RISE@WIU
PURPLE AND GOLD AWARDS
STEPS TO SUCCESS!
At the end of the academic year, the College of Arts and Sciences and respective RISE
departments will recognize students with a certificate as evidence of their
accomplishments as members of the program. Two award levels (Purple and Gold)
will be given. Students can apply for the awards every year. In order to be
recognized by the RISE@WIU program, students must complete the following
benchmarks and have a minimum 2.8 GPA.
RISE@WIU PURPLE AWARD
The RISE@WIU Purple Award is the first level of RISE awards. This recognition is
given to students in the program that complete ALL of the following benchmarks:
MEET with your mentor on a regular basis to discuss progress, results and next
steps on your research plan.
ATTEND RISE meetings once a month and attend Department Seminars.
PRESENT your research at a local conference.
OBTAIN a grant or award (e.g. RISE award or CAS Undergraduate grants).
PARTICIPATE in at least two professional development workshops (e.g. workshops
organized by the Career Development Center, School of Graduate Studies, or
RISE@WIU).
JOIN at least one student club or professional society; or provide evidence of
outreach or service.
RISE@WIU GOLD AWARD
This is the highest recognition given to students in the program that, in addition to
completing the RISE@WIU Purple Award, complete AT LEAST THREE of the
following:
PRESENT your research at a regional, national, or international conference.
FUND YOUR RESEARCH by obtaining an external grant.
OBTAIN an award for best oral or poster presentation at the Department level, WIU
or regional meeting.
RECEIVE a regional, national or international award.
PARTICIPATE IN A REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) Program.
Students must present a talk about their research experience in a RISE@WIU
monthly meeting.
PUBLISH as co-author or author in a peer-reviewed journal.
RECEIVE a letter of acceptance to professional or graduate school.
RISE@WIU PURPLE AWARD
APPLICATION FORM
To obtain this award, you must complete ALL of the following benchmarks:
DEADLINE: APRIL 24th at 12pm. Submit your application to your
department's secretary.
Student’s name:
Major(s):
Faculty Mentor:
Phone:
Email:
Department:
__________1. MEET with your mentor on regular basis to discuss progress, results
and next steps on your research plan.
Faculty Mentor's Signature: ______________________________________
Date: _________________________
__________2. ATTEND RISE meetings once a month and attend Department
Seminars.
Students are required to sign in attendance sheets at RISE and department seminars
(attach a copy of your class schedule in case of conflict).
__________3. PRESENT your research at a local conference.
Attach evidence of the presentation including cover page of the conference program
and a copy of the abstract.
__________4. OBTAIN a grant or award (e.g., RISE award, CAS Undergraduate
grants).
Attach official letter or email indicating you received the award.
__________5. PARTICIPATE in at least two professional development workshops
(e.g., workshops organized by the Career Development Center, School of
Graduate Studies, or RISE@WIU).
Provide evidence of attendance.
__________6. JOIN at least one student club or professional society; or provide
evidence of outreach or service.
Provide evidence of participation (letter of the president, confirmation email, etc).
__________7. A minimum of a 2.8 GPA
Include an official transcript with your application.
RISE@WIU GOLD AWARD APPLICATION
FORM
You need to complete all the RISE@WIU Purple Award Benchmarks and AT LEAST
THREE of the following benchmarks:
DEADLINE: APRIL 24th at 12pm. Submit your application to your
department's secretary.
Student’s name:
Major(s):
Faculty Mentor:
Phone:
Email:
Department:
Have received a RISE@WIU Purple Award? ________, Date __________________.
Are applying for both, RISE@WIU Purple and Gold Awards? _______.
Attach an official transcript with your application.
Mark all the benchmarks that you have completed:
__________1. PRESENT your research at a regional, national, or international
conference.
Attach evidence of presentation including cover page of conference program and
copy of the abstract.
___________2. FUND YOUR RESEARCH by obtaining an external grant.
Attach official letter or email indicating that you received the award.
__________3. OBTAIN an award for best oral or poster presentation at the
Department level, WIU or regional meeting.
Attach official letter, certificate, or email indicating that you received the award.
__________4. RECEIVE a regional, national or international award.
Attach official letter or email indicating that you received the award.
__________5. PARTICIPATE IN A REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates)
Program.
Attach official letter or email indicating that you received and completed an REU
program. Present your experience during a RISE meeting.
__________6. PUBLISH as co-author or author in a peer-review journal.
Include a copy of your publication.
___________7. RECEIVE a letter of acceptance to professional or graduate school.
Attach official letter or email showing acceptance to professional or graduate school.