2026 University Awards Program
Awards Criteria
Eligibility and Nomination Guidelines
Before submitting a nomination, review these guidelines:
Eligibility Requirements:
- All active, full-time and part-time Staff, Faculty, MPPs, ASI, and ASC employees are eligible to be nominated.
- Self-nominations will not be accepted.
Nomination Submission Deadline:
- Monday, February 2, 2026, 11:59 p.m.
Nomination Guidelines:
- Submit one form per individual or team.
- Tailor each nomination to highlight achievement(s) or contribution(s) specific to that award category.
View previous award recipients here .
Questions?
Contact us at HRAwards@fullerton.edu .
Inclusive Excellence Award Nomination Criteria
The Inclusive Excellence Award recognizes individuals or teams of faculty and/or staff employees who have taken action to make CSUF an inclusive and equitable campus community in the past calendar year (January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025). Their actions have promoted a transformative and just campus environment that exemplifies the university’s Social Justice Guiding Principles.
Tell us why the individual or team deserves to be recognized for the Inclusive Excellence Award and use specific examples, evidence, and the university’s mission and strategic goals to inform your nomination submission.
Qualities of Inclusive Excellence (Criteria):
Their work may model or involve the following criteria:
- Equitable learning
- Intentional outreach
- Identity of inclusion
- Professoriate-to-leadership pipeline
- Recognizing history and catalyzing change
- Creating an antiracist community
SchoolsFirst Excellence in Education Nomination Criteria
The SchoolsFirst Excellence in Education Award recognizes one outstanding faculty member and one exemplary staff member at CSUF who have significantly contributed to fostering education and supporting student success, aligning with the values of SchoolsFirst Credit Union. At Cal State Fullerton, we believe that everyone contributes to the mission of education—whether directly in the classroom or through support and administrative services that enable learning and development.
Eligibility:
- Must be a full-time or part-time employee in good standing with at least one-year of service at Cal State Fullerton.
Criteria - nominees will be evaluated based on one or all of the following criteria:
Faculty Criteria:
(1) Innovative Teaching
Examples include:
- Demonstrates creativity and innovation in teaching methods that enhance student learning and engagement.
- Incorporates educational technologies or unique strategies to advance knowledge in their discipline.
(2) Commitment to Student Success
Examples include:
- Provide exceptional mentorship, guidance, or support to students.
- Actively contributes to student achievements, such as research, internships, or career development.
(3) Impact on Educational Excellence
Examples include:
- Develops programs, curricula, or initiatives that improve educational outcomes or broaden access to education.
- Engages in scholarly activities that advance their field and positively impact education.
Staff Criteria:
(1) Dedication to Student Support
Examples include:
- Demonstrates outstanding service to students and the campus community; advising, programming, or support and administrative services (facilities, safety, etc.)
- Goes above and beyond to create an inclusive and supportive environment for student success.
(2) Collaboration in Educational Initiatives
Examples include:
- Actively contributes to initiatives or partnerships that enhance educational opportunities on campus.
- Collaborates with colleagues, departments, or external organizations to improve student outcomes.
(3) Positive Impact on Campus Community
Examples include:
- Inspires a culture of learning, inclusion, and innovation through their work.
- Models professional excellence and dedication to the university’s mission.
Teamwork and Collaboration Award Nomination Criteria
The Teamwork and Collaboration Award recognizes teams of faculty and/or staff employees who demonstrated outstanding collaboration in service of a project or initiative that has had a significant impact on the campus community in the past calendar year (January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025).
Tell us why the team deserves to be recognized for the Teamwork and Collaboration Award and use specific examples, evidence, and the university’s mission and strategic goals to inform your nomination submission.
Qualities of Teamwork & Collaboration (Criteria):
Their work may model or involve the following criteria:
- Open communication, trust, and collaboration
- Partnerships that seek input from those affected by decisions
- Promotion of an inclusive team environment by valuing and respecting differences
- Effective and collaborative relationships to accomplish organizational goals
Titan Excellence Award Nomination Criteria
The Titan Excellence Award recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the needs of our students and campus. These Titans dedicated themselves to the university’s mission and values and have made an exceptional impact on our students, faculty, staff, or community.
Tell us why the individual deserves to be recognized for the Titan Excellence Award. Describe how the individual exemplifies the qualities listed below and how they have demonstrated success in the past calendar year (January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025). Consider the criteria below and use specific examples, evidence, and the university’s mission and strategic goals to inform your submission.
Qualities of Titan Excellence:
Your nominee may possess one or more of these qualities:
- Values student success
- Promotes inclusivity
- Builds community
- Delivers exemplary service to the campus and/or community
- Provides outstanding educational support
- Consistently goes above and beyond in their daily work
Deadline for all award nominations:
Monday, February 2, 2025, 11:59 p.m.
All award winners will be recognized at the University Awards Program on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
