Mel Pollner Prize for Best Term Paper

The Mel Pollner Prize for Best Term Paper was established to award $500 to a Sociology student for the best research paper or critical essay completed within the past calendar year.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be a currently enrolled Sociology major at the time of application
• Have completed a research paper or critical essay in one of the following quarters: Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Fall 2025, or Winter 2026
• Paper may be from any Sociology course (including SOC 199)

Application Instructions:
Upload a PDF copy of the paper, including a cover page with the following information:

• Student name
• Paper title
• Course number and title
• Quarter completed

A nomination letter from a faculty member or teaching assistant is required and must be based on the specific paper submitted. The nomination letter must include:

• Student’s name
• Course number, title, and quarter
• Paper title
• A statement describing the notable strengths of the paper