Everything you need to know before making a nomination.
The following guidelines will help you complete the Alumni Excellence Awards nomination process. Please refer to our FAQs or contact our Alumni Relations Team if you have any further questions.
Key Dates
- Nominations Open: Wednesday 1 March 2023
- Nominations close: Wednesday 31 May 2023
- Selections Panel convenes: To be confirmed
- Alumni Awards Gala Dinner: Thursday 2 November 2023
The Process
- Nominators must provide a supporting statement of no more than 500 words, outlining the achievements, impact and contributions of the nominee and supporting documents via an online form.
- All submissions are reviewed and shortlisted based on their supporting statement and documents.
- A selection panel determines the recipients for each category.
- Recipients are announced at the CDU Alumni Awards Gala Dinner, scheduled for Thursday, 2 November 2023.
The Selection Panel
The awards are organised by the Charles Darwin University Advancement Office, under the portfolio of Global and External Relations.
The selection panel consists of :
- Vice-Chancellor and President of Charles Darwin University (or nominee)
- Deputy Vice-Chancellor First Nations Leadership
- Vice President Global and External Relations
- Faculty Pro-Vice Chancellors (or nominee)
- Director, Marketing
- Director, Advancement
- Manager, Alumni (Awards Coordinator)
Top Writing Tips
Who, why and how
Summarise the key information at the start of your application.
Use personal examples
This is a memorable way to make your nominee stand out.
Plan and categorise
Remember a good piece of writing is 30% planning, 40% writing and 30% editing. You can compartmentalise your thoughts and ideas, and improve readability for the selection panel.
Address the selection criteria
Just like a job application, responses need to be linked to the selection criteria. Ensure you carefully address each criterion, demonstrating the nominees' impact and achievements, and providing evidence where possible.
Avoid hyperbole
Words like “world-class” or “superstar” are overused and not evidence-based.
Remember your audience
The selection panel is comprised of a senior staff member and alumni, including former Alumni Excellence Award recipients. Panel members are selected based upon their professional experience to ensure each panel has the relevant expertise for each award category.