Ted K. Miller Award Application

Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education
Ted K. Miller Achievement of Excellence Award

The Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) was established in September 1979 by eleven professional associations.  Since then, CAS has grown to represent over 35 major associations in higher education devoted to the establishment and promulgation of standards, the enhancement of student learning, guiding student affairs practices and the academic preparation of graduate students seeking careers as administrators, and/or practicing professionals in student services and student development programs.  In 1992, CAS expanded its context beyond student affairs to include all higher education student service and development programs.  Concomitant with expanding its scope, CAS continues to embrace self-assessment of programs and services as a mean for enhancing quality.

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of its founding, CAS established the Ted K. Miller Achievement of Excellence Award to be given to an individual, higher education institution, or professional association in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in advancing standards of practice and quality assurance in educational programs and services in higher education.  The enhancement of student developmental learning remains at the very core of the mission of the Council for the Advancement of Standards.

Criteria for Institutions

  1. Standards are identified and used to guide practice
  2. Student learning was enhanced in the institution through the application of standards and assessment of outcomes
  3. The application of standards has contributed to the development of a culture of assessment within an institution
  4. CAS standards were instrumental in facilitating assessment and change and are reflected in their publications and among faculty members and staff

Criteria for Organizations/Professional Associations

  1. Standards are identified and used to guide practices
  2. Student learning was enhanced in the organization/professional association through the application of standards and assessment of outcomes
  3. The application of standards has contributed to the development of culture of assessment within an organization/professional association
  4. CAS standards were instrumental in facilitating assessment and change and are reflected in publications and professional activities

Criteria for Individuals

  1. Outstanding leadership or creative initiative in the promotion of standards in higher education, and/or in the field of student developmental learning
  2. Significant publications and/or other professional activities in the field of standards, their application and relevant assessment of student developmental learning
  3. CAS standards are reflected and the goals of CAS promoted in their publications, facilitated assessment activities, and are significantly included in their work and/or through professional activities

Process for Application

Nominations for the award or applications from individuals or representatives of higher education institutions or associations are accepted for consideration.

Applications or nominations should include a narrative explanation documenting how the institution or the individual meets the criteria listed above.  Documentation of the following will be important to evaluating the accomplishments of institutions:

  • A detailed description of the use of standards by the organization, association, institution, or individual, especially the CAS standards
  • Demonstrated achievement of the criteria listed above
  • Letters of support are welcome

Please forward nominations and 3 copies of the documentation requested and any other material that supports the nomination or application to:

Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education
ATTN: Marybeth Drechsler Sharp, Executive Director
One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC  20036 – 1188

Deadline for application is: June 30, 2013

CAS will present a $1000 gift and award plaque to the Ted Miller Achievement of Excellence recipient (the individual, organization, or institution making the application.)  Please detail the designee for the cash award and plaque in the application.