Awards
In 2021, long-time library employee Doug Gates established an endowment to recognize student assistants who are contributing to our shared vision and values.
The Douglas Gates Library Excellence Scholarship recognizes outstanding contributions by library student employees who demonstrate excellence in their work at Kennedy Library. Two scholarships of $1,000 each are awarded during the fall quarter and recipients are recognized at the Fall Quarter Student Assistants Appreciation Luncheon.
Requirements
All students who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply:
- Have been employed for at least one year at Kennedy Library
- Is employed at the library when the application is submitted
- Demonstrates a commitment to outstanding work at Kennedy Library
How to Apply
Email the following materials as attachments to Chandler Rashley at crashley@calpoly.edu:
- Resume
- Cover letter describing your role at the library, your commitment to quality work, and the value the position has for you in any number of ways – financially, socially, academically, etc. Please include the name of your current supervisor in the cover letter.
The Learn by Doing Scholar Awards strengthen our pedagogy by supporting teaching and instructional methods that intentionally put Cal Poly’s motto into practice.
About the Award
The Learn by Doing Scholar Awards recognize outstanding faculty contributions to Cal Poly’s signature pedagogy of Learn by Doing. These awards emphasize the impact of Cal Poly’s distinctive educational approach by translating learning into practice to make a difference in disciplines and industries across California and around the world.
Successful applications will provide compelling evidence of the impact of Learn by Doing through curriculum-related instructional and research/creative activities, as well as demonstrate an academically rigorous and student-centered approach to learning. The Library Dean’s Advisory Council established the Learn by Doing Scholar Awards in 2014, and they continue to be supported by generous donors.
Review Criteria
All Cal Poly faculty (Unit 3) who have been employed for at least one quarter of the current academic year are eligible to apply for the award. Previous award recipients are not eligible. Applications will be evaluated based on the originality of the activity or project and the unique application of Learn by Doing pedagogies, and how it achieves the following outcomes:
- Translating learning into practice by engaging students in the discipline, industry and/or community.
- Inspiring students to value the link between learning and practical application.
- Leveraging collaborative partnerships in the discipline, industry, and/or community.
- Addressing the challenges and needs of today (and tomorrow) in the discipline, industry, and/or community.
- Working across disciplines, academic institutions and/or other external partnerships.
- Positively impacting people and industries in California, across the country, and around the world through disciplinary application.
- Demonstrating the achievement of student learning outcomes through a student-focused and academically rigorous approach that includes assessment of student learning.
How to Apply
The application is available via an online form during the submission period – check back in Winter Quarter.
A complete application will include the following four (4) elements:
- Contact information for applicant, collaborators, and/or students.
- A description of the original project or activity that explains the unique application of Learn by Doing and addresses the outcomes listed in the above criteria.
- Brief biographical sketches for the applicant and any collaborators and/or students.
- One example of evidence of impact on student learning (e.g., student testimonials, media coverage, professional award, scholarly paper or presentation).
Support Learn by Doing
Your support ensures Cal Poly faculty are recognized for their groundbreaking work exploring the university’s signature teaching method, Learn by Doing.