Gender Equity Award Descriptions
Taking place during Women’s History Month in March, the Celebration of Gender Equity with its concommitant Annual Gender Equity Awards and Lecture serves multiple purposes in academic medicine. Not only does it call out the achievements and contributions of individuals, but it also broadcasts the individual's presence to a wider audience, is noted on their CV, and is a signifier of the reputation of the individual which helps in the promotion process.
Gender Equity Champion Award
Equity and inclusion are inextricably linked to the UVM Larner College of Medicine’s mission of education, research and patient care. In recognition of that mission, many College faculty, staff, students and trainees are actively engaged in championing equity and inclusion in multiple local, regional and global settings. This award recognizes Larner College of Medicine community members— faculty, staff, and students —who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and service to the advancement of women, transgender, and gender diverse people beyond the scope of their job, area of research, or training.
If more than one exceptional nomination is received in a single year, the selection committee reserves the right to award separate faculty, staff, and student honors.
Selection Criteria
The awardee will demonstrate:
- an emerging or sustained commitment to equity and inclusion efforts to support the advancement of women and those with underrepresented gender identities, proportionate to their capacity to do so. (Individuals with higher-level positions/jobs may have a greater capacity to perform this service more visibly than those in lower-level positions);
- exceptional efforts beyond the scope of the nominee’s job, research or training in promoting an environment that is free of bias and discrimination and which is supportive of the advancement of women and those with underrepresented gender identities and that their equity and inclusion efforts for the advancement of women and those with underrepresented genders have resulted in long-term benefits to recipients and community at large or a potential model for the establishment of other programs or activities.
Gender Equity Outstanding Achievement in Medicine and Science Award
This award will be given to a woman, transgender, or gender diverse faculty member within the Larner College of Medicine who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in medicine and science through research, education or service. Additionally, this
individual must be recognized at a national and/or international level for their scientific/medical achievements and serve as a role model to women, transgender, and gender diverse community members at the Larner College of Medicine. Finally, awardees will
have demonstrated a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion for women, transgender, and gender diverse community members.
Selection Criteria
The awardee will demonstrate:
- significant contributions to the field of medicine and science in the preceding five years, as well as long-term impact of the individual’s research;
- service to the fields of medicine and science at the national and international level;
- a steadfast commitment to enhanced collaboration and productive relationships with College faculty and staff at all levels and advancing goals around equity and inclusion; and mentorship of faculty who are women, transgender, and gender diverse.
Polaris Award: Gender Equity Outstanding Mentorship Award
Polaris, or the North Star, is anchored at due north while the remainder of the northern sky rotates around it and serves as a beacon and directional point for those finding their way on a journey. The Polaris Award honors a Larner College of Medicine faculty or
staff member who provides outstanding formal or informal mentorship for Larner College of Medicine women, transgender, and gender diverse people.
A mentor is defined as an individual who shares knowledge and serves as an experienced and trusted advisor, teacher, collaborator, and/or advocate.
Selection Criteria
The awardee will demonstrate:
- an exceptional track record of mentorship for women, transgender, and gender diverse Larner College of Medicine community members;
- high ethical standards and the ability to guide mentees to emulate such standards;
- sensitivity to the unique needs of individual mentees and the ability to adjust guidance accordingly
- openness, respect, accessibility, and effective communication.
The Rising Star Award: Gender Equity Emerging Professional Award
This award recognizes a woman, transgender, or gender diverse faculty or staff member at the Larner College of Medicine who is in the early stage of their career. The awardee demonstrates excellence in contributions to students, colleagues, and/or the institution
in the areas of gender equity and inclusion through service, program development, teaching, research or beyond. The awardee also shows the promise for future contributions and leadership in their field as well as in achieving goals for the
advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Selection Criteria
The awardee will:
- have served 5 years or less in their higher education career;
- demonstrate commitment in their work with colleagues, students, and the institution to advance issues of gender equity and inclusion. This may include contributions (e.g., research/teaching) that directly address gender roles, gender bias or discrimination or the development of policies, procedures, or other professional standards that promote gender equality;
- show promise and potential for future contributions and leadership around advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion