1. What types of awards are on this site?

This site lists rewards and recognition for outstanding achievement or contributions made to the MIT community by members of the community. These awards are presented to teams and individuals based on recommendation or nomination by peers, supervisors, faculty or other members of the community and are for work that has already been accomplished. The site does not include prizes, grants, and fellowships given out based on proposals or applications.

2. I see an award that is perfect for someone I know. How do I nominate him/her?

Each program has its own criteria and selection process. You will need to review the requirements for the individual award. Some solicit nominations from the community, while others are given based on recommendation by faculty, committees, or senior managers.

3. How do I find out if a particular department has any awards?

The easiest way to find out about awards in a particular department is to use the search function. Otherwise, go to one of the main categories—students, faculty, staff, or alumni—and scroll through the list to see if the department you are looking for is listed. We tried to create as complete a list as possible, but we expect the site to continue to grow over time. Please let us know if we have left something out.

4. I have an award that I would like to add to this site. How do I do that?

Adding an award to this site is quick and easy. From any page on the site you can click on add an award in the left hand navigation. This will take you to a simple web form. Fill in as much information as you have about the award and submit. The site manager will review your submission and, if appropriate, add your award within two weeks. You will be notified when the award is posted or if there are any questions about the award.

5. Are these awards for both teams and individuals?

Many awards are for both teams and individuals, but some will specify one or the other. See the award descriptions on this site or link to the award's URL for more information.

6. Do you have any tips for writing a good nomination?

Ah…the mystery of a good nomination! Actually, it’s not very mysterious at all. Mostly, it’s in the details. The more specific you can be about how the nominee has met the criteria for the award, the better. Give lots of examples of their exceptional work and contributions. It can also be helpful to get one or two colleagues to contribute to the nomination, since other people will be able to provide a different perspective. Check out the list of tips for writing an Excellence Award nomination. Most of these points will be applicable to just about any nomination.

7. Who manages this site?

In 2004, the site was collaboratively created by Mike Folkert HST ‘04, James Dai Media Lab ’04, Kande Culver, program administrator for Rewards & Recognition, Nicole Curran of whydesignworks, and Laurie Bryce, web content coordinator for Human Resources. It is primarily maintained by the Rewards & Recognition program administrator. You can contact Kande at rewards@mit.edu.