The First-Year Foundations Outstanding Instructor Award was established by the Office of Freshman Programs in University College in the fall of 1997 as an annual award presented to the First-Year Foundations instructor who best fulfills the award criteria.
The recipient is given a one-time award of $500 and honored at the Faculty Awards and Honors ceremony in the spring. In addition, a plaque in University College displays the recipient's name and year of award.
The First-Year Foundations Outstanding Instructor Award may be presented annually to an exceptional First-Year Foundations instructor. The award is based on student evaluations, departmental evaluations, unique teaching perspective, and challenging first-year subject matter. An instructor is eligible for the award only after teaching that particular seminar for at least two semesters, and the recipient of the award may not be considered again for three years.
Initiation
The award is hosted by the Office of Freshman Programs. Nominations are solicited by University College.
Recommendations
Student evaluation results are used to determine the 5 or 6 most outstanding instructors for consideration of the award.
Supporting Documentation
Further considerations for the selection committee include classroom observation, comments from Freshman Programs Directors, TA written comments/nominations, student written evaluations, and any other pertinent data/information as identified by the University College Deans and/or Director of Freshman Programs.
The Dean of the University College assembles a selection committee to review the recommendations for the award. This committee makes the final award recipient determination.
The final selection will be announced at the Norman Campus annual Faculty Awards and Honors ceremony.
Award winners receive a one-time award of $500 and a framed certificate.
For questions about this award, please contact Lillian Miller (ldmiller@ou.edu) in University College.