It is that time of year again to select nominees for the Ready for the World Citation Award.
    
As many students know, UT is full of individuals who are consistently on fire at their workplace, working hard to ensure the noble name of not only the school itself, but also giving the faculty and students the opportunity to shine to the best of their ability.
    
“I really want to encourage all members of the campus community to consider someone to nominate for this award,” Sally McMillan, vice provost for academic affairs, said. “The encouragement from receiving this award really makes others want to get involved and thereby gives the students more opportunities.”
    
In 2005, the University of Tennessee submitted a Quality Enhancement Plan for re-accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) (which came to be known as the Ready for the World Citation Award).
   
 The Chancellor’s “Goals for Student Learning” through this program envision that students should learn by example from faculty members who have worked in exceptional ways.
    
An outstanding faculty member would be any that infuses a curriculum full of projects or extended study abroad programs to enhance intercultural and international awareness among undergraduates. It is by their example that ignites the chancellor’s hope that every UT graduate will leave possessing specific characteristics.
    
Some of these characteristics include: a worldview that recognizes, understands and celebrates the complexity of cultures and people, competence in cross-cultural communication, both domestic and international, and the capacity to think critically about international and intercultural issues.
    
“Ready for the World program provides a vital service for University of Tennessee students because for today’s college graduate, success is not just about getting a degree — it is about being able to function in a global community,” Shannon Heath, teaching associate for the Department of English, said. “No matter what field a student is in, having an increased awareness of cultural diversity is a necessity.”
   
 In recognition of those faculty and students who have dedicated time and energy toward meeting these challenging goals, an award will be presented at the annual Chancellor’s Honors Banquet held in the spring.
    
The winner(s) will receive a certificate of achievement and a $2,500 monetary award. The recipient(s) may be faculty, staff and/or students. The monetary award will be divided equally among multiple winners when applicable.
    
The award focuses on innovative and exceptional work that enhances intercultural and international awareness among undergraduate students, but outstanding individual efforts will also be recognized, and collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts are also encouraged.
   
 This award is not limited to a certain department, and each department or program may submit one nomination. However, large departments with 500 or more staff and/or students may submit up to three nominations.
    
To submit a nomination, the nomination document should consist of a one-page letter from the department head or other senior administrator describing the nominee’s work and impact upon undergraduate education.
    
Nominees are also encouraged to submit a three- to five-page summary of their work, explaining how it addresses Ready for the World goals and how it impacts undergraduate students.
    
The deadline for receipt of materials is Wednesday, Feb. 1.
   
 All nominations should be sent to the Global Awards Committee Attention: Sally McMillan, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, 527 Andy Holt Tower Knoxville, Tenn., 37996-0152.