Events
Learner and Instructor Awards
Recognizing individuals who exemplify dedication and commitment to DCE
Welcome
Each year in June we host the UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education (DCE) Certificate Awards Ceremony where we celebrate DCE learners who have successfully completed their certificate programs. As part of the ceremony, we also honor our learners and instructors who have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to the pursuit of lifelong learning. The event includes a brief presentation and reception.
The DCE Learner and Instructor Awards are an excellent opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate remarkable individuals who contribute significantly to DCE.
Members of the DCE Community, including learners and instructors, are invited to nominate individuals for these awards.
We are currently accepting nominations for the 2025-2026 awards cycle and encourage you to view and submit your nominations for the following award categories:
We are no longer accepting nominations for the 2024-2025 awards cycle. Please check back on July 1, 2025 when nominations for the 2025-2026 awards will open.
Learner Award Nominations
The DCE Learner Awards Program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to their personal and professional growth as well as DCE’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
Through these awards, we aim to highlight the achievements of learners who not only excel academically but also contribute to their communities and show remarkable resilience in their pursuit of learning.
- Learners* must successfully complete a certificate or program during the four-quarter term period covered by the awards (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter).
- Learners must have completed at least one DCE course during the four-quarter term period covered by the awards (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter).
- Previous award winners will not be eligible to win the same award more than once in a 5-year period.
*Learners taking courses in the following programs are not eligible: Test Preparation, Clear Induction Administrative Services Credential (CASC), Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC), Montessori Teacher Education, STAR, Bootcamps, and UC Irvine Concurrent Enrollment courses.
Learners may be nominated in multiple award categories, but they may only be selected to receive an award in one category.
- Academic Excellence Recognizes learners who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance in their studies. Criteria include exceptional performance on challenging coursework; engagement in projects; and contribution to the learning environment.
- Resilience Acknowledges learners who have overcome significant obstacles or challenges in the pursuit of their continuing education. This award celebrates determination, resilience, and the ability to persevere through difficult circumstances. Criteria include overcoming obstacles; ability to maintain academic performance; demonstration of coping strategies; and personal growth and development.
- Outstanding Learner Honors learners who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, perseverance, and accomplishment in their continuing education journey. This award celebrates learners who exemplify a dedication to lifelong learning and have made noteworthy progress in their personal and professional development. Criteria include commitment to lifelong learning; academic and professional accomplishments; personal and professional development; leadership and initiative in academic and professional environments; and impact and contribution to their community.
To nominate a learner for one of the above awards, or to self-nominate, please complete the learner nomination form.
Learner Nomination Form
Instructor Award Nominations
The DCE Instructor Awards Program underscores the importance of excellence, creativity, and leadership in continuing education.
Through this awards program, we aim to honor DCE instructors who have made a lasting impact on their learners, enhanced the quality of learning experiences, exemplified the highest standards of educational professionalism, and demonstrated DCE’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
- Must be a DCE instructor*
- Must have taught at least one class during the four-quarter term period covered by the awards (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter)
- Previous award winners will not be eligible to win the same award more than once in a 5-year period
*Bootcamp instructors and UC Irvine faculty teaching classes that learners are enrolled in through Concurrent Enrollment and Transcript Services are not eligible. Instructors must be hired directly by DCE to be eligible.
Instructors may be nominated in multiple award categories, but they may only be selected to receive an award in one category.
- Excellence in Online Instruction Recognizes an instructor who demonstrates exceptional dedication, innovation, and effectiveness in teaching an online course. Criteria include student engagement; instructional innovation; real-world application; and commitment to continuing education.
- Excellence in In-Person Instruction Recognizes an instructor who demonstrates exceptional dedication, innovation, and effectiveness in teaching a fully in-person or hybrid course. Criteria include student engagement; instructional innovation; real-world application; and commitment to continuing education.
- Leadership Recognizes an instructor who demonstrates instructional and professional leadership in and outside of the course(s) they instruct. Criteria include innovation in classroom methods of instruction and assessment; positive influence on and/or mentorship of learners and peers; and service to initiatives or organizations that support continuing education.
- Learner Support Recognizes an instructor who demonstrates exceptional commitment to student success through support of/advocacy for learners, whether currently in their course or part of the overall DCE learner community. Criteria include academic support; mentorship; responsiveness; and thoughtful engagement with the diverse needs of continuing education learners.
- Distinguished Instructor Honors an exceptional instructor who has made outstanding contributions to DCE, demonstrated leadership in their field, and significantly impacted the lives of their learners. Criteria include transformative instruction; student learner advocacy; leadership and mentorship; and embodiment of lifelong learning.
To nominate an instructor for one of the above awards, or to self-nominate, please complete the instructor nomination form.
Instructor Nomination FormAward Nomination and Selection Process
Nomination Period:
• Opens: February 18, 2026
• Closes: April 1, 2026
Award Announcement:
• June 2026
- Nominations may be submitted by DCE instructors, learners, DCE staff, or the individuals themselves* by using the appropriate nomination form (Learner or Instructor)
- Individuals can submit nominations for both learners and instructors. Limit: one nomination per nominator for each award category
- Incomplete nomination forms will not be considered
- Nominations must be received by April 1, 2026
*All self-nominees are required to submit two (2) Recommendation Statements. At least one recommendation must be provided by a DCE affiliate (learner, DCE instructor, staff); the other can be an external recommendation (e.g. instructor/professor from UC Irvine’s main campus, supervisor). Nominations will be considered incomplete until these statements are received. Please copy and send this Recommendation Statements link to the (2) recommenders who will be submitting the statement on your behalf. Please inform your recommenders of which category you are self-nominating for so they can select the proper category on the statement form. Completed statements must be received by April 1, 2026.
- DCE will convene a nomination review committee that will select awardees based on the merits outlined in the nomination statement
- Criteria for selection are a clear demonstration of the competencies in the nomination statement
- Awards in each category will only be awarded if there are qualified nominations
Awardees will be recognized with:
- An invitation to attend the DCE Certificate Awards Ceremony in June 2026, where the awardees will be announced
- Awardee names will be included in the event program
- A brief description of the awardee’s accomplishments will be read during the awards presentation
- A plaque presented at the Certificate Awards Ceremony (or mailed to those unable to attend)
- Congratulatory message on our DCE website and social media channels
Contact Us
If you have any questions about nominations or the award process, feel free to reach out to us at dce-awards@ce.uci.edu.
International learners who would like assistance with writing nominations can book an appointment with Academic Advising.