Ivory Awards for Advancing Student Success Program Details 

Building on the effective model of monetary awards for faculty and students at the U, the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation in collaboration with Undergraduate Studies(US) has launched a new, exciting program aimed to motivate and reward those on the student success front lines—Academic Advisors, Student Success Coaches, and Career Success Coaches, who all play a critical role in supporting students as they navigate the U.  

Designed to: 

• Encourage excellence in student success work within the Navigate Hubs 

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in student success across the U 

• Provide recognition and financial incentives to top-performing student success professionals 

• Strengthen community and teamwork through celebrations within the student success professional community  

• Celebrate and acknowledge the work of, and dedication to, student success

---

The Details 

There are two tiers of incentives, both designed to encourage and reward engagement with students. There will also be a one-day professional development opportunity on campus for all advisors and coaches.

---

First Tier 

All academic advisors, student success coaches, and career success coaches can work toward a $500 award. Performance metrics include: 

• Days active in Navigate  

• Actions taken (i.e., clicks) in Navigate 

• Completion of Appointment Summaries (i.e., “Notes”) in Navigate

---

Second Tier 

All participants can submit a simple nomination application (self-nominations encouraged) to compete for a restorative getaway celebration event at a local resort in Fall 2025.  

The nomination application will be available in late Summer 2025 and will include additional metrics not part of the first tier. Applications will be reviewed based on: 

• Documented commitment to student success  

• Student feedback/surveys, and documented commitment to professional development 

• Letters of recommendation, including those from students 

 A committee made up of US Board of Advocates, community members, and others will review the applications. 

• There will be 15 getaway celebration awardees. 

• All applicants will be evaluated on performance from January 6-May 15. 

• Both tiers of awards will be announced at a celebration in early September.

---

Professional Development 

An annual professional development experience will be provided for advisors, career coaches, and student success coaches. The event will: 

• Celebrate and recognize the hard work those on the student success front line 

• Provide learning opportunities with breakout sessions, panels, and keynote speaker(s)

• Create space for overall team planning and brainstorming for the future