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June 8, 2017

UPSIDE Award Nominations Sought

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is seeking nominations for the 2017–18 University Prize for Strategic, Inclusive and Diverse Excellence (UPSIDE).

The UPSIDE Award, previously the Chancellor’s Affirmative Action Award, is presented to an outstanding school, division, initiative, or program area that is making a significant contribution to increasing diversity and inclusion. Programs that seek to increase access to and full participation in all aspects of the University by minorities, women and other protected classes under the law are encouraged to participate in the nomination process. The winning program will receive a $10,000 prize.

2016 UPSIDE award winners were the BRIDGES Program, a Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences program for underrepresented scholarship recipients, and the Center for Urban Education, a research center within the School of Education that focuses on community partnership and engagement, educator preparation and development and the academic and social development of students.

Factors for 2017–18 UPSIDE award consideration include programs with:

  • innovative approaches to increasing diversity and inclusion within the University community in areas such as recruitment, retention, promotion, academic and other programming and business activities or enterprises;
  • creative and inspiring plans for future initiatives, particularly plans developed with cross-unit partners, and which illustrate innovative approaches; and
  • a consistent record of commitment and success in diversity and inclusion efforts and related initiatives within the University community. (Greater consideration given to those nominations that include multiple years of documented achievements for the reviewing committee to consider.)

How to Nominate a Program

Programs previously nominated but not selected are encouraged to seek nomination again. Self-nominations are permitted. 

Nominations should include all of the following:

  • Name, address and phone number of the program area
  • Name, email address, address and phone number of the nominator
  • Two- to three-page description of the program that warrants the UPSIDE recognition, including details consistent with the criteria above
  • Supplemental dossier (where possible) that contains illustrations, supportive information and other relevant documentation on the impact of the program nominated for this award

All materials for an UPSIDE nomination should be submitted via email to diversity@pitt.edu on or before July 14. Emails should include UPSIDE Award in the subject line.

Questions about the UPSIDE Award can be directed to 412-648-7860 or email diversity@pitt.edu.


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