WCPA offers a variety of different scholarships and awards to recognize outstanding students and professionals and to provide opportunities for its members throughout the state of Wisconsin. If you or someone you know is deserving of a scholarship or award, please recognize them by submitting a nomination form. A full list of scholarships, awards, and their criteria can be found below.
DEADLINE
Deadline to complete submissions: Monday, September 11
Please send any questions regarding any awards or processes to Secretary Jennifer Van Roy at jlvanroy@wisc.edu.
Undergraduate Student Attendance Grants
NEW IN 2023!!! WCPA has allocated money for departments and students who desire additional assistance to attend the WCPA Fall Conference. While the Hybrid Institutional registration type provides four free student registrations, this grant may assist in paying for travel and lodging. Awards will be allocated based on the department or individuals described need and distributed as applications are received. Apply online today through September 11, 2023.
WCPA Awards and Scholarships
WCPA Professional Development Scholarship
WCPA values high-quality professional development programming for higher education professionals serving students in the state of Wisconsin. To that end, we are pleased to provide a scholarship for one WCPA member in the amount of $500 to attend a regional or national professional development opportunity of their choosing.
The Daniel Siler Memorial Scholarship
The Daniel Siler Memorial Student Scholarship was established by the WCPA Executive Board in February of 1993 as a tribute to Daniel Siler, who died in November 1991. This scholarship was created in memory of his strong belief and commitment to student development. This award is given to a full-time graduate student wishing to advance their professional development through attendance at the WCPA Fall Conference. The award recipient will receive a WCPA plaque and a complimentary campus registration to the upcoming Professional Development Institute (valued at $100). Criteria for this award include:
- Full-time graduate student currently enrolled in courses at a Wisconsin institution and not currently holding full time employment
- Student is interested in advancing professional development through attendance at WCPA Fall Conference
WCPA Program Award
The WCPA Program Award recognizes outstanding programs and events that are put on or implemented at Wisconsin colleges and universities. Up to two program awards are given each year. The award recipient(s) will receive a WCPA plaque and an invitation to present their program or event at the WCPA Fall Conference. Criteria for this award include:
- The program has established and measurable learning outcomes
- The program has broad campus reach (student participation, collaboration with other units/departments, etc.)
- The program demonstrates or reflects innovation, best practices, and/or current research in the field
- The program is regularly evaluated and assessed, with modifications and improvements made as needed.
Andrew Luptak Undergraduate Student Leader Award
The WCPA Andrew Luptak Undergraduate Student Leader Award recognizes an outstanding undergraduate student leader who is enrolled in a college or university in Wisconsin and is interested in pursuing a career in student affairs. The award recipient will receive a WCPA plaque. Criteria for this award include:
- Student has demonstrated academic achievement
- Student has made significant contributions to their college or university through co-curricular involvement
- Student has shown an interest in the field of student affairs
New Professional of the Year Award
The WCPA New Professional of the Year Award recognizes potential for success in the field of student affairs by an ambitious and dedicated new professional. The award recipient will receive a WCPA plaque. Criteria for this award include:
- Employed as a student affairs professional for one to five years
- Nominee demonstrates creativity and innovation in their work
- Nominee demonstrates a passion for student development/student affairs
- Nominee demonstrates potential for continued contributions and success
Support Staff Recognition Award
The WCPA Support Staff Recognition Award recognizes a support staff employee who provides daily support for students, staff, or faculty and who strives to support the mission of their department and/or institution. The award recipient will receive a WCPA plaque. Criteria for this award include:
- Genuine concern for life and development of students
- Excels in job responsibilities
- Goes above and beyond job responsibilities
- Significant contribution to staff with which they serve
Nora McGuire Outstanding Professional Award
The Nora McGuire Outstanding Professional Award is designed to recognize an outstanding mid-level professional who has served the student affairs field. The award recipient will receive a WCPA plaque. Criteria for this award include:
- Employed as a student affairs professional for a minimum of 5 years
- Nominee has demonstrated initiative, creativity, and innovation in their work
- Nominee has outstanding service to or has made special contributions to student affairs practice at their home institution and/or broader student affairs efforts
- Nominee has contributed to the profession through professional staff development, mentoring, and/or positive role modeling
- Nominee demonstrates excellence in overall job performance
Annabelle E. Wolf Outstanding Service in College Student Personnel Award
The Annabelle E. Wolf Outstanding Service in College Student Personnel Award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the college student personnel profession, both at their home institution and to the broader student personnel community. The award recipient will receive a WCPA plaque. Criteria for this award include:
- Employed as a student affairs professional for 10 years or more
- Nominee has demonstrated initiative, creativity, and innovation in their work
- Nominee has outstanding service to student affairs practice at their home institution and to broader student affairs efforts
- Nominee has contributed to the profession through professional staff development, mentoring, and/or positive role modelling
- Nominee demonstrates excellence in overall job performance
Randy Thrush WCPA Leadership Award
The Randy Thrush WCPA Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and service to the Wisconsin College Personnel Association. The award recipient will receive a WCPA plaque. Criteria for this award include:
- Minimum of three years of service to/involvement with the WCPA (executive board involvement, commission involvement, program presentation, etc.)
- Nominee has promoted the benefits of participation in WCPA to fellow student affairs professionals and graduate students
- Nominee has made contributions to the overall development of the organization