Griffith University 2024 Outstanding Alumni Awards

By nominating an alumnus of Griffith University for the Outstanding Alumni Awards, both you and they agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions. These terms and conditions may be amended at any time.

1.0 About the Awards

1.1 The Griffith University Alumni Awards

The Griffith University Alumni Awards are an initiative of Griffith University. There are four award categories:

  • Outstanding Alumnus
  • Young Alumnus
  • International Alumnus
  • First Peoples Alumnus

1.2 Definition of a Griffith University Alumnus

To be eligible for these awards, alumni must be graduates of Griffith University or a predecessor institution. This includes, but is not limited to the Mt Gravatt Teachers College, Mt Gravatt College of Advanced Education, Mt Gravatt campus of the Brisbane College of Advanced Education, Queensland Conservatorium and Queensland College of Art and Design, Gold Coast College of Advanced Education.

1.3 Alumni Eligibility

Alumni who meet the definition of a Griffith University alumnus are eligible for the Griffith University alumni awards. Nominees need not be working in the discipline in which they studied. Eligibility criteria applicable to each specific award are listed below.

Alumni for whom Griffith University is currently, or has been in the last 5 years, their primary contracted employer are not eligible to be nominated for these awards. This provision excludes those with adjunct, honorary or bestowed appointments, and those who have undertaken ad hoc casual work.

No posthumous nominations will be accepted.

1.4 Organising Group

The awards are organised by the Griffith University Alumni Engagement Team within the Advancement Office and in conjunction with the Academic Group PVCs.

Academic Groups at Griffith University currently consist of:

  • Arts, Education and Law
  • Griffith Business School
  • Griffith Health
  • Griffith Sciences

1.5 Judges

Academic Group nominations are assessed by a panel of judges for the Academic Group Alumni Awards. The judging panel at the Academic Group level will comprise:

  • A representative of the Griffith University Advancement Office
  • A representative of the Group Engagement portfolio
  • A representative of the Group Strategic Advisory Board (or similar representative)
  • The Group Dean (Academic) or nominee
  • First Peoples representative
  • Other members as defined by the Group PVC

Winners of Group level alumni awards (one per award category) will be presented to the University Alumni Awards judging panel for consideration. The judging panel at the University level will comprise:

  • Vice Chancellor or nominee
  • Pro Vice Chancellors from each of the Academic Groups - Griffith Business School, Griffith Health, Arts, Education and Law and Griffith Sciences (or nominees)
  • Vice President (Advancement) (or nominee)
  • Vice President (Global) (or nominee)
  • Vice President (Marketing and Communications) (or nominee)
  • Industry representative
  • First Peoples representative

2.0 Nominations

2.1 Method of Nomination

To nominate for the Griffith University Alumni Awards the nominator must submit a nomination form by the due date given in the nomination guidelines.

No changes can be made to nominations once the nomination deadline has passed.

Nominations are received by the Griffith University Alumni Engagement Team and distributed to the relevant Academic Group judging panel for consideration. Winners of Group Alumni Awards for each category will be put forward to the University Awards judging panel for consideration and determination of the overall University Alumni Award category winners (categories outlined below).

Group-level awards winners will be acknowledged as part of the Griffith University Alumni Awards Ceremony. Individual Groups may also opt to formally acknowledge the winners as part of a separate event.

2.2 Material Submitted

Nomination materials will only be disclosed to the organising committee and judging panels.

2.3 Previous Nominees / Winners

Winners are unable to be nominated again in the same categories. However, they may be re-nominated in a different category in a different year.  Alumni cannot be winners in more than one (1) category in the same year. The judging panel reserves the right to determine that a particularly meritorious application that is not successful can be considered again in the next year.

2.4 Alumni with more than one Griffith degree

Nominees who have completed more than one degree at Griffith University, or an institution now part of Griffith University, will have the opportunity to select which Academic Group they would like their nomination to be considered. Should an alumnus be ineligible for the Academic Group they have selected, they will be allocated to the relevant Academic Group based on their degree. Should they select the ‘unsure’ option on the Academic Group, they will be allocated to the relevant Academic Group based on their first degree from Griffith University.

2.5 Who may nominate?

Alumni, Griffith University staff and members of the community can nominate potential candidates to receive these awards.

2.6 Withdrawal from the Alumni Awards

A nominee can withdraw from the awards at any time, but notice of withdrawal must be given in writing to the Alumni Engagement Team via email to alumni@griffith.edu.au

2.7 Media Exposure and Promotions

It is a term of nomination (and acceptance of the award) that winners make themselves available for marketing and communications activities at no cost to the University for a period of 12 months after receiving their award.

Winners will be invited to provide an occasional address at a Graduation ceremony in the first 2 years after receiving their award.

2.8 Changes to nominations

Changes to nominations will not be accepted after the deadline has passed.

2.9 Verification

Griffith University reserves the right to verify the identity of nominees at any time and may disqualify any person whose nomination is not in accordance with these terms and conditions. Griffith University is free to accept entries that contain errors and omissions at its discretion.

3.0 Overall Eligibility and Selection Criteria

3.1 Nominations

Nominations will be in the form of a 500–1,000-word statement and supporting documentation including a full Curriculum Vitae of no more than two pages and details of two referees. The statement should clearly address each of the selection criteria. It is recommended that nominators use the criteria as headings in their statement.

3.2 Statement of Values and Commitments

In pursuit of our vision and mission the University is committed to:

  • Rigorous standards of scholarship
  • Positively influencing our communities through our teaching, research and scholarly activities
  • Recognising our location in the Asia-Pacific and deepening our engagement with the region
  • Bringing disciplines together to address the key issues of our time
  • Promoting the respect of individual rights and ethical standards
  • Participatory decision-making and problem-solving
  • Contributing to a robust, equitable and environmentally sustainable society
  • Recognising and valuing diversity
  • Recognising the unique place of First Peoples in Australian history and culture, and enabling their continued contribution to the nation

4.0 Award-Specific Eligibility Criteria

The criteria for awarding the Alumnus Awards for each category will be as outlined below. Nominators must ensure that nominees meet eligibility criteria for the Award in which they are being nominated.

4.1 Outstanding Alumnus Award

The Outstanding Alumnus Award is the highest award offered and is presented to a Griffith University alumnus who demonstrates sustained remarkable success in their chosen profession and a substantial contribution to their community.

Outstanding Alumnus Award nominees must be a Griffith University alumnus (see Terms and Conditions for definition). Nominees must also have at least ten (10) years’ work experience since completing their first Griffith University degree. Nominations will be assessed on alignment with the broad selection criteria outlined below:

  • Sustained remarkable success in and contribution to, their chosen industry/profession showcased through professional positions, professional standing and recognition.
  • Substantial contribution to the community at local, state, national or international levels. This contribution may be as part of their employment or working as a volunteer in the charitable sector or other ways.
  • Demonstrated attributes in alignment with the values of Griffith University as outlined in the 'Statement of Values and Commitments'.

4.2 Young Alumnus Award

The Young Alumnus Award recognises a recent graduate’s early career successes and their demonstrated contribution to their community.

Young Alumnus Award nominees must be a Griffith University alumnus (see Terms and Conditions for definition). Nominees must also be under 35 years old (on the due date of the nomination) with at least four (4) years’ work experience since completing their first Griffith University degree. Nominations will be assessed on alignment with the broad selection criteria outlined below:

  • Demonstrated early success in, and contribution to, their chosen industry/profession, showcased through professional positions, professional standing and recognition.
  • Demonstrated contribution to the community at local, state, national or international levels. This contribution may be as part of their employment or working as a volunteer in the charitable sector or in other ways.
  • Demonstrated attributes in alignment with the values of Griffith University as outlined in the 'Statement of Values and Commitments'.

4.3 International Alumnus Award

International students contribute to the rich diversity of the Griffith University student community. The International Alumnus Award recognises an international student who has successfully navigated international study and is now excelling in their professional career and contributing to their community.

International Alumnus Award nominees must be a Griffith University alumnus (see Terms and conditions for definition) and have at least five (5) years’ work experience since the completion of their first Griffith University degree. As a student, they would have been enrolled as an international student. Nominations will be assessed on alignment with the broad selection criteria outlined below:

  • Consistent success in, and contribution to, their chosen industry/profession, showcased through professional positions, professional standing and recognition.
  • Valuable contribution to the community at local, state, national or international levels. This contribution may be as part of their employment or working as a volunteer in the charitable sector or in other ways.
  • Demonstrated attributes in alignment with the values of Griffith University as outlined in the 'Statement of Values and Commitments'.

4.4 First Peoples Alumnus Award

Griffith University has one of the largest numbers of First Peoples graduates of any Australian university. The First Peoples Alumnus Award recognises an alumnus of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descendent who is excelling in their professional career and contributing to the community.

First Peoples Alumnus Award nominees must be a Griffith University alumnus (see Terms and conditions for definition) and have at least five (5) years’ work experience since completing their first Griffith University degree. Nominees must also be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. Nominations will be assessed on alignment with the broad selection criteria outlined below:

  • Consistent success in, and contribution to, their chosen industry/profession, showcased through professional positions, professional standing and recognition.
  • Valuable contribution to the community at local, state, national or international levels. This contribution may be as part of their employment or working as a volunteer in the charitable sector or in other ways.

5.0 Prizes and Decisions

5.1 Notification of Alumni Awards

The winners of the Alumni Awards will be announced and receive their awards at Griffith University’s Alumni Awards presentation. Details of the presentation will be published each year. The judging panels reserve the right to contact recipients in advance of the presentation to ensure availability and attendance.

5.2 Finality of Decision

The decision of the judges is final. No communication will be entered into with any person in relation to any decision by the judges. The selection panels reserve the right not to allocate an award in one of the categories if, in their opinion, there are no entries of sufficient merit.

5.3 Commendations

At its discretion, the University Alumni Awards judging panel may make additional commendations within the scope of the Alumni Awards in the case of more than one outstanding candidate in any category.

6.0 General

6.1 Change of Terms and Conditions

These terms and conditions may be amended at any time. The amended Terms and Conditions will be effective immediately upon being posted on the Alumni Awards website.

6.2 Issues outside the Terms and Conditions

The Organising Group may determine any issue relating to the Alumni Awards not specifically covered by these Terms and Conditions. All decisions will be final and no communication will be entered into.

6.3 Liability

Griffith University will not be liable for any loss, expense, damage or injury sustained by a nominator or nominee in connection with these Awards, except for any liability that cannot be excluded by law (in which case the liability is limited to the minimum allowable by law).

6.4 Personal Information

Any personal information you provide to Griffith University in the course of entering the competition will be dealt with by Griffith University in accordance with these terms and conditions and the University’s Privacy Plan.

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