1. has been an active and contributing member of SAIR
2. has contributed substantially to the field of institutional research over an extended period of time, either in the practice of institutional research or in a supporting role (e.g. faculty, President);
3. has influenced higher education policies and practices through work or research.

James R. Montgomery Outstanding Service Award

This award is given to an individual who has made a significant contribution to SAIR over an extended period of time. Nominees must have been a SAIR member for over five years and cannot be a member of, nor a candidate for, the Board of Directors during the year nominated. In addition, two of the following criteria must be met:

1. have been a member of the Board of Directors or a chair of a conference, or a presidentially appointed committee
2. have been an officer of, or a recognized leader in, the establishment of a state or special interest group which has been associated with SAIR
3. have made a professional contribution to SAIR by being actively involved in a combination of the following:
   1. presented contributed papers at the SAIR conference
   2. organized, offered, or acted as a primary participant in workshops at the SAIR conference or workshops sponsored by an affiliated SAIR organization or group
   3. contributed in some other specific significant way that has advanced the professionalism of SAIR.

Unsung Hero/Heroine

This award recognizes the ongoing contributions of a member to SAIR and the field of institutional research and planning in the broadest sense. This Award honors individuals whose effort and initiative might not otherwise receive public recognition. The types of effort to be considered include management assignments, innovative projects or ideas, development of new initiatives, or other ongoing service to SAIR, other than as an elected officer. [For purposes of this award, "officer" is defined as President, Secretary, or Treasurer.] Officers are excluded in order to encourage initiative in fields other than political office and to ensure that the award does not become an appreciation award for past presidents.

All members of SAIR are eligible to receive the award with the following exceptions

1. A person who has previously won the ward.
2. Officers of SAIR shall not be eligible for five years after leaving their last officership.

Best Paper Award

From among the papers and presentations made at each SAIR Conference, a Best Paper is selected by a panel of reviewers appointed and chaired by the Member-At-Large responsible for handling awards. A plaque recognizing the SAIR Best Paper Award is presented at the SAIR Conference the following year.

The Best Paper from the SAIR Conference is also scheduled at the AIR Forum following the SAIR Conference in further recognition of the presenter(s), the paper and SAIR. SAIR will provide a $500.00 reimbursement of travel-related expenses to the author or authors of the Best Paper to defray expenses to attend at the AIR Forum. If multiple authors travel to the AIR Forum, the $500.00 reimbursement will be divided equally among them.

The Larry G. Jones Graduate Student Travel Grant

More information on this award can be found here.