The deadline to apply for the faculty laureate award, which honors a faculty member who demonstrates excellence in teaching general education courses, is today at 4 p.m.

All required materials can be turned in to Olaf Hoerschelmann in the communication studies department in Coleman Hall.

Faculty members can nominate themselves for the position or be nominated by a student, an administrator or a faculty member.

The letter of nomination must be no longer than 500 words and a letter of recommendation from a former student and a faculty member or administrator is required. Another requirement is for the nominee to write a statement of 300 words or less on the value of general education.

The nominee must also provide a list of courses and a record of evaluation from the last three years.

The faculty laureate can come from any academic discipline and is responsible for presenting a speech at Convocation to demonstrate the importance of general education and will be able to serve as a faculty representative on student committees.

The award recipient will also receive a $500 stipend.

The nominee must be a full-time faculty member, and department chairs along with Unit A and Unit B members are eligible.

Previous faculty laureates include: David Smith, a professor of history; Cameron Craig, a geology professor; Keith Spear, who was posthumously honored with the award for his instruction in English; Reed Benedict, a professor of criminology in the sociology department; and Melinda Mueller, a professor of political science.