Tips for Writing a Strong Nomination Packet

Read and understand the eligibility requirements: 

• Allow yourself sufficient time to prepare a quality nomination packet.

• Clearly describe how the nominee’s work relates to the criteria and thematic categories for the award.

• Obtain a copy of the nominee’s resume or curriculum vitae and identify ways in which the person meets the criteria.

• Consider having a co-nominator and other individuals who can help fully explain the nominee’s work in a support letter. 

• Prepare quality letters:
  • Identify something you can use as a theme or organizing idea in the letter, or write a kind of “thesis statement” that sums up the nominee’s qualifications.
  • Organize the letter effectively, using specific details—numbers, facts and in-depth examples—to illustrate your generalizations.
  • Try to go beyond summarizing or stating work activities—focus on how the work led to changes, the betterment of a situation, or was innovative, etc.
  • Explain how the work done is exemplary and beyond the scope of the job description or role of the nominee.
  • Involve, if possible, the person you are nominating, so you can get accurate and detailed information about work that is and is not on the resume or curriculum vitae.
  • Share, if possible, early drafts of the letter to the nominee and other trusted readers to obtain feedback about how to improve it.
  • Request a support letter from someone who can expand or deepen the committee’s understanding of the nominee’s work, not repeat what you wrote.
  • Inform the supporter(s) about what information to include in their letter – why did you ask them to write the letter and what should they address?

• Support materials for a team, organization or unit:
  • Please include the names and contact information of all nominated representatives.
  • For a unit, be sure to explain how the inclusive work for which it is nominated is beyond what would normally be expected for an MSU unit by providing details related to the unit’s mission, vision and goals and other information that showcases how the unit has led in this area.
  • For teams and organizations, provide a brief history of how the group came together, how people can join, its purpose or what its role is on campus and other information that can provide context for the group at MSU.

• Review materials before submission:
  • Make sure you have included all required information and stayed within the page limits and formatting guidelines.
  • Make sure you have saved the files in a PDF format and that the formatting is readable and accurate.
  • Have someone review the final draft for typos and other errors before submitting it.
  • Plan and contact IDI if you encounter any issues submitting your materials.

If your nominee does not win an award the first year, don’t give up. You can request feedback from the committee, revise the letter as needed and nominate the person again at the next opportunity.