Article III, Section 6, of the Constitution of the Association for Institutional Research states: "Distinguished Membership may be awarded to members or former members who have made distinguished contributions to institutional research. Nominations for Distinguished Membership shall be made to the Membership Committee Chair. An affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Board of Directors shall be required for the awarding of Distinguished Membership. Persons who formerly held honorary membership shall hereafter hold Distinguished Membership."

General Policy

1. Distinguished Membership is a meaningful recognition bestowed sparingly and only to those persons who have made significant and substantial contributions to the field of institutional research. Distinguished Membership should not be used to recognize persons retiring from active service in institutional research, who perhaps may have earned "emeritus" rather than "distinguished" membership.



2. Distinguished Membership status shall be awarded for the lifetime of the individual.



3. No membership dues or Forum fees shall be assessed for Distinguished Membership.

Criteria

A member or former member nominated for Distinguished Membership should meet the following qualifications:

1. Has contributed substantially to the field of institutional research over a long period of time, either as an active participant in institutional research or through a supporting role



2. Through the work and/or research, the influence of this person has been felt on postsecondary education



3. If active in institutional research has contributed to widely disseminated research and has been an active and contributing member of the Association for Institutional Research



4. If in a "supporting" role (i.e., president, college teacher, etc.), has widely publicized and supported the development of institutional research and has contributed to research in the field.

Procedure for Selection

1. Submit nominations via email to nominations@airweb.org. The deadline for nominations in January 15, 2010.



2. Each year AIR members may submit nominations for Distinguished Membership to the Membership Committee chair. It will be the responsibility of the member submitting the nomination to provide all pertinent professional data to the Membership Committee chair.



3. All nominations shall be screened by the Membership Committee and additional information obtained, if desired, on any person so recommended.



4. Nominations for Distinguished Membership to the Board of Directors shall be made by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the Membership Committee.



5. As specified in the Constitution, an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Board of Directors shall be required for Distinguished Membership.

Awards Submission

Attach supporting documentation and rationale (candidate's curriculum vitae and three supporting letters of recommendation) for each nominee.

Click here to view the Distinguished/Outstanding Awards recipients.