“The most important thing an institution does is not to prepare a student for a career, but for a life as a citizen.”
View the Newman 2011 Civic Fellows National Press Release here.
About the Award
The Newman Civic Fellows Award honors inspiring college student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country. Through service, research, and advocacy, Newman Civic Fellows are making the most of their college experiences to better understand themselves, the root causes of social issues, and effective mechanisms for creating lasting change. These students represent the next generation of public problem solvers and civic leaders. They serve as national examples of the role that higher education can—and does—play in building a better world.
Newman Civic Fellows are recommended by college and university presidents to acknowledge motivation and ability in public leadership. Newman Civic Fellows awards are made in memory of Frank Newman, who dedicated his life to creating systemic change through education reform. Frank Newman’s leadership was selfless, optimistic, and determined, spanning an incredible career of more than five decades. At the core of Dr. Newman’s leadership was a belief in the power of individuals to make a difference and in the power of connection with others. Newman Civic Fellows form a unique network of leaders who will inspire and keep hope alive for one another during college and afterward, as the network expands exponentially each year. Frank Newman had a tremendous impact on American education and its role in the development of citizens who want to make a difference. The Newman Civic Fellows are reflections and affirmations of his life’s work.
What We Learned in 2011
In 2011, we rolled out the new Newman Civic Fellows initiative and it was received with great excitement. We learned that these awards presented our member colleges and universities with a wonderful opportunity to gain local press coverage, and we will continue to work closely with the press/communications offices on each campus to build upon this relationship and help our members attain even larger visibility for their awardees. Moreover, many state Compacts had an opportunity to recognize Fellows through awards events in the spring.
To better accommodate graduation schedules, and to give schools an even better chance at maximizing visibility of their winners, this year we have moved the deadline dates back a bit, as you will see below. Last year we named 137 Newman Civic Fellows, and we have every reason to hope that this number may double in 2012!
Newman Civic Fellows Connections
Since the extraordinary group of students named by Campus Compact as 2011 Newman Civic Fellows received their awards in April 2011, they have not ceased to keep up their commitment to service and dedication to their communities. Many state Compacts have been making an effort to collaborate with the Fellows on various projects, and a number of the Fellows have been in correspondence with one another, exchanging ideas and making plans to further utilize their resources and connections.
Campus Compact has invited all Newman Civic Fellows to join a private Facebook group called Newman Civic Connections. The group establishes a virtual space where Fellows may network and share information about their personal contributions and work in their communities, as well as their particular service-related interests. It also establishes a direct connection between the Fellows and Campus Compact, allowing the Compact to continually update Fellows on local, regional, and national events, and related networking opportunities.
We hope that through the discussions fostered in the group, we can help encourage an up-to-date, lasting resource, and a positive vehicle for inspiring, mobilizing, and connecting the Newman Civic Fellows to one another and to Campus Compact.
Who is a Newman Civic Fellow?
Anyone who has been nominated to be a Fellow by one of our member presidents or chancellors becomes a Fellow. And once named, they remain Fellows forever and do not serve particular ‘terms’. Occasionally, we refer to a group of Fellows as the “class of 2011″, for example. And this coming year, we will name the ‘class of 2012′. But the honorific title of Fellow is their to carry with them throughout their academic career and beyond.
2012 Recommendation Guidelines and Award Process
Recommendations open: Monday, January 9, 2012
Member college and university presidents will receive invitations to recommend Fellows. This year, we are making the process even simpler than it was in 2011.
Deadline for Recommendations: Tuesday, February 21, 2012
No more submissions will be accepted after this date.
Monday, March 26, 2012: 2012 Newman Civic Fellows are announced to state Compacts and member presidents.
Tuesday, April 10 2012: Certificates will be mailed out either to the president or to the Fellow.
Sophomores and juniors at four-year institutions and second-year students at two-year institutions are eligible for recommendation. First-year graduate students at graduate-level only institutions are also eligible to be recommended. If this is a four-year institution with graduate-level programs as well, the President should recommend the best candidate, based on their involvement, whether they are in a graduate-level track or an undergraduate.
Only Campus Compact member college and university presidents may recommend a student. Only one student per campus may be recommended each year. Each student recommended will become a Newman Civic Fellow. Recommendations for the 2012 Newman Civic Fellows Awards must be made by Tuesday, February 21, 2012. Newman Civic Fellows will receive certificates, join a web-based network of Fellows, and have multiple opportunities to network throughout the year through state and regional conferences and other gatherings. We are delighted to expand the group of Newman Civic Fellows each year and are looking forward to shaping the program with them in the years to come.
How to Submit a Nomination
Step 1: Complete the Recommendation Form
Step 2: Upload additional requirements in the form:
- Statement of Recommendation
- Student’s Community Involvement Summary
- Student’s photo (.jpg)
The Frank Newman Leadership Fund, established in 2004 by Frank Newman’s family and friends, supports the Newman Civic Fellows Awards. The Fund is dedicated to acknowledging and creating opportunity for emerging civic leaders. For more information about the Newman Civic Fellows Awards or to make a contribution to the Newman Fund, please contact Sue Kelman, Director of Communications, skelman {at} compact(.)org
Learn more about Frank Newman.
FAQs: Newman Civic Fellows Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do students “get”?
A: This award is primarily about the acknowledgment of student leaders working toward long-term solutions to community challenges. There is no cash award. Students receive a certificate and their photos and service abstracts will be profiled on Capmus Compact’s website, www.compact.org. All Newman Civic Fellows are invited to join a web-based network of other Fellows. We hope to build this out over time in different ways to create online and in-person networking opportunities for the group of Fellows, which will grow each year.
Q: What is “required” of students?
A: There are no requirements for participation. We hope that students take advantage of the opportunities that we can provide to connect them. This will really vary among states. Some of our 15 state Compacts may choose to convene them, involve them in student advisories, or use them as a resource to be presenters at events, conferences, etc.
Q: Do students “win” the award?
A: The award is non-competitive. Each student recommended by a president/chancellor will become a Newman Civic Fellow in the year she/he is recommended and will represent that school within the national group. Each president may recommend only one student per award year.
Q: Is there a particular period of time during which Fellows are considered Fellows, such as in the year they are named?
A: Great question. Once students are named Newman Civic Fellows, they remain so for the duration of their academic career and beyond. They may use this honor in their résumé, curriculum vitae, and elsewhere, since it represents a wonderful achievement and acknowledgement.
Q: What if we are a graduate-level only institution?
A: By all means, your students are eligible to receive the Newman Civic Fellow award. Simply nominate your best candidate, preferably a first-year graduate student.
Q: If we are a 4-year institution with graduate programs as well, who is eligible to be recommended?
A: All students are eligible. If you have a worthy first- or second-year student, then he/she should be recommended. If your best candidate is a graduate student, by all means please recommend that student.
Q: May we complete the recommendation form in hard-copy and mail it in to the Campus Compact national office?
A: No. All recommendations must be made online, through www.compact.org, and no other forms of submission will be accepted.
