Alumni Awards Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between an application and a nomination?
A nomination is a way to let a fellow Flash know you think they’d be a great candidate for one or more of Kent State’s Alumni Awards! When you submit a nomination, that person will receive an email asking them to complete an application. If you have all of their information (contact information, employer information, career history, achievements and awards, resume, supporting documents, etc.), you can submit an application on their behalf. Your submission can be anonymous if you so choose. For alumni, students or staff members to be considered for an Alumni Award, an application must be submitted. A nomination does not provide Kent State with enough information to consider someone for an award. If you are submitting yourself for consideration, you need only submit an application; you do not need to fill out the nomination form.
I've been nominated for an award. What's my next step?
Once you've been nominated for an award, you will need to complete an application. First, review the award descriptions and decide for which categories you would like to apply. You can apply for the categories you were nominated for or select different ones based on your qualifications. You may apply to a maximum of two awards. You can start a new application by selecting, "Apply for Yourself or Others*" on the awards homepage. You can return to an application you already started by visiting your incomplete applications. An application MUST be completed for you to be considered for an award. A nomination does not provide us with enough information (employer information, career history, achievements and awards, resume, supporting documents, etc.).
What type of supporting materials should I submit?
Through your application, you can share up to three supporting documents. We highly encourage every applicant to include their resume as one of the three supporting materials. Other recommendations for supporting materials include letters of recommendation, portfolios of your work, stories or articles about your work, professional awards received, etc. Please keep in mind that each submission should be no more than five pages and videos should be no more than five minutes. Applicants are also able to share the link to their LinkedIn profile if they so choose.
How can I upload my supporting materials?
You can upload your supporting materials directly through the application. We will accept a variety of file types (PDFs, word documents, video files, PowerPoints, etc.). The only web link we will accept is your LinkedIn profile (this is optional), which is added separately from your attachments. If you have a media file you are unable to upload, please contact Judy Yasenosky at jyasenos@kent.edu or 330-672-0431.
Can I submit hard copies of my supporting materials?
Only materials submitted digitally through the application will be considered. We cannot accept hard copies of any materials. If you need assistance scanning hard copies of your materials for upload, the Kent State Library or any public library near you is a good resource for assistance.
What if I want to submit more than three supporting materials?
We can only accept three supporting documents for review. If additional attachments are included, we will only review the first three submissions. Each document should be no longer than five pages. If a document is longer than five pages, we will only review the first five. By limiting your materials to your most important accomplishments and achievements, our judges are better able to assess your application. If Kent State needs clarification on any materials submitted or additional information, a staff member will reach out to you.
When can I expect a decision on my application?
Applicants will be given a decision by the beginning of July through a letter in the mail. Nominators will receive an email by the beginning of July to confirm winners have been selected and all applicants have been given a decision.
How many awards can I apply for?
You can nominate another Golden Flash for as many awards as you’d like, but an applicant can apply for no more than two awards. The application system will not permit an applicant to apply for more than two awards. If you believe you have not applied for more than two awards, but the system is failing to let you submit your application, please check the incomplete applications on your account. You will need to remove the extra applications - be sure not to delete the application you will be submitting! If you will be editing your application over multiple sessions before submitting, we recommend that you return to your incomplete application each time rather than starting a new application.
Are current Kent State staff members eligible for Alumni Awards?
Current Kent State full-time staff are eligible for the Outstanding Staff Member Award. This award recognizes a current Kent State full-time staff member who contributes significantly to the success of Kent State University and its programs, and goes above and beyond the demands of their role, providing considerable support to their peers as well as the university community. Current Kent State full-time staff are not eligible for any other award category.
Are Kent State faculty eligible for Alumni Awards?
Current Kent State full-time faculty members are not eligible for Alumni Awards. However, they are eligible for the Distinguished Teaching Award, which honors faculty members who demonstrate extraordinary teaching in the classroom or online.
Are previous Kent State employees eligible for Alumni Awards?
Previous Kent State full-time employees are eligible for an Alumni Award once they have been separated from the university for five years.
Who is eligible for the Outstanding New Professional Award?
This award is for Kent State University graduates who have obtained a bachelor's degree or a bachelor’s and advanced degree consecutively no more than five years ago.