Original research presented at the POD conference is eligible for the "Robert J. Menges Award for Outstanding Research in Educational Development." This recognition was established and first awarded at the 2000 POD conference in Vancouver. The award was established in recognition of Bob Menges, an honored scholar, whose long years of work and contributions to teaching and learning and faculty development in higher education can be characterized by his spirit of caring consultation, active participation, and rigorous research. Bob was a consummate mentor - challenging, guiding, and deeply involved.

It was in his nature to share what he knew and to help others find their own wisdom.

Awards are given for proposals that reflect original research, not simply implementation of an innovative program or reflection on best practices.

Research may be quantitative or qualitative, and may be based on experimental studies, participant observation, practitioner research, or other methodologies that lead to systematic investigation and evidence-based conclusions. Graduate theses and dissertations are eligible for consideration.

Up to three awards may be given per year.

If you are submitting a concurrent session (including a poster) for the annual conference presenting your original research and wish to be considered for this award, you must nominate yourself.

If you wish to nominate yourself for the award you can do so at the same time you are submitting your session on the conference database.

In order to nominate yourself you must:

Check the Menges self-nomination box. Upload a summary of the details of your research. The summary shall consist of no more than 2000 words excluding references. Tables and pictures are allowed. The summary should describe:

1. the scope of the research question

2. a literature review

3. the research design

4. the results

5. a discussion about the importance, implications, and the limitations of the work to the profession in general, and further research directions recommended.

If your session is accepted for the conference, the Menges award committee will review your application according to the following criteria:

1. Internal coherence

   1. Is the kind of research conducted appropriate to the questions studied?

   2. Does the evidence support the conclusions advocated?

   3. Are the limitations adequately taken into account?

2. Alignment with the POD Strategic Plan

3. Value to advancing the field of professional development.