I am pleased to announce a new
university-wide teaching award, designed specifically to honor faculty
who mentor Ph.D. students. This prize is intended to underscore
the University's strategic emphasis on graduate education,
by celebrating the accomplishment of faculty who show special distinction
in doctoral education. The new award has been endorsed by both the
Council of Graduate Deans and the Graduate Council of the Faculties.
--Peter
Conn, Deputy Provost
Provost's Award for Distinguished
Ph.D. Teaching and Mentoring
The
Provost's Award for Distinguished Ph.D. Teaching and Mentoring
recognizes excellence in the teaching and mentoring of doctoral
students. The award will be presented to two outstanding faculty
members each year for their exemplary work in training the next
generation of scholars. Eligible faculty may be nominated by any
Penn faculty member or Ph.D. student. Successful candidates must
be members of the standing or associated faculty in any school offering
the Ph.D.
Candidates
will be evaluated on the basis of letters of recommendation from
past and present graduate students, from other University colleagues,
and from the wider research community. Among the qualities the selection
committee will consider are:
- Distinguished
research in one's own field.
- Success
in collaborating on doctoral committees and graduate groups.
- An
ability to attract outstanding doctoral students.
- A
record of successful doctoral placements.
Superior
teaching and mentoring skills will emerge differently in different
settings. Examples of the sorts of activities that the review will
consider include the effective supervision of graduate student research;
the skillful direction of dissertation students; a proven talent
for mentoring teaching assistants; and the skillful art of leading
seminars and facilitating discussions.
Initially, the selection
committee will be drawn from among recipients of the Lindback Award.
Ultimately, the committee will be composed of Provost's Award
recipients. Recipients will receive a monetary award and University
recognition during a public ceremony. Nominations should be sent
to Ms. Karen Lawrence, 122 College Hall/6303 (lawrence@pobox.upenn.edu),
by no later than December 15, 2003.
Almanac, Vol. 50, No. 11,
November 4, 2003
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