Awards

SAIR annual Awards fit into two distinct categories - personal service and best practices.

Personal Service Awards
These awards allow us to recognize and honor the work of our members. Nominate deserving colleagues for SAIR Service Awards by August 15. The links provide additional information about the awards and the prior winners. To apply, fill out an application form here.

• Distinguished Member Award - For distinguished contributions to the Institutional Research (and affiliated areas) profession
• James R. Montgomery Outstanding Service Award - For distinguished service to SAIR
• Unsung Hero/Heroine Award - For service by a non-officer often outside the spotlight

The nomination process for these special recognition awards occurs annually, prior to the Conference; a Call for Nominations is distributed via SAIRMail and the Southern AIR newsletter. 

Best Practice Awards
Note that in 2019 the SAIR board changed the categories for these awards to reflect the changing role of IR and the tools used to share information. In 2021, the SAIR Board added a fourth award category designed to recognize innovation in assessment and institutional research business operations and practices. The links provide additional information about the awards and the prior winners.

• Best Paper Award - Given to the best paper or presentation made at the SAIR Annual Meeting
• Best Print Report - For fact book, report, infographic, or other item optimized and formatted for printing
• Best Interactive Report - For fact book, report, infographic, or other item that is interactive and not primarily designed to be printed
• Best Website: For departmental website, evaluated on its overall structure, content, and design
• Best Innovative Practice: For assessment program, workflow, or other team process that has led to increased efficiencies and/or improved outcomes

Submissions are due by August 15, 2024. To apply, fill out an application form here.

SAIR Best Paper Award
Awarded annually from among the papers and presentations made at each SAIR Conference, the Best Paper is selected by a panel of reviewers.

Winners of the Personal Service and Best Practice Awards will be announced at the Tuesday morning SAIR Conference Awards Breakfast.