GOVERNING TTU OP: Not applicable.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) policy document is to define the role and membership of the SVM Awards Committee. 

DATE OF POLICY: 1JUL2026 

REVIEW: The SVM policy shall be reviewed every third year by the Awards Committee.  Revisions will be forwarded to the Dean’s Executive Leadership Council for review and disposition.

POLICY/PROCEDURE

BACKGROUND: In serving the needs of rural and regional communities, it is important that the SVM stand as an example for excellence in education, outstanding scientific inquiry, effective leadership, commitment to service, outreach and engagement activities, and a Community where its Core Values are fostered.  As such, it is important to recognize the successes of individuals at the SVM amongst their peers as well as within the contexts of Texas Tech University, the veterinary medicine profession, and all related professions.  The Awards Committee is established to facilitate the selection of faculty, staff, and students of the SVM deserving recognition for SVM-specific awards. Additionally, the Awards Committee seeks to identify opportunities available within TTU, the TTU System, and beyond to put forward nominations of SVM faculty for consideration.  A consistent procedure applied to the selection process of nomination or selection for awards, and a systematic approach to managing award nominations is needed. 

ROLES OF THE COMMITTEE: The roles of the TTU SVM Awards Committee are to:

1. Facilitate recognition of individuals within the TTU SVM that are making exceptional contributions toward the Mission in one or more areas;
2. Develop, and implement peer surveys to identify SVM members for TTU, TTU System, and other relevant awards; and
3. Develop, and implement, selection criteria and procedures for nominations and selection of people for various awards.

ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE: The Committee will perform its work relative to the objectives and Core Values of the TTU SVM.  Specific activities include:

• Maintain a list of relevant awards, including the selection criteria, nomination requirements, and related deadlines, issued by the SVM, TTU and TTU System level;
• Advertise requests for award nominations;
• Establish selection criteria for awards external to the SVM that limit the number of nominations from a single academic unit or institution; and
• Serve as the entity responsible for identifying recipients of SVM-specific awards other than those delegated to other committees.

REPORTING: The Awards Committee reports to the Dean’s Executive Leadership Council.

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP AND MEETINGS: This committee will be made up of 13 voting members, representing faculty and staff, and will be co-chaired by one faculty member and one staff member. Each committee member will be appointed in coordination with the Associate Dean for Faculty, and Executive Director. Membership includes:

• Seven SVM faculty members (one serving as faculty co-chair)
• Six SVM staff members (one serving as staff co-chair);

LEADERSHIP AND TERM LENGTHS: Terms will be two years. Members can be renominated upon completion of their terms. The Committee Chair, elected by the committee, will serve a one-year appointment and may be renewed by the Committee. 

QUORUM: A quorum, which will consist of a simple majority of the voting membership of the Committee, will be required for all meetings in which issues are to be brought to a vote.  The Committee Chairs will record attendance which will be reported to the Executive Associate to the Dean.  Committee members may be removed by the Dean for repeated absenteeism.   

Committee selection is a recommendation to the Dean’s Executive Leadership Council. This body will review the recommendations to ensure eligibility, committee processes, and other items. A final decision is made by the Council. 

Minutes may be generated using an approved AI software application, or manually by a non-committee staff member.  If voting members agree, electronic voting may occur in the absence of an in-person meeting.

MEETING FREQUENCY AND AGENDA: The Awards Committee will meet at least twice a year, or more frequently as needed.  The Chair shall develop a meeting agenda and share with Committee members 48 hours prior to meetings.