Excellence in Graduate Advising

In recognition for outstanding advising at the graduate level, the Award for Excellence in Graduate Advising will honor a graduate advisor every spring semester.

Award recipients each receive a $1500 cash award and a plaque to be awarded during the Master Advisors spring appreciation event. The award recipient will also be announced at the Einhellig Interdisciplinary Forum spring event.

Nominations

  • Any current MSU graduate student may submit a nomination form.
  • Due by: Monday, December 2, 2024

Submit a Nomination

Award for Excellence in Graduate Advising Winner 2024

Congratulations: Dr. Aida Hass-Wisecup
Photo of Dr. Aida Hass-Wisecup

Dr. Aida Hass-Wisecup was recognized for going above and beyond in her advising position. Aside from advising, she fills many valuable rolls in the Criminology Department including but not limited to: Professor, Graduate Program Director, Director of Diversity Studies Minor, and Member of Provost Advisory Council. She is also recognized by students for her genuine, authentic, and kind approach to helping students succeed in their graduate program. 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Nominees must be current MSU employees with a minimum of two years of employment at time of nomination.
  • Nominees must be a current Master Advisor with ongoing academic advising responsibilities and currently assigned advisees, at least 75% of whom must be graduate students.
  • Nominees must not have received the award in the previous three years.

Selection Criteria

  • University/Program Knowledge
    • Knowledge of campus information and resources and use of that knowledge in helping students
    • Knowledge of program requirements and academic policies, as well as career-related information; use of that knowledge in assisting students
  • Commitment to Advising
    • Demonstration of advising as a priority activity
    • Support of training and development programs for advisors and efforts to improve advising services at Missouri State University
  • Use of Tools and Innovation
    • Use of innovative advising techniques, materials, or systems
    • Effective documentation of advising sessions through Advising Notes
  • Interpersonal/Relational Skills
    • Reasonable accessibility for advisees and effective use of available time with advisees
    • Efforts to create positive relationships with advisees
    • Support for the needs of a diverse student population and for initiatives devoted to accessibility and inclusion

Materials Collected from Eligible Nominees

  • Personal Advising Philosophy
  • Three (3) Letters of Recommendation (at least one should be from a current advisee, and one should be from a colleague or supervisor)
  • Additional materials that reflect selection criteria above

Selection Process

  • All eligible nominees will be contacted to request additional materials.
  • Nominations and submission materials will be reviewed by a selection committee made up of the following:
    • Associate Dean, Graduate College (or Graduate College staff designee)
    • Former Excellence in Graduate Advising Award recipient
    • Graduate Council representative
    • Graduate Student

For questions about this award or any of the information above, please email GradCollegeServices@MissouriState.edu.