Chance to win $1,000 through the Ricco Ethics Award | Technical Communication
October 31, 2014

Chance to win $1,000 through the Ricco Ethics Award

AWARDS

  • $1,000 will be given to each student winner in the thirteen schools and colleges of UNT.
  • There will be recognition of two alternates.
  • Award funds will be deposited into the winners' student accounts at UNT.

ELIGIBILITY

  • Minimum entrance and continuing academic performance standards in place at the school or college in effect at the time of any award
  • Full or part-time enrollment in any undergraduate or graduate degree-granting program at UNT unless the student is nearing completion of his or her degree program and does not need full-time enrollment.
  • Preference will be given to applicants completing his or her first undergraduate or graduate degree.
  • Submit an essay of no more than 1,500 words, double-spaced excluding bibliography. One of three writing manuals may be used: AP, APA and MLA. Notable research is encouraged to support an applicant's views. Optional: Students may use any UNT faculty member for guidance in this competition.
  • All participants must agree to the posting of his or her name and essay to the college's website, if declared the winner.
  • All participants must plan to enroll at UNT in fall 2015.

ESSAY TOPIC

Essays must meet the following criteria:

a) Define a pressing public problem and explain why it should be addressed from the standpoint of ethics. As you compose this argument, you must define how you understand the study of ethics and be careful not to assume that your audience is familiar with the topic. You may consider approaching this requirement from your disciplinary perspective. Specifically, you might ask: Is there an ethical problem raised in my field of study that must be addressed in a wider public forum?

b) Develop a policy that addresses the ethical problem you have selected. This policy should outline practical strategies that will help resolve the ethical problem you have defined. As you answer this question, you should consider what public forums would serve best for advancing your policy recommendation.

ESSAY FORMAT

  • In 1,000 to 1,500 words, you should identify a real, complex and interesting ethical dilemma.
  • Present at least two specific case studies that demonstrate the dilemma.
  • The essay must be the original work of the student. It should also be an unpublished work.
  • All essays must be written in English.
  • Essays should be titled and typed in double-space. Essays should have 1" margins with a 12-point readable font. Pages should be numbered.
  • Place your last name, then first name at the top right of each page of your essay.

EVALUATION

  • The dean of each school or college will appoint an academic panel of three faculty members.
  • Submissions will be reviewed by this academic panel.
  • The panel will evaluate the essays for purpose and clarity.
  • Applicants may be asked to present their papers. UNT schools and colleges have the option to request applicants make formal presentations to the panel and other invited guests.
  • The academic panel in each participating school or college will select the top essay award winner and two alternates. These top three essays will be made available on each of the websites of the schools and colleges at UNT to the student body for edification and feedback.

SUBMISSION OF MATERIALS

  • Entries will be submitted electronically to the head of the academic panel for your school.
  • Essays to be submitted must be uploaded as a PDF.
  • Submission of essay will be sent in an email stating your name, email address, a telephone number, status in school, title of essay and college in which you are enrolled at UNT.
  • No paper or hard-copy submissions will be accepted.

CONTACT