Origin of the Awards

The Chapman Teaching Awards were created in 1993 with a gift during the Bicentennial Campaign from Max Carrol Chapman, Jr. ’66 on behalf of the Chapman family. The awards were established to honor the distinguished teaching of undergraduate students.

Eligibility

• The significant criterion for selection is a record of demonstrated distinguished undergraduate teaching. There is no requirement that Chapman awardees have previously won other teaching awards, but having won previous awards is considered favorably.
• Nominees must be teaching in the academic year in which they are selected.
• Individuals who have won a Chapman award in the last five years are not eligible. Check the list of previous winners to be sure.

Special Notes

• At least three out of four $30,000 Chapman Awards given each year will go to faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences.  Fixed-term faculty, as well as faculty on the tenure track, are eligible for the Chapman Award. To be eligible for the award, a nominee must have five years of teaching experience at UNC.
• The Chapman awardees will receive $30,000 that must be spent within a five-year period. Of this, $15,000 may be used as a one-time summer salary. The awardee will be expected to meet with other Chapman awardees at the beginning and end of the summer of the award to discuss the project they will undertake. The project should enhance the faculty member’s teaching, whether through research in their field or pedagogical innovation.
• Self-nominations are especially sought for the Chapman Family Award.

Selection procedure

The committee screens nominations and selects several finalists, who are asked to submit a portfolio for review. The portfolio includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Current curriculum vitae
• A statement articulating teaching philosophy and methods used to achieve educational goals. The statement may include contributions the nominee has made to the intellectual environment at UNC-Chapel Hill and any special or innovative educational methods he or she employs.
• Copies of syllabi and other relevant course materials from three courses the nominee has taught and samples of materials from other teaching and learning activities
• A summary of student ratings of courses and other educational experiences that have been evaluated in the previous two years
• Copies of any peer teaching observations
• Names of three colleagues and up to five former students of the nominee from whom the selection committee may request evaluations. Nominees are also asked to provide class rolls so current students may be contacted.
• A statement of the project each nominee would pursue during the summer project period
• The committee will also collect additional data or materials about the nominees’ teaching, including videotapes, classroom observation by committee members, and telephone interviews with alumni and current students. The committee will forward its recommendations to the Chancellor and Provost.