not only within their department, but also when collaborating with other colleagues on and off the campus of UAB.

NOTE: No person can be eligible for New Professional, Star Professional and Star Support Professional simultaneously. Please refrain from nominating a Blazer for all three categories.

Outstanding Star Support Professional

Requirement: Candidate's notable participation or service must be between March 15, 2024 - February 15, 2025.

This award honors an individual who has contributed to the Student Affairs profession in a unique way. The individual supports their respective department in the delivery of programs or services to students. In addition, the individual takes into consideration the needs of not only the student, but also their fellow colleagues. The individual contributes by supporting their department and the Division of Student Affairs, by going beyond expectations to make a tangible impact in the past year.

NOTE: No person can be eligible for New Professional, Star Professional and Star Support Professional simultaneously. Please refrain from nominating a Blazer for all three categories.

Outstanding Student Affairs Partners

Requirement: Program must have taken place between March 15, 2024 - February 15, 2025.

This award honors departments, groups, or individuals outside of the division who have played a visibly active role in assisting in the overall mission of the Division of Student Affairs. Nominees for this award will be those who, on a consistent basis, have helped serve the needs of students outside of the classroom. Partnerships with the nominee and Division departments are impactful for students and help the Division reach its strategic priorities. Whether it be hiring and training student assistants, mentoring and advising recognized student groups, or ensuring that all incoming students are aware of the Division’s many services, these nominees intentionally put students first.

Program of the Year

Requirement: Program must have taken place between March 15, 2024 - February 15, 2025.

This award honors either an individual, department, committee, or group who has created impactful programming aimed at developing students and/or Student Affairs professionals in alignment with one or more of the Division’s core values. A program is a coordinated series of content, events, activities, and resources geared to accomplish a singular goal. Programs are built to drive long-term success which help propel an important shift in the service of students. Program of the Year encompasses a series of interconnected events geared at accomplishing a specific goal whereas Event of the Year encompasses a singular gathering.
Attention should be paid not only to what draws the largest crowds but also what inspires excellence and innovation within the student body, UAB community, and/or Division of Student Affairs.

NOTE: Please refrain from nominating a program or event in more than one category. In other words, do not nominate a program for both Program of the Year AND Event of the Year. Nominate the program/event for only one category.