Purpose: To recognize the excellence in teaching of Northern Michigan University faculty, the Office of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Success, working with the Teaching and Learning Advisory Council, announces the Excellence in Teaching Award.
Eligibility: Faculty who are currently full-time and who have been members of the Northern Michigan faculty for at least three (3) years at the time of the award. Prior recipients may be nominated five (5) years after receiving this award.
Criteria: The narrative should include a summary and examples of the following:
- Learning outcomes assessment data
- Favorable student opinion surveys
- Leadership in teaching activities (e.g. curriculum development, program assessment, adjunct training)
- Clarity, organization, and consistency in subject presentation and assessment. Include examples of best practices for teaching their subject
- Creation of a safe and open learning environment
- Examples of self improvement of teaching
Nominations: Nominations will be made by a department head. One PDF document, 25 pages at most, must be submitted to Claudia Mankee in the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Success at cmankee@nmu.edu. The packet will include:
- Letter of nomination from the department head. Limit of 2 pages.
- Narrative from nominee. Limit of 3 pages.
- Artifacts demonstrating teaching excellence such as: sample course syllabi, sample assignment, final exam and/or project, etc.
- Qualitative and quantitative student opinion surveys.
- Peer observation.
Deadline: Completed nominations and all supporting documentation must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 to Claudia Mankee (cmankee@nmu.edu) in the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Success.
Selection: All nominations will be reviewed by a Selection Advisory Committee chaired by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Success and composed of the Academic Deans, two members of the Teaching and Learning Advisory Committee, and two students.
Recognition: Recipients of the NMU Excellence in Teaching Award will be recognized at the Celebration of Excellence in Teaching and Scholarship. Up to two recipients annually receive a cash award of $1,000.
Information: For further information, contact Claudia Mankee in the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Success at (906) 227-2922 or at cmankee@nmu.edu.