Award Descriptions

Outstanding New Professional Award
Recognizes a new professional who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to the field of student affairs. The individual must have no more than five years of professional experience in student affairs. Contributions may include but are not limited to conference presentations, scholarly publications, participation on committees, innovative practices that advance student success, and other contributions that support and advance the field of student affairs. The individual must be currently employed in the state of California.

Outstanding Graduate Student Award
Recognizes a graduate student who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to their program, department, institution, and/or the student affairs profession. Contributions may include but are not limited to conference presentations, scholarly publications, participation on committees, and other contributions that support and advance the field of student affairs. The individual must be currently enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program at a regionally accredited college or university in the state of California.

Outstanding Use of Technology Award
Recognizes outstanding and innovative use of technology, connected to higher education or student affairs. Nominations may be associated with teaching, research, programming, department operations, academic affairs, student services, or collaborative initiatives. The use of technology may leverage university resources, external resources, or contracted external vendors; however, projects completed entirely by contracted vendors without any faculty or staff involvement are not eligible for this award. Project outcomes may include, but are not limited to: enhanced student learning and engagement, streamlined operations, innovative staff training or development, improvements in accessibility and equity, or enhanced scholarship and assessment. The implementation of this technology must be connected with an institution, agency, or individual permanently located in the state of California. If available, please provide links to the technology for assessment during the nomination process.

Outstanding Dedication to Equity and Social Justice
Recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to equity and social justice within the context of higher education. The individual may be at any level of their career; however, the outstanding dedication should be demonstrated by sustained efforts to further equity and social justice over multiple years. Efforts should include but are not limited to: student support, advocacy, teaching, research, publications, programming, program administration, program or policy implementation, and institutional accountability. The individual must reside in California or be currently employed by an institution, agency, or organization in the state of California.

Outstanding Service to the Association Award
Recognizes a dedicated volunteer to CCPA. Service may include but is not limited to membership on leadership boards, participation on committees, volunteer work during the annual CCPA Spring Institute, and other contributions that support and advance the organization.

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