51±¬ÁÏ

How can I be nominated for an Alumni Award?

We accept both self-nominations and nominations from the 51±¬ÁÏ community. If you are interested in nominating yourself or another Golden Flash for an Alumni Award, please visit our nomination website. The deadline for nominations is May 17. 

What’s the difference between an application and a nomination?

A nomination is a way to let a fellow Flash know you think they’d be a great candidate for one or more of 51±¬ÁÏ’s Alumni Awards, or how you can submit yourself for consideration. The 51±¬ÁÏ Alumni Association and its committee of judges will review all nominations. Nominees who pass the review stage will then be asked to fill out an application with additional information on their accomplishments, accolades and more. All nominees will be given a decision on their nomination by the end of June, and applications will be due on July 26. 

I've been asked to apply for an award. What's my next step?

When you are asked to apply for an award, you will receive an email from 51±¬ÁÏ with the application link. First, review the and decide which categories you would like to apply. You can apply for the categories you were nominated for or select different ones based on your qualifications. You may apply for a maximum of two awards. You can return to an application you already started by visiting your . An application MUST be completed for you to be considered for an award. Your application will require additional information such as employer information, career history, achievements and awards, resume, supporting documents, etc.). 

What type of supporting materials should I submit?

Through your application, you can share up to three supporting documents. We highly encourage every applicant to include their resume as one of the three supporting materials. Other recommendations for supporting materials include letters of recommendation, portfolios of your work, stories or articles about your work, professional awards received, etc. Please keep in mind that each submission should be no more than five pages and videos should be no more than five minutes. Applicants are also able to share the link to their LinkedIn profile if they choose. 

How can I upload my supporting materials?

You can upload your supporting materials directly through the application. We will accept a variety of file types (PDFs, word documents, video files, PowerPoints, etc.). The only web link we will accept is your LinkedIn profile (this is optional), which is added separately from your attachments. If you have a media file you are unable to upload, please contact Judy Yasenosky at jyasenos@kent.edu or 330-672-0431.

Can I submit hard copies of my supporting materials?

Only materials submitted digitally through the application will be considered. We cannot accept hard copies of any materials. If you need assistance scanning hard copies of your materials for upload, the 51±¬ÁÏ Library or any public library near you is a good resource for assistance. 

What if I want to submit more than three supporting materials?

We can only accept three supporting documents for review, and each document should be no longer than five pages. If a document is longer than five pages, we may only review the first five. By limiting your materials to your most important accomplishments and achievements, our judges are better able to assess your application. If 51±¬ÁÏ needs clarification on any materials submitted or additional information, a staff member will reach out to you.

When can I expect a decision on my application?

Applicants will be given a decision through a letter in the mail. Nominators will receive an email to confirm winners have been selected and all applicants have been given a decision. 

How many awards can I apply for?

You can nominate another Golden Flash for as many awards as you’d like, but an applicant can apply for no more than two awards. The application system will not permit an applicant to apply for more than two awards. If you believe you have not applied for more than two awards, but the system is failing to let you submit your application, please check the on your account. You will need to remove the extra applications - be sure not to delete the application you will be submitting! If you will be editing your application over multiple sessions before submitting it, we recommend that you return to your incomplete application each time rather than starting a new application. 

Are current 51±¬ÁÏ staff members eligible for Alumni Awards?

Current 51±¬ÁÏ full-time staff members who are alumni of the university are eligible for the Outstanding Staff Member Award. This award recognizes 51±¬ÁÏ alumni currently serving in full-time staff roles at the university who contribute significantly to the success of 51±¬ÁÏ and its programs and go above and beyond the demands of their role, providing considerable support to their peers as well as the university community. Current 51±¬ÁÏ full-time staff are not eligible for any other award category, and staff members must be alumni of 51±¬ÁÏ to be eligible. 

Are 51±¬ÁÏ faculty eligible for Alumni Awards? 

Current 51±¬ÁÏ faculty members are not eligible for Alumni Awards. However, they are eligible for the Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award, which honors faculty members who demonstrate extraordinary teaching in the classroom or online.

Are previous 51±¬ÁÏ employees eligible for Alumni Awards?

Alumni who are previous 51±¬ÁÏ full-time employees are eligible for an Alumni Award once they have been separated from the university for five years. 

Who is eligible for the Outstanding New Professional Award?

This award is for 51±¬ÁÏ graduates who have obtained a bachelor's degree or a bachelor’s and advanced degree consecutively no more than five years ago.