Norbert Bischof Faculty Freedom Fighter Award (NBFFF)

The Norbert Bischof Faculty Freedom Fighter Award (NBFFF) is presented to faculty leaders who have exhibited exceptional leadership skills by helping to maintain a healthy and functional system of governance or by having demonstrated exceptional courage and effectiveness in support of the adopted principles and positions of the Academic Senate.  In 2009, the Executive Committee renamed this award after the Senate’s founding father Norbert Bischof.

Nomination Process

Any member of the Executive Committee may submit a nomination to the chair of the Standards and Practices Committee for consideration. The chair of the Standards and Practices Committee will send out a reminder to all Executive Committee by January 15th that all nominations must be submitted no later than February 1st. There is no requirement that a faculty member be nominated each year.

Selection Criteria

Candidates for this award will have demonstrated skillful, effective and courageous leadership that has a lasting positive impact on the California Community Colleges,  both locally and statewide,  by supporting and strengthening the principles and values of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges. Nominees will have demonstrated determination and poise in a variety of settings, while continuing to successfully advocate for faculty, and despite facing individuals and institutions opposing their efforts.

Evaluation of Candidates

The Chair of the Standards and Practices Committee will submit an agenda item for this award no later than the March meeting of the Executive Committee. Nominees will be discussed in open session at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Executive Committee. The discussion will include a brief presentation by the nominating Executive Committee member highlighting the work of the nominee, the adversity that they nominee has faced, and the impact that their selfless advocacy has had on the California Community Colleges, both locally and statewide. Following the discussion, the Executive Committee may select a winner following a motion and a majority vote of the members present.

Award

The award recipient is recognized during the Faculty Leadership Institute and presented with a resolution and plaque.