Events
Learner and Instructor Awards
Recognizing individuals who exemplify dedication and commitment to DCE
Welcome
Each year in June we host the DCE Certificate Awards Ceremony where we celebrate our DCE learners who have successfully completed their certificate programs. As part of the ceremony, we also honor learners and instructors who have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to the pursuit of lifelong learning. The event includes a brief presentation and reception.
These awards are an excellent opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate remarkable individuals who contribute significantly to DCE. Your assistance in recognizing learners and instructors who exemplify sincere dedication and commitment to DCE is highly appreciated.
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 significantly to their communities, embody the spirit of innovation, and show remarkable resilience in their pursuit of learning.
- Learners must have completed at least one DCE course (including Concurrent Enrollment, Corporate, or edX bootcamps) during the four-quarter term period covered by the awards (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter).
- Note: Previous award winners will not be eligible to win the same award more than once in a 5-year period.
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 includes completion of challenging coursework, engagement in advanced projects, and contribution to the learning environment. - Community Service
Commends learners who have shown exceptional leadership qualities and made significant contributions to their community or program through volunteering, organizing events, or leading groups. Criteria includes leadership and initiative, impact and contribution to community, commitment and consistency, and collaboration and teamwork. - Innovation/Entrepreneurship
Celebrates learners who displayed extraordinary creativity and initiative in developing innovative solutions or launching entrepreneurial ventures. This award celebrates individuals who drive transformative change and demonstrate remarkable leadership within their continuing education endeavors. Criteria includes creativity and innovation, initiative and proactiveness, impact and results, and leadership and collaboration. - Outstanding Learner
Honors learners who 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 includes commitment to lifelong learning, perseverance and resilience, academic and professional accomplishments, and personal and professional development. - Resilience
Acknowledges learners who have overcome significant obstacles or challenges in the pursuit of their continuing education. This category celebrates determination, resilience, and the ability to persevere through difficult circumstances. Criteria includes overcoming obstacles, ability to maintain academic performance, demonstration of coping strategies, and personal growth and development.
Instructor Award Nominations
The DCE Instructor Awards Program underscores the importance of excellence, creativity, and leadership in continuing education.
Through this program, we aim to honor those 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. (EdX bootcamp instructors and UCI faculty teaching classes that learners enroll in through Concurrent Enrollment are ineligible.)
- Must have taught at least one class during the four-quarter term period covered by the awards that includes Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
- Note: Previous award winners will not be eligible to win the same award more than once in a 5-year period.
Instructors may be nominated in multiple award categories, but they may only be selected to receive an award in one category.
- New Instructor
Honors instructors who are teaching at DCE for the first time. This award honors instructors who have demonstrated remarkable teaching skills and quickly made a significant impact by fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment. - Online Instructor
Acknowledges instructors who excel in the design and delivery of online courses, demonstrating an ability to engage and support learners effectively in a virtual learning environment. - In-person Instructor
Celebrates instructors who excel in delivering exceptional face-to-face learning experiences. This award recognizes instructors who create dynamic and interactive classroom environments that significantly enhance learner engagement and success. - International Instructor
Commends an instructor who has taught at least one ESL, STAR, or ACP course during the nomination period. - Corporate Instructor
Commends an instructor who has taught at least one corporate course during the nomination period. - Teaching Excellence
Acknowledges instructors who demonstrate superior teaching abilities, including clear communication, engaging lesson plans, and effective assessment methods that enhance learning and comprehension. - Learner Success Champion and Mentor
Recognizes instructors who go beyond in providing support, guidance, and mentorship to learners or other instructors, fostering professional growth and development beyond the classroom setting.
Award Nomination and Selection Process
Nomination Period:
• Opens: July 1, 2024
• Ends: April 1, 2025
Award Announcement:
• June 2025
- Nominations may be submitted by instructors, learners, 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 person for each award category
- Incomplete nomination forms will not be considered
- Nominators are responsible for getting consent from the nominee before submitting the form
- An email will be sent to nominators to confirm receipt of the nomination
- All nominees will receive a congratulatory email and invitation to attend the DCE Certificate Awards Ceremony in June 2025, where the award announcements will be made
- Nominations must be received by April 1, 2025
- 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 for attend the DCE Certificate Awards Ceremony in June 2025, 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 need assistance with writing nominations should contact either Student Services, the Student Life & Activities Offices, or the CE-1 reception desk.