Ethics re: asking to be nominated for an award?

Post date: 2020-01-24 12:48:41

Tell me what you think about the ethics of asking a former student to nominate me for a teaching award?

I teach at a major university, and I pour my heart and soul into teaching. There is a call for nomination for university-wide teaching awards. I am early in my career and something like this would make a big difference, and I would like a shot at it.

I know (from unsolicited emails, teach evaluation comments, conversations) that many of my former students loved my classes, and would be willing to nominate me. I also know that they don't pay attention to calls like this. Would it be unethical of me to draw their attention to the call for nomination? and to gently welcome nominations? Or perhaps suggesting that they could nominate anyone they wish?

The former students I'd contact are no longer in my course and are not my advisee (i.e. I do not have any power over them), but I still worry that this would be coercive in subtle ways.

Please share your thoughts!

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