Alumni Award FAQs

The Alumni Awards recognise the diverse achievements of our alumni in their lives, careers and communities.

Alumni who have graduated from the institution and have demonstrated excellence in their careers, leadership, or community service.

There are three categories, these include :

1. The UNE Distinguished Alumni Award, presented to a UNE graduate who:
   1. Over the course of their career has made significant contributions to their field;
   2. Displays outstanding leadership and professional qualities while embodying UNE’s values of creativity, innovation, risk-taking, access and inclusion;
   3. Embodies characteristics of honesty, ethical behaviour and authenticity;
   4. Will inspire future generations of UNE graduates with their achievements.
2. The UNE Alumni Community Award, presented to a UNE graduate who:
   1. Through paid or unpaid work has made significant contributions in the community sector, philanthropic or public life or to support not-for-profit organisations in Australia and internationally;
   2. Embodies UNE’s values of access and inclusion;
   3. Will inspire future generations of UNE graduates with their achievements.
3. The UNE Rising Star Award, presented to a UNE graduate who:
   1. Is in the early stages of their career (15 years or less since graduation);
   2. Displays outstanding leadership and professional qualities while embodying UNE’s values of creativity, innovation, risk-taking, access and inclusion;
   3. Embodies characteristics of honesty, ethical behaviour and authenticity;
   4. Will inspire future generations of UNE graduates with their achievements.

Nominations will only be accepted from members of UNE Convocation including graduates, current or former UNE Council members, staff and former staff of the University of New England. If you are having difficulties finding an eligible nominator, please contact the alumni office on alumni@une.edu.au

Yes, for the Alumni Community Award only.

Yes, however, if you are nominating one graduate in multiple categories, please complete a separate nomination package for each category. Please note that only one award will be given to a nominee in any year.

There is no limit to the number of awards given. The number of awards is at the discretion of the awards committee.

Yes, however, it is recommended that you seek the advice of the alumni office before re-submitting your nomination for possible feedback.

Self-nominations will not be accepted. If you have difficulty finding a nominator, please contact the alumni office alumni@une.edu.au who may be able to help.

There is no age limit, however posthumous awards will not be given.

It is not necessary to make your nominee aware; however, if supplemental information is needed to complete your nomination, sometimes it is best to source this from your nominee.

Nominations require:

1. The completed nomination form including the selection criteria questions;
2. A copy of the nominee’s current professional resume/biography; and
3. Two written references in support of the nomination;
4. Optional: Supporting evidence including awards, media clippings, electronic media footage (no more than three attachments)

Step 1: Complete the Nomination Form

The nomination form requires the following information:

1. Provide name and details for the Nominee including full name, contact details, current employment and degrees/qualifications.
2. Provide name and contact details for the Nominator (you).
3. Provide names and contact details for the two referees who can attest to the Nominee's credentials, the Nominator may also act as one of the two referees.
4. Select the Award Category.
5. Provide answers to each of the selection criteria questions for the selected Award Category (see below) that clearly demonstrates how the nominee meets the criteria of the award and how they have gone above and beyond the normal course of their career. Provide examples and evidence where possible.
6. Confirm details and submit the nomination form. You will receive confirmation of your submission.
7. Submitted nomination forms can be edited up until the closing date.

Note: If you are nominating one graduate in multiple categories, please complete a separate nomination for each category.

Step 2: Provide Supporting Documents

The following supporting documents (preferably in pdf format) must be forwarded to the Alumni Relations Office at alumni@une.edu.au prior to the closing date:

1. A copy of the nominee’s current professional resume/biography.
2. Two written references supplied by the referees named in the nomination form that support the Nominee's credentials. Referees must supply their contact details with their reference and may be contacted to verify their reference.
3. Optional: Nominations may also include other supporting evidence such as awards, media clippings, electronic media footage, etc. (maximum of three attachments).
4. Compile and save all documents and information as pdf files and send to alumni@une.edu.au.

The deadline for nominations is 5pm 31 July.

A selection committee reviews nomination based on set criteria, including impact, leadership, and contributions.

Winners are publicly announced after the nominees and nominators have been notified of the outcome and winners have indicated they will accept the award.

Awards may include a certificate, gift and public recognition.

Award winners are given the opportunity to receive their award at a following Graduation Ceremony.

Yes, Graduation Ceremonies are open to the public.