Part-Time Instructor Excellence | Teaching
About
The Western Michigan University College of Arts and Sciences Strategic Plan calls for awards and recognition of faculty contributions to the themes and commitments in the plan, including contributions of the faculty to disciplinary and interdisciplinary teaching; research and creative activities; and university professional and community service in support of the College of Arts and Sciences mission.
The Western Michigan University College of Arts and Sciences Part-Time Instructor Excellence in Teaching Award honors one part-time instructor each year based on an accumulated record of excellence in teaching for the College of Arts and Sciences at WMU. Award winners receive a plaque/award and are honored at the college faculty and staff award ceremony held during the spring semester. In addition, award winners receive $1,000, which is provided as incentive pay to the part-time instructor.
Deadline for Nominations
Applications are due February 15 of every academic year while funds are available.
2021 Recipient Information | Dr. Thomas Kostrzewa
Global and International Studies
Tom's teaching style, method, and charismatic persona have been pivotal in recruiting new majors and minors to Global and International Studies. His teaching style reflects the university's pillars: student-centered, discovery-driven, and globally engaged institution we strive to maintain. He goes above and beyond the call of the part-time instructor by engaging in one-on-one dialogue with his students during office hours, discussing not just academics and undergraduate pursuits but also students' lifelong goals, career options, and post-graduation advice. He applies academic theory to real-world situations, including many of his independent travels across the globe, which strongly resonates with and speaks to aspiring students. Often, students refer to Dr. Kostrzewa as their source of inspiration. "Dr. K," as the students know him, is an outstanding part-time instructor.
Nominee Eligibility
All part-time instructors who taught for the College of Arts and Sciences at WMU during the prior or current year are eligible to receive this award unless they have received this award in the past five years.
Award Selection Criteria
- An accumulated record of excellence as a part-time instructor in the College of Arts and Sciences at WMU.
- Favorable instructor evaluations on student-rating questionnaires may be considered, but high ratings alone are insufficient to receive the award.
- Outstanding teaching, as exemplified by graduate or undergraduate classroom instruction; mentoring of diverse students; oversight of independent study, field work, study abroad, clinicals or practicum work; service on honors thesis, master’s thesis and/or dissertation committees; curricular innovation or other work through which part-time instructors promote student learning.
Required Nomination Materials
- Complete the above nomination web form.
- A detailed statement from the nominator indicating the nominee’s accomplishments and how they relate to the selection criteria for this award.
- A maximum of two brief supporting letters addressing how the nominee’s accomplishments embody the selection criteria for this award.
- Nominee’s most recent curriculum vita.
- A recent summary of student ratings of teaching, provided by the department chair.
- Up to three sample course syllabi from the nominee’s courses.
- Any additional supporting documents or evidence demonstrating the nominee’s excellence in teaching, as stated in the criteria for this award.
Submit a Nomination
Questions?
Please do not hesitate to contact the College of Arts and Sciences dean's office with any questions or concerns.