Simon Award: How to Apply

Internationalization is an ongoing process in response to an ever-changing global environment and institutional priorities. The Simon Award does not require that institutions reach an “ideal” level of internationalization. Rather, the Simon Award recognizes those institutions making intentional, significant progress expanding the reach of internationalization among students, faculty and staff in the following four areas:

• Engagement
• Programmatic efforts
• Curriculum/faculty development
• Partnerships/outreach

The essay component is an opportunity to tell your institution's internationalization story and highlight the innovations and achievements. 

Be mindful of the essay word limits for each category. Additional appendices, images, links, graphs, and charts will not be accepted and will not be shared with the selection committee. Please incorporate any data into the narrative of your essay.

The following guiding questions will help in the development of your internationalization essay.

Area of Achievement: Engagement

• How does the institutional leadership participate in planning, nurturing, and growing the depth and breadth of internationalization throughout the institution?
• What is the institution doing to create an ethos that rewards internationalization as a positive good throughout the institution?
• What measures are in place to engage a cross-section of students, faculty, academic and administrative units in internationalization efforts?
• How does your internationalization strategy support inclusive initiatives at your institution?
• Does your strategic internationalization plan consider sustainable development (e.g. the UN Sustainable Development Goals)? If so, describe how and include detail on the engagement.
• How are you measuring the impact of your internationalization strategies?

Area of Achievement: Programmatic Efforts

• How does the university promote a positive campus experience for international students and scholars?
• What is the institution doing to build and/or support international enrollment management as an integral part of overall enrollment management?
• What is being done to develop programs that foster support for internationalization and are inclusive and accessible to diverse populations of students, staff, and faculty?
• How is the institution integrating learning and engagement activities that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals into international program models?
• How are you measuring the impact of your programmatic efforts?

Area of Achievement: Curriculum/Faculty Development

• What is being done to expand access to global learning opportunities to a diverse cross-section of students, and faculty?
• How are international program models integrated into the curriculum?
• What is being done to foster a global perspective among faculty and to reward and recognize faculty that engage in internationalization?
• In what ways are you supporting faculty to integrate internationalization frameworks, such as the UN Sustainable Goals, into curriculum design?
• How are you measuring the impact of your global learning efforts?

Area of Achievement: Partnerships/Outreach

• What innovative program models have been developed through partnerships that contribute to internationalization efforts?
• Provide information about successful community partnerships that support internationalization efforts.
• In what ways do your partnerships provide international opportunities for diverse groups of students, faculty and scholars?
• How has the institution developed strategic partnerships and cultivated external relations that contribute to internationalization efforts that address global challenges (such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals)?
• How are you measuring the impact of strategic partnerships?

Who do I contact if I have any further questions?

Please send us your questions using the Simon Award contact form.

My institution is based outside of the United States. Can I apply for a Simon Award?

Currently, an institution must not only be accredited in the U.S. but must also be physically located in the U.S. or its territories to be eligible for a Simon Award.

How many applications are allowed per institution?

Only one application is allowed per institution per award. If an institution is applying to both Comprehensive and Spotlight award categories, then two separate, distinct applications must be submitted by the deadline. An institution may not win both award categories in a single selection cycle.  

Do I need to be a NAFSA member to apply?

No, membership is not required. Applications from NAFSA members and nonmembers will receive equal consideration in the review process.

My institution previously received a Simon Award. Can I apply again?

Yes, depending on whether enough time has elapsed between the previous win. The eligibility requirements are as follows:

• If your institution was awarded a Simon Spotlight Award, then it is eligible for a Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization the following year or for a Spotlight Award in a different focus area after five years.
• If your institution was awarded a Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization, then it is eligible for a Simon Award, whether Comprehensive or Spotlight, after 10 years.

The new application must be distinct from the previously awarded one and should focus on programs, innovations, and achievements that have occurred since being awarded. For example, a program featured in a previous win cannot be awarded a new Spotlight award unless new innovations are demonstrated. 

How many institutions are selected in an application cycle?

Up to five Comprehensive Awards and up to three Spotlight Awards are given in an award cycle. 

When are Simon Award recipients announced?

Recipients are publicly announced each February. 

Is feedback available for non-recipient institutions?

Non-recipient institutions may request feedback from the selection committee after receiving notification of their award status. Instructions on how to request feedback are included in the notification email.