Interested in volunteering? Fill out the Alumni Volunteer Interest Form!
Grinnell Prize
Alumni Volunteer FAQs
There are three positions:
Reviewer. We need alumni to review and rate nomination essays. Reviewers help identify the most promising nominations and help select a more reasonable number of nominations for further consideration by the Selection Committee. Each nomination will be reviewed by at least three reviewers consisting of one alumnus/alumna, one student, and one faculty/staff. The number of alumni needed to review will depend on the number of nominations received that year. In 2011, over 1,000 nominations were submitted and 50 alumni, 50 students and 50 faculty/staff reviewed nominations. Time commitment: minimal (3-5 hours during the last two weeks of November, 2012).
Researcher. We need two types of researchers: (i) those with expertise in a particular field (e.g., agriculture, start-up ventures, international education, renewable energy), and (ii) those residing in or near where a nominee's work is performed or has had an impact. Research will be conducted on nominations that will be considered further by the Selection Committee. For example, alumni researchers can use their expertise to inform the Selection Committee of whether a nominee's work is truly innovative in his or her field; or, for those alumni researchers residing in or near a location where a nominee or nominee's organization is working, perform on-site visits to nominees and observe their work for the Selection Committee. Among the 2011 nominees, 66 countries were represented. The College's alumni also come from all over the world. An alumnus or alumna who lives in the community where a nominee is working can provide invaluable insight into whether a nominee is making a difference in that community. Time commitment: minimal to moderate (depends on what type of research or follow-up is needed, occurs during the spring semester).
Selection Committee Member. Every year, at least one alumnus or alumna is a member of the Selection Committee (made up of 10-11 members, including the chair). Members are chosen for the expertise they bring and invited to serve by President Kington. Committee members review the most promising nominations, including supplemental information that is requested of the nominees, and conduct additional research. Time commitment: significant (evaluation of the most promising nominations occurs during the spring semester).
No. Depending on the amount of interest and need, the College will stagger participation so that all who indicate interest will get a chance to be involved. Once you fill out the form, the College will keep your information/interests active for the 2013 Grinnell Prize cycle and all subsequent Prize years. Don't worry. This just means the College will email you with information about future Prize opportunities and news; there's no obligation. You can always respond to Prize messages by asking to be taken off the listserv.
Yes, and any other information you feel would be relevant.
If you are nominated for or if you nominate another individual for the Grinnell Prize, you will be ineligible to assist with the Grinnell Prize during the year for which you have been nominated or are the nominator. Volunteers must agree to and comply with the College's conflict of interest and confidentiality terms, follow the Prize Coordinator's or other designated agent's instructions, and have reliable internet and email access.
Your contribution will be noted by President Kington, and faculty and staff involved with the Grinnell Prize. The Selection Committee will be meeting on campus in April to make its final decision on prize recipients. On that day, volunteers who assisted in the review process will be invited to a reception with the Selection Committee so that everyone can meet one another, you can be thanked for your participation, and we can celebrate the award and the coming conclusion of the selection process.
