Welcome to the UAB Graduate School.

Graduate School Staff Award

The Graduate School Dean invites nominations for the 2026 Graduate School Staff Awards, recognizing outstanding staff members whose contributions exemplify the core values of the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

UAB Shared Values

Nominees should demonstrate one of the following values through their work:

• Collaborate — Works effectively with others, contributing to team success and the greater good.
• Act with Integrity — Demonstrates accountability and consistently does the right thing.
• Respect All — Champions diversity, inclusion, and civility in all interactions.
• Excel — Strives for excellence and brings innovation to their work.

Nomination Requirements

To nominate a deserving staff member:

1. Select the Shared Value the nominee best represents.
2. Provide a narrative (500 words or fewer) explaining why the nominee embodies that Shared Value and should be selected for this award.
3. (Optional) Include one letter of support from someone other than the nominator.

Please note:

• All Graduate School staff are eligible except the Graduate School Dean.
• Self-nominations are not accepted.

Narrative & Letter of Support Guidelines:

• The 500-word narrative should provide a focused and compelling account of the nominee’s qualities, accomplishments, and examples of how they live the selected Shared Value in their role within the Graduate School.
• An optional letter of support may be submitted by someone familiar with the nominee’s work. This short endorsement should highlight personal insight, specific contributions, and why the nominee deserves recognition.

Selection & Recognition

• Two award recipients will be selected and announced by the Graduate School Dean.
• These awardees will be nominated for the UAB VIP Award by the Graduate School Dean.
• Recipients will be formally recognized at the 2026 Annual Graduate School Awards Ceremony alongside student and faculty honorees. The event is scheduled for April 15, 2026, at the Alumni House

Submission Instructions

All materials must be submitted electronically by March 3, 2026

Submit nomination

• Email Signature Guidelines and Templates
• Expense Request Form
• Marketing Communication Request
• PowerPoint Templates
• Research Poster Templates
• Travel Preapproval Form

The GRD717 course provides instruction in a variety of areas that pertain to research ethics to disseminate best practices in responsible conduct of research, and to discuss research misconduct, including fabrication, falsification and plagiarism. In brief, it utilizes a blended approach of on-line and in-person training, which includes attendance at a series of in-person discussion sessions facilitated by faculty. Successful completion of the course is required for all doctoral (PhD) and masters plan II students to enter candidacy.

The in-person discussions are held at different times to accommodate student’s schedules. The main role for faculty facilitators will be to facilitate discussion throughout the presentation, but particularly while discussing case studies with trainees in small groups. If you would be interested in serving as a faculty facilitator, or for any questions, please contact Dr. Lisa M. Curtis (lisacurtis@uabmc.edu), Associate Dean for Research and Training, who directs the class.

UAB Mentoring Matters includes a series of online modules hosted in Canvas that were drafted and developed in consultation with training program directors and administrators from across UAB. The online training includes modules on effective mentoring practices and promoting mentee professional development.

Departmental leaders and Training Program Directors are encouraged to conduct in-person discussion sessions with faculty who have completed the online training to reinforce the information contained within the modules. Mentoring-related case studies for such sessions are available from the Graduate School.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Communicate effectively with mentees to promote their independence and professional development
• Recognize factors affecting mentees' well-being and know the available UAB resources
• Improve your mentoring skills

To access the Mentoring Matters online modules:

1. Visit https://uab.instructure.com/courses/1572174 to log in. If you encounter issues accessing the course, please submit a ticket to eLearning. For the course name, please enter UAB Mentoring Matters. In the Description of Request field, please write “Add me as a student."
2. Enter a BlazerID and password.
3. Follow instructions on the homepage to access the modules.