Dale E. Dowden Award for Outstanding Student Services in Distance Education

The Dale E. Dowden Award for Outstanding Student Services in Distance Education recognizes individuals within the realm of distance education who epitomize the essence of “learner-centered” services, for which Dale E. Dowden was a tireless advocate throughout his tenure with the Indiana Partnership for Statewide Education and the Indiana Higher Education Telecommunication System.

Indiana College Network Campus and Learning Center Coordinators in particular are often the “unsung heroes” whose dedication and sheer determination makes the difference in encouraging students to stay with their studies, in opening new opportunities for them, and thereby in improving their lives. They are an important part of what sets Indiana’s partnership apart from those in other states; thus, it seems appropriate for the Indiana Partnership for Statewide Education (IPSE) to recognize those whose tireless work provides the foundation on which student success, particularly in distance learning, often depends.

ELIGIBILITY
Any distance education coordinator or student services staff member of IPSE member institutions and partner learning centers are eligible for the award. This recognition may be awarded to an individual only once.

CRITERIA
The following criteria will be used to determine the winner of this annual award.

• A record of exemplary service and demonstrated commitment to serving the needs of learners (both quantity and quality, for their own and others’ students)
• Demonstrated impartiality in working cooperatively with multiple institutions and centers
• Creativity and flexibility in meeting student needs for educational opportunity or academic support
• Demonstrated peer leadership within the ICN community of practice
• A record of accomplishments within the community served

NOMINATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
Electronic call for nominations will be issued the first week of March each year.

• Nominations (no more than 500 words) are due electronically by April 1st each year.
• The ICN Coordinators Awards Committee will review the nominations and make a recommendation to the IPSE in May.
• ICN Coordinators Awards Committee will notify each year’s recipient no later than June 1, with the official presentation being conducted during the ICN June conference.
• ICN Coordinators Awards Committee will recognize all nominees with a letter.

Recognition

• Winner to be featured in a press release from IHETS
• Winner and his or her accomplishments to be acknowledged in the coordinators section of the ICN Web site to help others learn from these achievements
• Statewide recognition and receipt of the award at the annual ICN Conference in June
• Plaque and a cash award of $500 to be used for the recipient’s professional development