Editor’s note: The views expressed in the weekly columns are the views of the authors and not the organization as a whole.

As explained in one of the announcements made by Illinois Student Senate Chairman Jim Maskeri last night, the deadline for the Teaching Excellence Awards is drawing near. For the past few years, ISS has, through the Committee of Academic Affairs, sponsored an event known as the Teaching Excellence Awards. 

These are awarded to outstanding faculty instructors and teaching assistants. The teachers are awarded with a plaque and a banquet in their honor, and their names will also be placed on the list of past winners in the ISS Complex.

This event exemplifies the optimal relationship between the students, teaching assistants and faculty. By expressing gratitude and awarding those teachers who deserve it, students become closer to their instructors. Community then prospers, as life-long friendships are created, yielding teamwork and ultimately increased productivity and happiness in the University. 

I’m sure many, including myself, would give thanks to Maskeri and the Committee on Academic Affairs for spearheading and sponsoring this event for the past two years.

Each year, improvements are made in the process and the celebration for the instructors who deserve it. 

To all students who appreciate one of your instructors, please let your voices be heard this year on determining which teachers receive this prestigious honor.

The deadline for submissions by students for teachers is Jan. 27. Students can nominate an instructor at illinois.edu/fb/sec/5096495.  

Shao Guo,

vice president-internal and historian of ISS