Member-Nominated Awards

Nominations for these awards are encouraged from colleagues or through self-nomination. Awards are presented at the Annual Conference during the Closing Banquet.

 

Carol Switzer Award for Best Use of a Stolen Idea

At its best, NAASS is where we build relationships and support each other through collaboration. Sometimes that looks like stealing ideas from each other! This award recognizes a Summer/Special Session or Pre-College Program that has the best use of a stolen idea from another program. Candidates for this award are evaluated based on the impact of their stolen idea, their creativity in adapting the idea, and their collegiality. We will recognize the institution that stole the idea as well as the originator of the idea!  

Carol Switzer, former director of summer session at Arizona State University, served as president of NAASS and the Western Association of Summer Session Administrators (WASSA). She did a tremendous amount to strengthen connections between colleagues so everyone could become the summer sessions expert at their institution. Carol encouraged, demonstrated and placed value in sharing ideas and information. She was a big advocate of having people “steal” each other’s ideas and implementing them at their schools. In 2007, WASSA created the Best Use of a Stolen Idea award and named it in honor of Carol. After WASSA merged with NAASS, the Carol Switzer Award became a NAASS award.

Member voting for this award takes place before the Annual Conference.

 

Contribution to NAASS 

This award recognizes those who have gone above and beyond in their service to NAASS. These members have contributed to helping NAASS thrive institutionally for years to come. Candidates for this award are evaluated based on their dedication to NAASS and the impact of their contribution to NAASS. 

This award is presented annually on an ad hoc basis. There may be some years in which multiple awardees are selected and some years in which there are none. Although we appreciate the service of elected and appointed officers to NAASS, this award is meant for those who go above and beyond, not necessarily for those who just do an exemplary job at their role.

 The Executive Committee will review nominations and decide on the recipient. 

 

Newcomer to Summer Award 

At NAASS, we want to see Summer/Special Session and Pre-College institutions thrive nationwide. This award recognizes a Summer Session or Pre-College Program founded in the past 1-5 years. An institution whose mission has changed or has expanded dramatically is also eligible for this award. Candidates for this award are evaluated based on the challenges they faced in starting their office, the impact of their office on their campus, and their contributions to NAASS.

Member voting for this award takes place before the Annual Conference.

Program Initiative with a Diversity Focus 

This award celebrates a Summer/Special Session or Pre-College Program that has shown exceptional dedication to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Whether through innovative programming, impactful student engagement, or meaningful institutional initiatives, the recipient exemplifies a deep commitment to creating more inclusive and equitable educational spaces. 

The Awards Committee will review nominations and decide on the recipient. 

 

Regional MVP

This award honors a professional who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact in Pre-College, Summer/Special Session programming. The recipient of this award consistently goes above and beyond to create meaningful, inclusive, and transformative experiences for students, while advancing the mission and values of their institution and the NAASS organization. 

The Regional Vice Presidents of NAASS will review nominations and decide on the recipients. 

 

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Conference-Specific Awards

This award is voted on during the Annual Conference and the award is issued during the Closing Reception.

New Administrators Workshop (NAW) Emerging Leader Award 

This award recognizes a standout member of the current NAW cohort who exemplifies the spirit of collaboration, initiative, and engagement—demonstrating a strong commitment to connecting with peers, contributing meaningfully to the organization, and supporting the broader mission of NAASS.

All NAW members are automatically entered for this award.