Emerging Scholars Nomination

Complete the information below to recognize a student as an Emerging Scholar at College of Western Idaho.

Each faculty member may nominate up to five (5) students per academic year, including students from previous semesters.
Faculty may discuss the nomination with the student, but the nomination must be written and submitted by the faculty member.
Dual credit students may not be nominated.

Submission Deadline: April 1, 2026

Writing a Strong Nomination

Many faculty choose to contact students near the end of the semester, once they have a clear sense of the student’s performance, engagement, and potential. Nominations are reviewed using four criteria, each scored on a scale of 1 to 3. For each criterion, describe specific ways the student stands out. Below are some tips for writing a strong nomination:

Focus on clear examples and moments when the student went above and beyond over just general praise.
Strong nominations include concrete examples, such as:
- A unique or creative approach to an assignment.
- Applying course learning to work, service, or real-world situations.
- Leadership in the classroom, such as mentoring or supporting peers.
General traits like punctuality or politeness are less helpful unless tied to a specific example.
Since each criterion is scored separately, include examples for all areas when possible.
Short excerpts of student work may be included.

Communicating Nomination With Students

Faculty are encouraged to let students know when they plan to submit an Emerging Scholars nomination and to invite the student to confirm their eligibility and share information that can strengthen the nomination. This approach helps ensure nominations reflect the student’s goals, experiences, and growth.

The following template may be used gather information from the student:

Dear [Student Name],

I would like to nominate you for an Emerging Scholars award. This program recognizes students who demonstrate a strong commitment to learning, creative or innovative thinking, perseverance, and professionalism in and beyond the classroom. Selection is based on qualities such as growth, effort, and engagement, rather than academic status alone. Scholarships are awarded during the annual Connections Conference held on campus in April.

To help me complete your nomination, please respond to this email by [month/day] with the information below.

Eligibility Screening

Do you plan to take at least six credits at CWI in both the fall and spring semesters next year?
Do you currently have a minimum GPA of 2.0?

If the answer to either question is no, you do not need to complete the remaining questions. Please know that this does not reflect negatively on your abilities or potential.

For Eligible Students

Please respond briefly to the following:

What is your major, and why did you choose it? If you are undecided, where do you see yourself in five years?
What academic strengths do you bring to your coursework?
What challenges have you faced in your education, and how have you worked through them?

If you have any questions, please let me know. I appreciate your effort and look forward to highlighting your accomplishments.

Sincerely,
[Faculty Name]