Nominator's are required to upload the nomination package as one file when completing the nomination form. Each nomination packet should include:

1. Nomination letter with the following sections (not to exceed four pages). See the Nomination Letter Tips section for formatting and writing tips. 
   1. Academic Engagement and Performance
   2. CMU and Community Involvement (Co-curricular)
   3. Inspiring Others
   4. Character
2. Nominee's resume with phone and email contact information
3. Nominee’s statement of purpose for graduate school, or an equivalent goal statement, may be both academic and personal (not to exceed two pages)

In addition, the Office of the Vice Provost for Education will provide the selection committee with the nominee's unofficial transcript.

Nomination materials may be used for the promotion of the award and may be referenced in related publications. Individual names will not be referenced without the consent of the author.

Nominators are encouraged to utilize the nomination letter template (select File > Download) and the following guidelines when writing their nomination letter. Be sure to highlight how the nominee's achievements have had a positive impact on CMU and its mission by providing clear examples, evidence and explanations. These guidelines will help to make your nomination stand out, be compelling, and emphasize what makes the nominee exceptional.

It is strongly recommeneded to include quotes from advisors, professors, students and/or mentors. In addition, please dedicate a section to each of the following attributes: Academic Engagement and Performance; CMU and Community Involvement; Inspiring Others; and Character.

Opening Statement – Introducing the Nominee

• Be clear, direct and specific when describing why the nominee deserves recognition
• Include specific challenges that the nominee has encountered, the actions that they took, and the results that were achieved
• Provide as many examples and details as possible
• Add a personal feel, talk about your 1:1 relationship with the nominee

Supporting Statements – Include Quotes from Various Campus Members

• What did the nominee do and how do they go about their work? Highlight this information by including: 
  • Specific facts and examples that are clearly relevant to the award criteria
  • Accomplishments that are worthy of the award 
  • Your own observations and experiences with the nominee, including a list qualities that make this person outstanding
  • Qualitative and quantitative metrics (quality over quantity is best)
  • Activities that go above and beyond expectations
  • Behaviors that the nominee demonstrats (e.g., collaboration, creativity, initiative, leadership, problem solving)

Closing Statement

• Emphasize the nominee’s impact/efforts achieved
• Highlight how the department/college or university benefitted
• Foreshadow future contributions and potential impact

Formatting

• Times New Roman or Helvetica font
• 12 point font
• 1” margins
• 1.5 line spacing
• Footer: Page number on left and “Jane Doe nomination” on the right for clarification
• Not to exceed four pages in length

Additional Tips

• Keep it brief and write short, con – nominations should be 4 pages maximum
• Write short, consice sentences using an active voice
• Ensure a broad range of feedback from peers, faculty, and staff of various titles is included, especially when a student has a dual major or interdisciplinary transcript
• Notify the nominee to create a more compelling nomination, so that the nominee has an opportunity to submit a CV and statement of purpose that directly emphasizes award criteria (optional, not required)