George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching

General information

The George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching, named for the seventh president of the University (1882-1907), is presented each year to four faculty members who have devoted substantial effort to and developed a record of excellence in undergraduate teaching.

Eligibility

To be considered for the Atherton Award, faculty members must have:

• A full-time appointment at Penn State
• A tenure-line appointment (with an academic rank of assistant professor, associate professor, or professor)
• Undergraduate teaching as a primary responsibility
• A minimum of three years undergraduate teaching experience at Penn State

Research faculty, administrators, and those who primarily teach graduate students are not eligible for these awards.

Nomination process

Nominations may be submitted by students, faculty, administrators, staff, and friends of Penn State by a web nomination form. Nominations will be accepted throughout the year with a due date of August 14, 2009 to be considered for the 2010 awards. If you have any questions, please send an email to site@psu.edu or phone 814-865-8681.

Preliminary screening is done by department or campus representatives and approved by the dean or campus executive officer. Final selection for all three awards is made by University Committees that may include faculty, students, administrators, and alumni.