The Maiden Invitational Award for faculty and the Meritorious Award for Diversity for staff are given to individuals who have demonstrated an emerging or sustained commitment to advance Furman’s value of diversity and belonging on campus. The areas where this commitment might be evident include teaching, research, student or faculty programming, student support, retention efforts, community outreach activities or other initiatives. This commitment to diversity must be verifiable and documented, and may be demonstrated:
- Through innovative pedagogy that advances students’ or the community’s understanding of diverse perspectives and experiences.
- By implementing and/or facilitating understanding and dialogue among diverse groups to improve the university climate, understanding across differences, and collaboration on campus. (Example: A CLP series aimed at encouraging meaningful dialogue among diverse groups and providing leadership and programs that promote understanding, awareness and appreciations of the many dimensions of diversity.)
- By developing or sponsoring a single, major event (beyond one CLP) that promotes and cultivates diversity and understanding.
- By effectively facilitating constructive discourse and moderating group conflicts.
- By making exceptional efforts to promote a university environment that is free from discrimination.
The recipients will be announced at Fall Convocation and will receive a plaque and monetary award.
Nomination Form
Nominations may be submitted by individual employees (including supervisors, direct reports and peers of the nominees), university organizations, or employee networks. Self-nominations are also accepted. Nominated individuals should demonstrate efforts that foster greater appreciation, advancement and celebration of diversity at Furman beyond their primary, professional responsibilities. Nominations are due by May 12, 2025.