Sponsored by Academic Programs in the Office of the Provost, USC’s Outstanding Academic Advisor Awards recognize the critical role played by advisors in the areas of retention and graduation, and in furthering the University’s mission. Two outstanding academic advisors are selected each year to receive awards of $1500 each; one award will be given to a new advisor (who has advised for five or fewer years) and one award will be given to an experienced advisor (who has advised for more than five years).
Eligibility
Award recipients must be academic advisors of undergraduate and/or graduate students, or advising administrators employed as full-time staff at USC. The nominee’s primary job responsibility should be academic advising. Faculty, Lecturers, and Course Instructors are *not* eligible for this award.
Nomination packets should be compiled within an academic advising unit, and include a department nomination from their advising unit leadership. Faculty, staff, students, or other members of the Trojan Family who are interested in nominating an advisor should reach out to the school or unit’s advising office to inquire how to support an advisor’s nomination.
Criteria
Using the rubrics for New Advisors and Experienced Advisors, the Selection Committee will consider evidence of mentoring, advocacy, and outstanding service to students in the following areas:
Providing information
- Availability to advisees, faculty, or staff
- Consistent use of Advise USC (for units onboarded into the system)
- Mastery of regulations, policies, and procedures
- Monitoring of student progress toward academic and career goals
- Proactive use and dissemination of information resources
Counseling and advocacy
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Caring, helpful attitude
- Cultivation of rapport and relationships with advisees
- Assists students in setting goals
- Engages in student advocacy
Mentoring
- Conveys a passion for education and learning
- Helps students link to appropriate faculty and find relevant courses
- Encourages students to pursue scholarships and fellowships
- Helps students integrate their undergraduate/graduate education, curriculum, and experiences into their overall personal and professional journey
Connecting to the campus community
- Collaboration with other colleagues and departments
- Involved in programs and events outside home department
- Assists students in creating meaningful connections to the school, their peers, and faculty
Timeline
- All nomination materials are due 11:59 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2025.
- Winners will be announced at the CAA Conference on June 3, 2025.
Nomination
The nomination form requires USC Shibboleth verification.