What are the benefits of being selected to be a UCGIS Fellow?

1. Recognition as a leader in the geographic information science and technology profession, as someone who has attained distinction, has made an ongoing commitment to this profession, and supports UCGIS’s leadership role within the profession.

2. Fellows will be honored and recognized during the annual UCGIS Symposium during a reception, and awarded with a plaque. Press releases are sent to all newly elected Fellows to distribute at their discretion and pleasure.
3. Increased professional visibility as a UCGIS Fellow, with a bio and picture maintained on the UCGIS website.
4. The Fellows, as a group, have opportunities to provide advice and direction to the UCGIS organization and also the opportunity to champion special projects in consultation with the UCGIS leadership.

Is there a Nomination Form?

There is no Nomination Form, but a signed nomination letter is required. The nomination letter should make the case for why a particular individual should be honored with the UCGIS Fellow designation.

Are handwritten documents acceptable?

Handwritten documents will not be accepted.

What is the Application Deadline?

Monday April 19, 2024, for Fellows to be inducted in June 2024. This deadline will not be extended.

Are faxed documents acceptable?

Faxes are not acceptable.

What is the mailing address to send in documents?

All submissions must be made electronically. Please send to UCGIS Director, Amy Rock ([email protected])

Can I nominate myself?

Self-nomination is not permitted.

Can I nominate my current employer / supervisor / dissertation advisor?

These types of nominations are not encouraged. However, there are many special circumstances where it may become necessary. Therefore, we encourage the nominator to have a preliminary conversation with Harlan Onsrud ([email protected]) to discuss the specific nomination before beginning work.

How are the Fellows selected?

Fellows are selected through a review and voting process. The selection committee consists of current Fellows plus the UCGIS Executive Committee (President, immediate Past President, and President-Elect). Details of the process are available here.

When will the announcement of newly elected Fellows be made?

Elected Fellows and their nominators will be notified by the UCGIS President or its Executive Director in mid- to late March.  

The formal announcements and recognition will occur at the annual UCGIS Symposium.

Is the a limit to the number of new Fellows that may be recommended each year? 

Typically, no more than two (2) Fellows will be selected in any given year. For 2023, 2024, and 2025, the UCGIS Board has indicated that up to (3) three Fellows may be selected.

The guidelines above are the current UCGIS policy. These guidelines may be modified by the UCGIS Board of Directors in future years.