International Education Week
Global Community Awards
The Global Community Awards recognize outstanding members of our campus community who advance international education, foster intercultural understanding, and contribute to creating a welcoming and globally engaged university environment.
Global Community Awards
Presented annually during International Education Week, the Global Community Awards celebrate the individuals and departments whose efforts strengthen our campus's commitment to global learning, international collaboration, and cross-cultural engagement.
The nomination deadline for the 2026-2027 academic year is 11:59pm on September 1, 2026.
Global Community Awards are available in three categories:
Global Citizen Award
Recognizing a student who builds bridges across cultures and inspires global understanding through leadership, service, and engagement.
Student Recognition
See the nomination information below
Global Engagement Champion Award
Recognizing exceptional leadership in fostering global learning, collaboration, and belonging.
Faculty and Staff Recognition
See the nomination information below
Excellence in Internationalization Award
Recognizing collaborative excellence in advancing a more globally engaged and inclusive university.
Department, Office, or Unit Recognition
See the nomination information below
Global Citizen Award
The Global Citizen Award honors a student who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering intercultural understanding, supporting international and multicultural initiatives, and contributing to a welcoming and inclusive campus community.
This award recognizes students who embody the values of global citizenship through leadership, service, advocacy, and engagement with diverse cultures and perspectives.
- Open to all currently enrolled undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
- Students must be in good academic standing.
- Nominations by faculty, staff, or fellow students are accepted.
- Self-nominations are not accepted.
Nominees should demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:
- Completed nomination form.
- A nomination statement (500–750 words) describing the nominee's contributions and impact.
- Optional supporting materials, including letters of support, program descriptions, or evidence of achievements.
Reviewers will consider:
- Demonstrated impact on the campus community.
- Sustained commitment to international and intercultural engagement.
- Leadership and initiative.
- Alignment with the mission of international education.
Global Engagement Champion Award
The Global Engagement Champion Award recognizes a faculty or staff member who has made significant contributions to advancing international education and supporting the success of international students, scholars, and global initiatives.
Recipients exemplify a commitment to creating meaningful international experiences, fostering intercultural understanding, and strengthening the university's global engagement efforts.
- Open to all full-time or part-time faculty and staff members.
- Nominee must have completed at least one year of service at the university.
- Peer nominations are accepted.
- Self-nominations are not accepted.
Nominees should demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:
International Student and Scholar Support
- Completed nomination form.
- A nomination statement (500–750 words) outlining the nominee's contributions and impact.
- Optional supporting documentation, including letters of support, program outcomes, publications, partnership achievements, or other relevant materials.
Reviewers will consider:
- Breadth and depth of contributions.
- Impact on students, colleagues, and the institution.
- Innovation and leadership.
- Commitment to advancing international education.
Excellence in Internationalization Award
The Excellence in Internationalization Award recognizes a department, office, center, or administrative unit that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to advancing international education and creating a globally engaged campus.
This award celebrates collective efforts that support international students and scholars, integrate global perspectives into programs and services, and contribute meaningfully to the university's internationalization goals.
- Open to academic departments, administrative offices, centers, institutes, and campus units.
- Departments should be nominated by members of the university community, self-nomination is accepted.
Nominees should demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:
- Completed nomination form.
- A nomination statement (750–1,000 words) describing the department's contributions, initiatives, and impact.
- Supporting evidence such as program data, assessment results, testimonials, reports, event participation, or partnership outcomes.
Reviewers will consider:
- Innovation and effectiveness.
- Evidence of impact.
- Alignment with institutional internationalization goals.
- Sustainability of efforts and commitment to continuous improvement.
Award Recognition
Recipients will be recognized during the university's International Education Week Celebration and will receive:
- A commemorative award or plaque
- Recognition on the International Education Week website
- Recognition through university communications and social media
- Inclusion in the annual Global Community Awards recipient roster
Award Presentation
International Education Week Awards Luncheon
Details: TBD
Questions?
Please contact Elizabeth (Liz) Hammond at liz.hammond@utah.edu
Intercultural Engagement
- Promotes meaningful interaction among students from different cultural backgrounds.
- Demonstrates respect for diverse perspectives and experiences.
- Actively contributes to an inclusive campus climate.
Leadership
- Provides leadership in programs, organizations, or initiatives that promote global learning and cultural exchange.
- Encourage participation in international and intercultural activities.
Service and Support
- Supports international students, scholars, or visiting guests.
- Serves as a mentor, ambassador, peer leader, or advocate for global engagement.
Global Learning
- Participates in international education opportunities such as study abroad, exchange programs, globally focused coursework, research, internships, or community engagement.
- Applies global perspectives to academic, professional, or community work.
Sample Nominee Profiles
- A student who mentors new international students and organizes intercultural social events.
- A study abroad participant who shares their experiences through presentations and promotes global learning opportunities to peers.
- A student organization leader who creates programs that connect domestic and international students.
- A graduate student conducting research on global challenges while actively supporting the international student community.
- A student ambassador who helps foster belonging and cross-cultural understanding through campus programs and outreach.
International Student and Scholar Support
- Creates a welcoming and supportive environment for international students and scholars.
- Demonstrates commitment to student success, engagement and belonging.
Global Learning and Engagement
- Develops or supports international, intercultural, or globally focused educational opportunities.
- Promotes internationalization within academic or co-curricular programs.
Innovation and Collaboration
- Establish partnerships, programs, or initiatives that enhance global engagement.
- Collaborates across departments or with international partners to advance institutional goals.
Advocacy and Leadership
- Serves as a champion for international education and intercultural understanding.
- Encourages others to participate in global learning and engagement opportunities.
Examples of Contributions
A nominee may demonstrate these criteria by:
- Mentoring or advising international students and scholars.
- Developing globally focused courses, programs, or co-curricular experiences.
- Leading faculty-led study abroad programs or international partnerships.
- Collaborating across departments to support international initiatives.
- Advocating for policies or practices that enhance the international student experience.
- Promoting intercultural learning and encouraging others to engage in global opportunities.
Support for International Students and Scholars
- Provides services, programming, or initiatives that enhance the success and experience of international students and scholars.
- Demonstrates commitment to inclusion, belonging, and student support.
Internationalization Efforts
- Integrates global perspectives into curriculum, programming, research, or services.
- Supports international partnerships, exchanges, or collaborations.
Collaboration and Engagement
- Works collaboratively with campus partners to advance international education goals.
- Participates in International Education Week and other globally focused initiatives.
Measurable Impact
- Demonstrates outcomes that contribute to student success, intercultural learning, or institutional internationalization.
- Shows sustained commitment and continuous improvement.
Examples of Contributions
A department or unit may demonstrate these criteria by:
- Developing programs or services that improve the experience of international students and scholars.
- Integrating global perspectives into academic programs, research, or student services.
- Partnering with campus and international collaborators to advance global initiatives.
- Supporting International Education Week and other intercultural programming.
- Implementing initiatives with measurable outcomes that enhance global learning and campus internationalization.
Together, we celebrate the individuals and units whose efforts strengthen our global community and advance international education across our campus.