CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR DEPARTMENT OR PROGRAM

On behalf of the Board of Regents, the University System of Georgia (USG) Office of Academic Affairs invites nominations for the Regents’ Momentum Award for Excellence in Advising. This award honors exceptional institutional advising efforts that promote student success and meaningful progress toward completion.

Using USG’s Momentum framework and institutional Momentum data as a foundation, this award recognizes departments or programs that demonstrate innovative advising strategies and measurable improvements in outcomes related to purposeful choices, productive mindsets, academic progress, and engagement.

Award Criteria

Nominations will be evaluated based on compelling evidence of excellence in the following areas:

1. Purposeful Choices
   Advising efforts support students in making and refining academic choices that align with their goals, interests, aptitudes, and potential for success—either at entry or key transition points.
    
2. Productive Academic Mindsets
   Advising practices contribute to students’ belief in their ability to grow academically, find value in their coursework, and feel a sense of belonging in their educational environment.
    
3. Clear Pathways to Completion
   Advising guides students into programs of study that include clear paths to graduation and career or further study. Students are encouraged to explore interests in their first year and complete essential courses early.
    
4. Momentum Metrics
   Advising strategies support measurable improvements in key first-year Momentum indicators, such as:
   • Attempting math and English in the first year
   • Attempting 9 credit hours in an academic focus area in the first year
   • Attempting 30 credit hours in the first year on a clearly defined pathway
      
5. Institutional Engagement and Innovation
   The department or program systematically examines student success data, modifies practices accordingly, and demonstrates innovation in advising approaches that enhance retention, progression, and completion.

Eligibility and Nomination Procedures

Each USG institution may submit one nomination for a department or program that exemplifies outstanding advising aligned with the Momentum approach. Nominations should be coordinated by academic leadership and must include an endorsement from the institution’s chief academic officer.

Required Documentation

Nomination portfolios must not exceed 15 pages total, including all supporting materials (1-inch margins, minimum 12-point font). Submissions that exceed this limit or do not meet formatting requirements will not be accepted.

All portfolios should include the following components:

• Table of Contents
  A list of all portfolio components.
  (Note: Does not count toward the 15-page limit.)
   
• Nomination Letter (1–2 pages)
  A letter of endorsement from the institution’s chief academic officer or chief student affairs officer, highlighting the nominee’s strengths and impact on student success.
  (Note: Does not count toward the 15-page limit.)
   
• Narrative Statement (1–3 pages)
  A clear narrative that describes the department or program’s philosophy, goals, and strategies for supporting student success through advising. This statement should include data-informed modifications to advising practices and reflect a research-based approach.
   
• Evidence of Excellence (3+ pages)
  This section is the heart of the portfolio. It should include a curated selection of materials that demonstrate strong performance in each of the award criteria. A narrative should be woven throughout to explain the significance and context of each piece of evidence. Examples of evidence may include:
  • Advising tools or resources that support purposeful choices
  • Data showing improvements in Momentum metrics or milestones
  • Documentation of innovative advising structures or outreach strategies
  • Assessment of student mindsets, engagement, or satisfaction
  • Examples of institutional action taken based on advising outcomes
     
• Letters of Support (1–2 letters)
  Letters from colleagues or students that speak to the value and impact of the department’s advising efforts, particularly their contribution to retention, engagement, and completion. These letters should provide specific examples of how the nominee’s practices have supported institutional Momentum goals.

Submission Guidelines

• All materials must be compiled into a single PDF file and submitted via the Regents Portfolio Submission System. 
• Portfolios must meet formatting guidelines (1-inch margins, minimum 12-point font) and may not exceed 15 pages.
• Portfolios will be reviewed and assessed by the contents of the portfolio. Links to additional materials will not be reviewed.

Award Committee

A special committee composed of faculty and administrators from across the USG who are experienced in teaching and learning practices will review the nomination portfolios and recommend finalists for each award.

The winner of this award will be recognized at a spring meeting of the Board of Regents.