Award Overview

In partnership with the Undergraduate Research & Enrichment Programs in the Pennoni Honors College, the Outstanding Graduate Student Mentorship Awards are presented to graduate and professional students (master's and/or doctoral level) who have shown an outstanding commitment to mentoring, developing and supporting undergraduate and/or new or junior graduate students. While mentorship occurs in many settings, this award focuses on mentorship in a research or scholarly setting, including remote/online, such as during the STAR Scholars Program. Eligible graduate and professional students must be fully matriculated in a graduate program at Drexel or have graduated in the current academic year. Medical and law students may also be nominated.

Up to three awards are presented for $250 each sponsored by Undergraduate Research & Enrichment Programs in the Pennoni Honors College.

More About Mentoring

Effective mentoring involves getting to know a mentee's personal strengths and future goals, then providing tailored advice and encouragement. This award recognizes the value that graduate student mentoring brings to the Drexel experience and the positive impact of strong mentoring relationships on individual mentees and our campus community. In addition, this award recognizes future faculty or leaders for their interpersonal skills, collegiality, and effectiveness in working with individuals of diverse backgrounds and levels of experience.

Nomination Process & Timeline

Student mentees (undergraduate and/or new or junior graduate students) and faculty and professional staff are encouraged to nominate graduate student mentors. While faculty and professional staff may nominate a qualifying student for the mentorship award, it is important to note that only those students who receive at least one nomination from a student mentee will be considered. Self-nomination is not permitted for this award.

Submissions for the 2023-2024 awards cycle are now open. The deadline to submit nominations is 12 p.m. EDT Monday, April 22, 2024.

2023-2024 awardees will be notified and announced on or around May 13, 2024.

Required Materials

1. Completed Nomination Form - Please see below and prepare your responses in advance as the form will not save a draft.

Evaluation Criteria

The nomination form will ask the nominator to briefly describe the relationship with the mentor and provide brief but specific examples of how the mentor has demonstrated the following criteria:

• Willingness to share their knowledge, skills, and expertise with their mentees

• Ability to provide guidance and constructive feedback while encouraging the mentee to gain confidence in their own skills and intellectual independence

• Clear interest in the mentoring relationship, showing care for their mentees and treating them with respect

• Ability to foster a comfortable but challenging work environment, in which all members (mentors and mentees alike) have a voice and are empowered to participate in the intellectual conversation

The last question asks what makes the mentor truly outstanding.

Award Selection & Distribution

The Graduate College appoints a diverse group of faculty and professional staff representing Drexel's Colleges and Schools to review nominations and select University-level awardees based on the evaluation criteria. Awards are usually distributed each year at a Graduate Student Day awards ceremony and reception. Graduating awardees are also listed in the official Commencement program and may also be recognized during their individual College or School Commencement ceremony.

If you have any questions, please contact the Graduate College at gradawards@drexel.edu.

Visit the Graduate College website for more information about the Graduate Student Excellence Awards.