Mertes Award for Excellence in Community College Research

Submission Criteria

• Submission of an abstract (1 to 2 pages) and an executive summary (not to exceed 20 pages) describing the research.  It is not necessary to submit the entire research document.
• The research must have been completed within the prior two years.
• The research must address specific issues of concern to California community colleges that have operational and/or policy implications that have the potential to shape the future of community colleges in California.
• The author(s) must provide written permission for ACCCA to edit and publish a summary of the research (if not already available to ACCCA members via other professional publications.)

Selection Criteria

Members of the Selection Committee will consider the following questions:

• Is the research topic of current interest?  Does it contribute to and further higher education research about California community colleges?
• Is the research of superior quality in its methodology, its completeness and clarity of style?  Is the methodology rigorous, objective, and valid?  Does the research thoroughly address and answer the question(s) posed?
• Do the research findings have action and policy implications at the institutional, community, state, regional and/or national level(s)?
• Does the research add to the reader’s understanding of the California community colleges?

To submit a nomination, complete the form and upload written evidence of these qualities along with any additional letters of support from their peers.