Up to three (3) letters of support may be provided as part of the nomination process for select Individual Award categories:

• Dr. Kent L. Gardner Award
• Jack L. Anson Award
• Dr. Robert H. Shaffer Award
• Sue Kraft Fussell Distinguished Service Award
• Gayle Webb New Professional Award

No, for any Individual Award category that asks for letters of support, they are not required to submit the nomination. However, any letters submitted are reviewed and objectively considered by the Awards & Recognition Committee if included as part of the nomination.

Anyone who can speak meaningfully to the nominee’s qualifications may write a letter of support. Writers do not need to be members of AFA or working professionally in fraternity and sorority life. When identifying letter writers, nomination coordinators should be thoughtful and intentional to select individuals who can provide specific examples aligned with the award criteria. To ensure a strong and effective letter, writers are encouraged to carefully review the criteria for the award category.

No, there is no minimum or maximum length/word count for a letter of support. Writers are encouraged to provide specific and concrete examples of how the nominee aligns with the award category criteria. 

Nomination coordinators are highly encouraged to reach out early to those who may be able to write a letter of support for an award nomination. Like letters of recommendation, letters of support can take time to write in an effective and meaningful manner. Additionally, writers may need to seek out supporting information and/or data to strengthen the effectiveness of their letter.