Global Engagement & Service Award

IAFS Graduation Spring 2025

Overview

The IAFS Global Engagement & Service Award recognizes a graduating IAFS major whose academic and applied experiences demonstrate a strong commitment to international affairs through meaningful global engagement, service, research, or experiential learning beyond the classroom. The award honors students who connect theory to practice through ethical, inclusive, and impactful engagement with global or transnational issues.

Award Details

  • One $1,000 cash award granted annually (as funding allows)
  • Award may be subject to tax, in accordance with university and IRS guidelines

Eligibility

  • Graduating senior at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ (Spring, Summer, or following Fall graduation)
  • Declared IAFS major in good academic standing

    • Please note: This award is not open to IAFS minors.

Selection Criteria

Recipients are selected based on:

  • Depth and quality of engagement in international affairs–related activities (e.g., internships, research, service learning, community engagement, fieldwork, or globally focused organizations). Activities may be domestic or international.
  • Intentional application of academic learning to real-world international or transnational contexts.
  • Impact and contribution, including outcomes, learning, or benefits to an organization, community, or issue area. Formal leadership roles are not required.

Nomination & Review Process

Nominations will be accepted beginning March 1. The deadline to submit complete nominations (including the reference form, if applicable) is April 1.Ìý

  • Nominations may be submitted by ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ faculty, staff, students, or by the nominee during the spring semester
    • Self-nominations require one reference statement from a ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ faculty or staff member, or by a supervisor or community partner from the relevant organization or experience.
  • Nominations are reviewed by the IAFS Faculty Committee, IAFS Director, and IAFS staff. The recipient is selected by majority vote based on the published criteria and overall strength of the nomination materials.
  • The recipient will be notified in late April and recognized at the IAFS Spring Graduation ceremony.

(Microsoft Form - Must be logged in with CU Identikey)

Please be prepared to include a short Nomination Statement. For self-nominations, this statement should be written by the nominee.

±Ê°ù´Ç³¾±è³Ù:ÌýPlease describe the nominee’s international affairs–related engagement or service and explain why they should be considered for the IAFS Global Engagement & Service Award. Address the nature of their involvement, their role, and the impact of their work.

  • Recommended length: 400–600 words
  • Maximum: 700 words

(Microsoft Form)

  • Students submitting self-nominations are responsible for sharing the reference nomination form and submission deadline with their reference.Ìý
  • Reference forms must be completed by a ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ faculty or staff member, or by a supervisor or community partner from the relevant organization or experience. Reference Forms submitted by the nominee will result in disqualification.Ìý
  • Self-nominations missing reference statements will not be reviewed.Ìý

References should be prepared to include a short Reference Statement.

±Ê°ù´Ç³¾±è³Ù:ÌýBased on your experience working with the nominee, please comment on their level of engagement, contribution, and impact in relation to international affairs–related work or service. Why should they be considered for the IAFS Global Engagement & Service Award?

  • Recommended length: 150–300 words
  • Maximum: 350 words

Please email IAFS@colorado.edu with any questions.Ìý