Faculty & Staff Awards

Award for Innovation in Graduate Student Success

Overview

The University of Florida Graduate School is pleased to announce the Award for Innovation in Graduate Student Success. This award recognizes outstanding efforts in developing or expanding innovative initiatives that enhance graduate student success from the point of admission through degree completion. The award is designed to support programs that integrate evidence-based admissions practices with initiatives such as mentoring, professional development, academic support, and social engagement to improve graduate student outcomes.

Recognition & Award

• Recognition: Honored at the UF Graduate School Awards Ceremony
• Cash Award: One award will be granted annually, providing $5,000 to support the implementation or expansion of an initiative.

Eligibility

The award is open to departments, colleges, or administrative units within the University of Florida that have implemented innovative strategies to enhance graduate student success. Proposals may focus on the full graduate student lifecycle...

...or target specific milestones, such as recruitment, retention, or degree completion.

Application Process

Submission Deadline: March 14, 2025

Submission Format: All application materials must be compiled into a single PDF and submitted electronically to gradawards@aa.ufl.edu.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Innovation: The degree to which the initiative presents a novel or creative approach to improving graduate student success.
• Institutional Commitment: The extent of collaboration across departments or colleges and the level of institutional support.
• Sustainability: The feasibility of continuing the initiative beyond the funding period.
• Impact: The potential breadth of impact, with a focus on increasing success across a broad range of students.
• Assessment and Replicability: The use of metrics to evaluate success and the potential for broader implementation across UF.

Proposal Guidelines

Proposals should be submitted as a single PDF (maximum ten pages) and include:

• A description of the initiative, including how it promotes graduate student success.
• An analysis of the problem the initiative seeks to address.
• A discussion of assessment methods and metrics for success.
• A two-year budget outlining the use of funds and the matching contribution.
• A plan for sustaining the initiative beyond the award period.
• A letter of endorsement from the unit’s dean, director, or relevant senior administrator.

Reporting Requirements

Awardees must submit a final report detailing project outcomes, assessment data, and recommendations for best practices in graduate student success within a year.

For questions or to submit an application, please contact gradawards@aa.ufl.edu.