15th Annual MENASA NASPA Conference (Virtual)

The NASPA Middle-East, North Africa, South Asia (MENASA) Area was formed to engage and connect student affairs professionals in advancing service to students, campuses, and the student affairs/services field by supporting professionals through a variety of resources and activities.

The purpose of our Recognition of Excellence is to spotlight best practices and initiatives across the MENASA area that align with MENASA-NASPA values. The MENASA NASPA Conference strives to recognize significant contributions by institutions and individuals and thus support sharing of knowledge and good practices and to generate conversations among student affairs professionals about innovative and effective practices. The Recognition of Excellence further inspire awareness, highlight excellent work being conducted by MENASA Area professionals, promote collaboration and idea sharing, and serve as a platform to connect professionals in the region.

GENERAL CRITERIA & ELIGIBILITY

For Academic Year 2020-2021

Adherence to Recognition Criteria: The nominated party and activity aligns with the specific category description and criteria. 

Support or Evidence: Nominations can be supported by assessment/evaluation feedback, recommendations, or some form of evidence of effectiveness/excellence.  Demonstrates a model that can be successfully replicated by others.

Promotes engagement: Demonstrates support or ability to engage with others in their institution, community and/or field.

Relevance to professional best practices: Demonstrates use of strong professional activities that align with MENASA-NASPA Competencies. 

Relevance to Student Affairs/Services: Demonstrates relevance and significance to the field of Student Affairs/Services.

MENASA-NASPA Area Organization/Professional: The nominated party and or activity operate in a MENASA Area country and support the field of Student Affairs/Services.

*Note: NASPA Affiliation is a requirement. Each nomination must include an organization or individual who is a current NASPA member - However, for the 2020-2021 MENASA-NASPA Area Conference - Recognition of Excellence, NASPA membership of an associated professional or institution is preferred but not required. 

Excellence in Collaborative Partnerships 

Demonstrates significant interdepartmental collaboration that positively impacts the overall quality of campus life. This recognition is intended for an organization, unit, or program. 

Specific Criteria for this recognition category:

1. Partners with one or more groups, organizations, campuses, etc. outside of their specific area for the purpose of addressing a challenge.

2. Provides evidence of progress or progress towards positive impact(s) on institutional/student/campus life

Excellence in Innovative Practices

An innovative practice that develops student engagement and overall student success through campus-based initiatives. This recognition is intended for an organization, unit or program. 

Specific Criteria for this recognition category:

1. Clearly identifies an innovative practice and how it promoted student success.

2. Demonstrates creativity in delivery. 

3. Positively impacts the student experience with specific achievements and is supported by outcomes.

Dedicated Professional (Commitment to the MENASA-NASPA Area)

Recognizes a MENASA area professional who embodies our values by significantly contributing to supporting professionals, and developing the MENASA region identity and community. This recognition is intended for an individual professional. 

Specific Criteria for this recognition category:

1. Exemplifies the mission of MENASA through service to the profession and/or professional development to area professionals.

2. Contributes to MENASA-NASPA activities, or similar within one's local context.

Excellence in Student Success

Recognizes practices that have demonstrated, through evidence, a sustained commitment to and a proactive advancement of student success across campus. This recognition is intended for an organization, unit or program. 

Specific Criteria for this recognition category:

1. Development and/or implementation of a program or resource that significantly contributes to the personal, professional, or academic development of students at the campus.

2. Provides strong evidence to support the impact on student outcomes for the intended student population.

SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS/NOMINATIONS

1. Complete submission form by February 14th, 2021. *For the 2020-2021 MENASA-NASPA Conference Recognition of Excellence, NASPA membership of an associated professional or institution is preferred but not required.

2. Recipients will hear back from the conference recognition committee around February 24th, 2021. 

3. Recognition will be announced at the MENASA Virtual Conference on March 3rd, 2021. Attendance to the MENASA Virtual Conference is not required, but highly encouraged

CLICK HERE to submit an application/nomination.