President's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Award

Nominations are sought in four categories:

1. Full-time faculty*
2. Staff
3. Student**
4. Unit***​

*Full-time CU faculty includes tenured faculty, tenured track faculty, IRC faculty (instructional, research, and clinical
** Undergraduate or Graduate Student
***Unit refers to academic or administrative offices; faculty, staff, and student committees; and organizations (e.g. alumni) directly associated with CU.

Candidates for the award should be engaged in meaningful diversity activities beyond their primary responsibilities at the university. Nominees may demonstrate this commitment and impact in a variety of areas, for example: student-centered or trainee-centered equity and inclusion initiatives; efforts to support the recruitment, retention and development of faculty, staff, and/or students from historically underrepresented groups; teaching, research, and/or service that embraces, fosters and expands and our understanding of equity and inclusion; multicultural programming or related initiatives; community outreach activities; or other activities. 

• Significance - How has the nominee(s) demonstrated inclusive leadership and commitment to the development, embedding and sustainability of diversity, equity and inclusion within their CU community?

• Innovation – How has the nominee’s contribution uniquely addressed key issues of diversity and inclusiveness within their CU community and/or throughout the CU System?  How is this contribution different from existing activities and projects that address their diversity and inclusiveness focus?

• Impact - What have been the measurable outcomes? How has this project/program/activity “moved the needle” in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness?  Has this project/program/activity been replicated or are there plans to replicate it at other departments, campuses, or institutions?

Nomination packets must be submitted online as a single pdf document.

Nomination packets must include:

1. Nomination letter not to exceed two (2) pages single spaced that addresses the selection criteria from the lead or prinicipal nominator(s), with CU affiliation as faculty, staff or students.
2. Up to three letters of support.

• Additional letters of support which may come from alumni, faculty, staff, student, or community members.
• For unit nominations, letters of support must be from individuals outside the nominated unit.

  3. Up to two (2) supporting materials*.

*Examples of supporting materials may include: a letter or testimonial from service or program recipients; a copy of a flyer or media coverage about the initiative, event or program; a report and/or data demonstrating the outcome; and summary of or link to other written or multimedia materials documenting the activity. Supporting documents must be included electronically in the nomination form for full consideration.

Self-nominations are not accepted.

The following guidelines are provided to assist the nominator in preparing a competitive nomination packet:

For all nominations:

• Nominators should indicate how they know the nominee and for what length of time. For unit nominations, the nominator should indicate how they are familiar with the work of the unit.

For faculty, staff and unit nominations:

• Nomination materials should address how the work of the nominee goes above and beyond what is expected as part of the individual’s CU responsibilities or the unit’s primary mission or function.
• ​Nomination materials should provide a brief description of the nominee’s role or position within the university or, for unit nominations, the unit’s primary mission or function within the university.

• November 11, 2024: Nomination Period Opens

• January 17, 2025: Nomination Period Closes

• Mid-March, 2025: Awardees Notified 

• April 17, 2025: President's DEI Award Reception - 2:30pm-4:30pm at 1800 Grant Street

If you need additional information, please email systemdei@cu.edu.