Biology Excellence in Teaching Award (BETA)

Awarded each year.

Nomination Criteria

The nominee is an individual who motivates students to learn through meaningful and dynamic curricula, through effective traditional pedagogy or novel teaching methods. The nominee should demonstrate a deep knowledge of their field and commitment to the department and university. She or he should have an above average commitment to students, in class or lab and beyond, displaying a real interest in their academic and personal development. The nominee may have shown excellence and commitment to teaching in the previous academic year alone, or may be recognized for valuable long term contributions that seem to be overlooked by existing awards (DSC, Barnes,
Alumni), hence it may take a longer view of service to the undergraduate and graduate community in the Department of Biology.

Eligibility

The nominee will be considered for contributions to at least 6.0 units of teaching in the Biology Department, including field courses. She or he must be on faculty with a primary appointment in Biology, or a full time Adjunct member of the department.

Nomination

By peers of faculty, via self-nomination, or via suggestion of the Undergraduate Studies Committee in Biology. The nominator may suggest what specific contributions the nominee should be recognized for in a brief statement sent by email or post to the Undergraduate Chair (ugchbiol@queensu.ca) which will be included with the file.

The nominee should submit:

• a cover letter of no more than two single-spaced pages describing their contributions to teaching in the department.
  
• a list of all courses taught and their role in the course in the last three academic years.
  
• a list of courses developed as new preparations or substantially upgraded, with a brief description of the activities undertaken in each course.
  
• optionally, the nominee may provide a table summarizing USAT evaluations. Note: the committee would ask that, if USAT evaluations are so summarized, that this cover all courses taught in the last three years, and not just highlights.

Evaluation

The BETA will be judged by a panel consisting of the Head, Associate Head, Undergraduate Chair, and two representatives from the Department Student Council (usually from upper years).

Key Dates and Presentation of the Award

Nominations will be solicited annually for the last business day of February, with application packages due the last business day of March. The award, consisting of a plaque and a cheque for $500 will be presented at the May Staff Meeting.