Improvements to the Dean's List. Your Ideas?

[Libby K]

Originally Posted by ebarker

Libby,

This past year it transformed into a university talent identification recruitment thing that telegraphs the value of FIRST to the public, by universities being attracted to FIRST talent.

I don't care to debate the merits here in this thread but it clearly needs to be decided what the goals are. For all practical purposes, seniors are sidelined in regards to national DL recognition. The numbers clearly state that, 90% in St. Louis.

It wouldn't hurt to involve university admission directors in the conversation if the goal is talent identification, especially considering the current structure is in part about universities validating the public value of FIRST, in addition to validating the desirability of DL students.

I am honestly failing to see evidence of the idea that the perspective has shifted. From my seat at the Dean's List Ceremony, it looked like colleges were taking notice of the Dean's List Finalists, from the speeches I'd heard. Not that the award had been rewritten to serve those guests of FIRST.

I'm looking for clarification here. (Like I said in my last post, one of my jobs this week with having the winners up here is to help improve the Dean's List Award...) Is the encouragement of juniors to apply (because of the benefits it can have) really tainting the image of the award? I am being 100% honest when I say I don't understand.

I've written several nominations and I write for juniors that I know are going to continue to be shining leaders in their senior year, because of the advantages winning the award can bring them at that point in their high school career. And then next year, when they're seniors? I nominate a new junior who's an upcoming leader as well. I don't consider it a slight to the seniors at all. Am I the only person with this perspective?

I'd love to hear more on this, because it will really help with my perspective as we continue to develop the Dean's List Award.