Ðǿմ«Ã½

Global Campus

Global Engagement and International Programs

International Education Week

 presents

CPP International Education Outstanding Staff Award

 

award icon

 Introduction

As part of Cal Poly Ðǿմ«Ã½’s International Education Week (IEW) celebration, we propose the establishment of an annual award: the CPP International Education Outstanding Staff Award. This award will recognize and honor staff members in Global Campus who have demonstrated sustained dedication, leadership, excellence, outstanding achievements, and significant contributions in supporting international education at Cal Poly Ðǿմ«Ã½ and within the California State University (CSU) system.

 

Key dates for the inaugural launch of this award in Fall 2025:

  • Announcement posted on the website: September 30, 2025
  • Nomination deadline: Oct 31, 2025, by EOB (5 pm)
  • Completion of committee review: November 10, 2025
  • Award announcement: November 18, 2025

 

  

Award Details

The award will:

  • Acknowledge staff contributions to international education, including support for international students, visiting scholars, and working professionals who participate in various training programs at CPP, including but not limited to degree programs, Cal Poly English Language Institute (CPELI) programs, Semester@CPP Program, international visiting scholars/faculty/professionals programs, study abroad programs, other customized innovative training programs, etc.
  • Celebrate exemplary service, leadership, outstanding achievements, and significant contributions in advancing Cal Poly Ðǿմ«Ã½’s and CSU’s mission and vision in global education.
  • Inspire continued commitment to building inclusive and globally engaged campus communities.

Nominees must:

  • Be staff members of Global Campus, Cal Poly Ðǿմ«Ã½.
  • Have completed at least three (3) years of service in international programs.
  • Demonstrate dedicated contributions to:
    • Support and advocacy for international students, visiting scholars, faculty, and working professionals.
    • Leadership and services in international student & scholar services, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as self-support international programs.
    • Advancing campus-wide or CSU-wide international education initiatives.

Note: Previous recipients of this annual award will not be eligible for the next three (3) years.

  • Nominations may be submitted by faculty, staff, and/or administrators; self-nominations are accepted.
  • Nominations should include:
    • A nomination form (Appendix 1 with a list of questions on the application form, while the actual online form/link will be posted via SharePoint).
    • A statement (500–800 words) describing the nominee’s significant contributions and impact.
    • Optional supporting materials (letters of support, program outcomes, student testimonials).

 

Nominees will be evaluated on:

  1. Impact – Demonstrated positive outcomes for international students, scholars, working professionals, or CPP study abroad participants.
  2. Leadership – Innovative practices, mentorship, or leadership in international education programs.
  3. Commitment – Length and consistency of service (minimum 3 years) with evidence of sustained contributions.
  4. Collaboration – Engagement with students, faculty, and community partners in advancing global education.

 selection criteria rubric

For the first year to kick off the inaugural launch of this annual award, the following faculty members will automatically serve on the committee:

  • Y. Olive Li, Professor, Faculty Director of iLabs (committee chair)
  • Bruce Brown, Professor, Dept Chair of Economics, CLASS
  • Zhenxing Eddie Mao, Professor, Dept. Chair, Collins College of Hospitality Management

For future operation, the selection committee will be convened annually and may include:

  • 1 faculty member with experience in international education (Chair)
  • 1 representative from Global Campus
  • 1 award recipient from the previous year

Award

  • Monetary Prize: Up to $600 annually (subject to available funding).
  • Plaque: Commemorating the recipient’s achievement and service.
  • Award to be presented during International Education Week (IEW) annually at Cal Poly Ðǿմ«Ã½.

 

Administration & Funding

  • The International Education Week (IEW) Taskforce will oversee the award process.
  • Funding will come from CPP’s International Education Week (IEW) budget.
  • The Global Campus will maintain records of past recipients.

 

Conclusion

The International Education Outstanding Staff Award will highlight the invaluable role of staff in building global engagement at CPP and across CSU. Establishing this recognition will strengthen international education efforts, boost staff morale, and inspire continued excellence in serving our global community.

International Education Week is brought to you by Global Campus at Cal Poly Ðǿմ«Ã½.
Please click here to learn more about us.