The Virgil Orr Junior Faculty Award is awarded annually to a full-time junior faculty member whose research, teaching, and service are seen as significant contributions to the mission and purpose of the university. Junior faculty are:
- non-tenure track faculty, regardless of years of service;
- untenured faculty in tenure-track positions;
- at least a 9-month, full-time, non-administrative appointment;
- has responsibilities in undergraduate teaching, research, and service; and
- has not previously received this award.
Nominations and the selection of a single nominee for each college and the library are made on the basis of a vote of the entire faculty of each college and the library, respectively. Each nominee submits a five-page packet of information for review by all Faculty Senate members. These nominees are then voted on by the Faculty Senate. The award includes a plaque and a $1,500 stipend paid through the ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Foundation. The award is presented during the annual Fall meeting of the University Faculty and Staff.