GSA Award Descriptions
Alex Rittle Outstanding Senator Award
Eligibility: Current GSA Senator serving a full academic year in good standing.This award recognizes a current GSA Senator who demonstrates exemplary leadership, advocacy, and service throughout the academic year. The recipient consistently enhances the graduate student experience by showing initiative, reliability, and a strong commitment to collaboration and inclusion within the GSA and the broader UMBC community.
Jessica Soto Perez Memorial Award
Eligibility: Open to all graduate students EXCEPT E-Council or Senators.
Named in memory of Jessica Soto Perez, this award honors a graduate student who exemplifies mentorship, service, and community building. The recipient supports fellow students’ academic and professional development, fosters a sense of belonging, and contributes meaningfully to the UMBC graduate community.
Donald Creighton Outstanding Faculty Award
Eligibility: UMBC faculty who actively mentor and support graduate students.
This award celebrates a faculty member who goes above and beyond in their support of graduate students. Through mentorship, advocacy, and role modeling, the recipient fosters academic excellence, professional growth, and a collaborative environment for graduate student success.
Outstanding University Staff Award
Eligibility: UMBC staff members who provide exceptional support to graduate students.
This award acknowledges a university staff member who significantly contributes to the success and well-being of graduate students at UMBC. The recipient demonstrates responsiveness, reliability, and a collaborative spirit while advocating for graduate student needs and building community.
Outstanding GSO Award
Graduate Student Organization (GSO) that significantly enhances student experience.
This award recognizes a Graduate Student Organization (GSO) that excels in creating impactful programming, fostering community, and advocating for graduate student interests. The selected GSO demonstrates innovation, consistency, and inclusivity in its engagement efforts.
Community Leadership Award
Eligibility: Open to GSA E-Council and Senators with multiple roles.
This award honors a GSA E-Council member or Senator who holds multiple leadership roles and exemplifies a sustained commitment to service and community engagement. The recipient effectively mobilizes diverse stakeholders to address community needs and foster collaboration across campus.
Graduate Student Athlete Award
Eligibility: UMBC graduate students participating in competitive athletics with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This award celebrates a graduate student athlete who maintains academic excellence while demonstrating dedication, leadership, and sportsmanship in their athletic endeavors. The recipient also contributes to community service and fosters a positive and inclusive campus environment.
Eligibility and Integrity Guidelines for GSA Awards
To ensure fairness, transparency, and the integrity of the Graduate Student Association (GSA) Awards process, the following guidelines have been established. These criteria apply to all awards unless otherwise stated.1. Award Frequency Restrictions
Recipients may not receive the same award more than once within a four-year period. This ensures broader recognition and encourages a diverse pool of awardees.2. Nomination Solicitation Policy
Any individual found to have actively solicited nominations for themselves may be disqualified at the discretion of the Awards Review Committee. This policy upholds the integrity of the nomination process and fosters a culture of peer-driven recognition.3. General Eligibility Requirements
All nominees must be in good academic and disciplinary standing with UMBC at the time of nomination. Additional eligibility criteria specific to each award (e.g., active GSA membership or Senator status) must also be met. 4. Review and Selection Process
The Awards Review Committee will evaluate nominations using standardized rubrics and established criteria. The committee will ensure that the selection process is equitable and inclusive.5. Appeal Process
Individuals may submit a written appeal within seven (7) business days of being notified of disqualification or non-selection. Appeals will be reviewed by an impartial panel designated by the GSA Executive Council, and all decisions will be final.