Dr. Solie Fott Faculty Senate Leadership Award
Christina Chester-Fangman is the first recipient of the Dr. Solie Fott Faculty Senate Leadership Award, presented by Dr. Solie Fott and Dr. Osvaldo Di Paolo Harrison, in recognition of her exceptional leadership and contributions.
Award Criteria
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Subcommittee Excellence: Demonstrated exceptional contribution to Faculty Senate subcommittee work, showing initiative, thorough and timely preparation, and productive engagement.
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Meeting Participation: Consistent, thoughtful contributions during monthly Senate meetings that advance discussion, demonstrate careful consideration of issues, and help build consensus.
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Faculty Representation: Outstanding commitment to gathering input from and representing the perspectives of faculty constituents from their department or college.
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Senate Initiative: Taking on additional responsibilities beyond required attendance, such as volunteering for committee work, special projects, or representing the Senate at university events.
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Collaborative Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to work constructively with diverse viewpoints to find practical solutions to faculty concerns.
Award Structure
The recommendation is a combination approach:
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The Kaleidoscope Award: A permanent individual keepsake (kaleidoscope) for each recipient
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Each recipient receives a high-quality kaleidoscope with an engraved plaque.
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Traveling Display: A traveling display piece that moves between recipients' offices annually
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The traveling display would be an elegant, eye-catching piece representing Dr. Fott's appreciation for kaleidoscopes and the spirit of faculty leadership.
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Each recipient keeps the display in their office for one academic year.
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The recipient presents the award to the new recipient the following year in April.
This traveling display would serve as a conversation piece and a visible reminder of faculty governance excellence throughout campus as it moves from one recipient's office to the next.
Documentation Elements
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Wooden Wall Plaque: A permanent display next to the Faculty Senate President plaque, updated annually with each winner's name, department, and year.
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Digital Recognition: Feature recipients on the Faculty Senate website with a brief biography highlighting their contributions.
Selection Process and Timeline
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Start Date: Monday, March 17, 2025 (after Spring Break)
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Duration: Two weeks
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Process: Score nominees on each criterion using the rubric, providing specific examples and evidence to justify each score you assign. Include a brief narrative (1-2 paragraphs) explaining why this senator deserves recognition. Email your completed rubric and narrative to the Faculty Senate Executive Committee Secretary. No self-nominations are allowed.
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Deadline: Monday, March 31, 2025 at 5:00 pm
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Timing: March 31 - April 3, 2025
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Duration: 4 days to review nominations
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Action: Apply a standardized rubric to select the winner
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Completion: Results finalized by Thursday, April 3, 2025
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Timing: Thursday, April 24, 2025 (Full Senate meeting)
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Announcement: Public announcement of inaugural winner
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Ceremony: Dr. Fott presents the award (if possible)
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Documentation: Photos taken for the website/archives during the ceremony
Notes for Inaugural Year
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This modified timeline accommodates the first-year implementation.
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Future years will follow a more standard timeline, with nominations beginning in mid-to-late-February.
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This compressed schedule ensures the award can still be presented during the current academic year.
