Submission deadline: March 1
Description of the Award. Each year, Penn State Altoona recognizes the distinguished contributions of a selected faculty member with the presentation of the Outstanding Achievement in Research and Creative Activity Award. The awardee receives a medallion to wear with academic regalia and the choice of a $5,000 research stipend or a $1,000 cash award. Unlike other college research awards, this one can be “rolled over” from one calendar year to the next. That is, the value of the award does not have to be spent in the year in which it is given. The awardee's name is also displayed on a plaque in the Academic Affairs Office.
The awardee is announced at the annual Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony, held during the spring semester.
Purpose of the Award. Rather than a career achievement award, the Outstanding Achievement in Research and Creativity Award recognizes distinctive research, scholarship, or creative activity of a faculty member in any field or discipline achieved in the recent past, i.e., during the prior two to three years.
Eligibility. All faculty on continuing appointments (both standing and non-tenure-line) are eligible for consideration. However, the research and creative accomplishments on which the Award is based must have been achieved during the faculty member’s employment with Penn State Altoona. While there is no restriction against previous recipients being nominated in successive years, preference will be given during the review process to first-time nominees.
Number of Recipients. The Award will be given to one recipient annually unless, in a given year, no distinctive nominee emerges after the Research Advisory Committee’s review of the nominations.
Nomination Procedure. Nominations may originate with any faculty member; however, each Division Head is expected to nominate at least one faculty member each year from his/her division. As described on the cover sheet below, all nomination packages must include the candidate’s current CV and other supporting documentation, as described, attesting to the nominee’s accomplishments. Submissions are due to the Associate Dean for Research by March 1.
Note: In cases where their disciplines differ, Division Heads are expected to confer with the nominee in order to ensure that the nomination package clearly and thoroughly provides the requested information.
Determination of Award. Nomination packages are reviewed by the Associate Dean for Research and the college Research Advisory Committee. After their review, a formal recommendation is submitted to the Chancellor, who will make the final selection.