The Chapter Advisor of the Year recognizes a faculty or staff advisor who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to supporting a student organization and fostering an engaging, inclusive, and successful chapter experience.
Outstanding advisors serve as mentors, advocates, and leaders who empower students to grow personally and professionally. Through their guidance, they help organizations achieve meaningful goals, strengthen student engagement, and create opportunities that leave a lasting impact on chapter members and the University community.
The Chapter Advisor of the Year may be presented annually. However, if no application sufficiently meets the established criteria, the award may not be presented.
Applicants must:
- Serve as the faculty or staff advisor for a recognized American Military University (AMU) student organization for at least six months.
- Have actively advised the organization during the current academic year.
- Demonstrate a sustained commitment to student development, organizational success, and the mission of the chapter.
- Set high standards and provide exemplary service to the organization and its leadership team.
- Actively engage with chapter leaders and maintain a collaborative relationship with the Office of Student and Alumni Affairs.
Eligible individuals may apply directly, or an application may be submitted on their behalf by a student, student organization officer, fellow advisor, faculty member, staff member, or administrator familiar with their contributions.
Whether applying directly or having an application submitted on their behalf, a complete application must include:
- Completed application form.
- One letter of recommendation outlining the advisor’s contributions. Letter of recommendation may be from a current or former student organization member or chapter officer, faculty member, staff member, or University administrator.
- A personal statement (maximum 1,000 words) describing the advisor's philosophy of student mentorship, their contributions to the organization, and the impact of their advising.
- Supporting documentation that highlights the advisor's accomplishments and impact. Examples may include chapter achievements, student testimonials, event outcomes, leadership development initiatives, awards, or other relevant materials.
All application materials must be submitted in PDF format unless otherwise specified. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.
Applications are reviewed by the University Awards Committee using established evaluation criteria.
The committee evaluates applicants based on:
- Commitment to mentoring and supporting student leaders.
- Positive impact on chapter growth, engagement, and success.
- Leadership, collaboration, and professionalism.
- Innovation in advising and student engagement.
- Contributions that foster an inclusive, supportive, and meaningful student experience.
- Alignment with the mission and values of AMU.
The University Awards Committee selects the top applicants and forwards them to the University President for final review and approval.
- Applications Open: September 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2027
- Committee Review: February–March 2027
- Recipient Notified by: April 1, 2027
- Recognition: Commencement Weekend 2027
Recipients receive:
- Recognition during Commencement weekend.
- A crystal trophy.
- Travel and hotel accommodations in accordance with University award guidelines.
- Recognition in University communications.
Attendance at Commencement is encouraged but not required.
Questions regarding eligibility or the application process may be directed to the University Awards Committee at universityawards@apus.edu.