The new distinguished achievement award for graduate students is an award that recognizes one outstanding graduate student who is a NCWSS student member. This award will be given to a graduate student who is actively involved in the society, as well as contributor to the field of weed science through extension, research, and teaching.

Criteria for the award:

    a.) Must be currently enrolled as a student or have graduated no more
           than 12 months prior to the annual meeting

    b.) Students will be judged on involvement in NCWSS and other
           activities in weed science such as: extension, teaching, research
           publications and other presentations of research, academic
           records, and honors and awards

    c.) A nomination letter from the nominator and two letters of support.
           One letter of support should be from another faculty member and
           one from a fellow graduate student.

Nominator's Responsibility:

The nominator will submit a package that will consist of a nomination form, materials listed below, a letter from the nominator, and two letters of support. One letter of support should be from a faculty member, department head, or teaching mentor and the second from a fellow graduate student.

Nomination Package:

    a) Nomination Form

    b) Transcripts

    c) Thesis abstract (up to 300 words)

    d) C.V. – Containing a listing of publications both peer reviewed and
           non-peer reviewed, honors and awards, research, and outreach
           through teaching and extension

    e) Letters of Support - A one page statement of the nominee's
           contributions to weed science through teaching, research, and            extension that will follow the guidelines given in this document

Selection Process:

    a) The Distinguished Achievement Awards Committee will review the
           applicants and select up to four finalists for the award.

    b) Finalists for the award will be interviewed prior to the annual meeting

    c) Completed electronic nominations should be sent to;

Mick Holm; Chair of Awards Committee;
Mick.f.Holm@usa.dupont.com

The nomination Package and letters of support should confer the nominee's abilities as they relate to the topics below which will be basis for evaluation.

Research

    - Acceptance by associates
    - Knowledge of weed science field and
       research topic
    - Willing to help others in research group
    - Guidence/leadership (in group or other
        associations)

Coursework

    - GPA
    - Weed Science Coursework
    - Well rounded course plan

Activities in NCWSS

    - Presentations/Posters
    - Committee/Office positions

Education/Extension/Presentation

    - Effective Communicator
    - Enthusiasm
    - Ability to teach or present
        (courses/labs/extension)