Life Membership

Life Membership is awarded each year to NAFSAns in recognition of their career achievements in advancing the goals of the Association and of international education and exchange. Individuals become eligible for nomination at the time of their retirement from professional responsibilities in the field of international education. Life Membership is not automatically granted to members who attain emeritus status.

Criteria Used to Select Nominees

To be considered for Life Membership, a nominee must have been a NAFSA member for at least 20 years and have retired from professional responsibilities.

Nominees must have documented achievements in the following areas:

• Election or appointment to multiple NAFSA national leadership positions
• Important and lasting contributions to the field of international education and exchange over the duration of their career
• National recognition in the field of international education
• Positive influence on the lives or careers of participants or professionals in the field

Nomination Procedures

The primary nominator must be a NAFSA member. Nominations must present clear evidence of the nominee's achievements in the areas mentioned above. Nominations must be supported by a minimum of three additional letters, each from an individual representing a different institution, organization, and/or NAFSA region and each addressing a different perspective on the nominee's accomplishments. The additional letters must all be from NAFSA members. Current members of the NAFSA Board of Directors, Membership Committee, Awards Subcommittee, and NAFSA staff are not eligible for consideration. Individuals may not self-nominate. Current members of the Membership Committee, Awards Subcommittee, and NAFSA staff are not eligible to nominate. The nomination process is confidential. Multiple Life Memberships may be offered each year, subject to Award Subcommittee recommendation and Board approval.

Please note that nominations that do not comply with the award criteria or nomination procedures will not be considered.