[Society of American Archivists](https://www2.archivists.org)

February 2027 (Nomination submission deadline; projected)

No monetary award; recognition as SAA Fellow is the Society’s highest professional honor.

Recognizes individuals for outstanding, sustained contributions and leadership within the Society of American Archivists and the archival profession.

--- ## Description The Fellow of the Society of American Archivists (SAA) is the highest honor awarded by the SAA, established in 1957 to recognize individuals who have made exceptional and sustained contributions to the organization and the archival profession. Election as a Fellow acknowledges a record of leadership, advocacy, scholarship, and service that advances the SAA’s mission and core values, including access, accountability, diversity, preservation, and social responsibility. This recognition is intended for archivists whose impact on the profession and the Society is both broad and enduring. --- ## Due Dates - February 2027 (anticipated; nomination submission deadline—projected, all nominations must be completed online by February 28) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - This is an honorary distinction; no monetary award is provided. - Recipients are recognized as SAA Fellows for life, as long as they remain members in good standing. --- ## Eligibility - Nominee must be an individual member of the Society of American Archivists in good standing for at least seven years (consecutively or non-consecutively) prior to election. - Nominee must demonstrate: - Appropriate academic education and professional/technical training relevant to archival practice. - At least seven years of professional experience in fields aligned with SAA’s objectives, with evidence of responsibility and leadership. - Significant contributions to the profession through initiative, resourcefulness, commitment, and impactful outreach, scholarship, or service. - Active participation and outstanding work within SAA, including governance, advocacy, diversity, policy development, or membership services. - Practicing archivists are the focus; those whose primary contributions are outside SAA or who are not practicing archivists may be better suited for other SAA awards. --- ## Application Process - Nominations must be submitted online by the anticipated deadline (February 28). - Any individual member, primary contact of institutional members, student member, or associate member of SAA may nominate candidates. - The nomination package must include: - A core narrative explaining how the nominee meets all required criteria. - At least three (no more than five) letters of support from individuals familiar with the nominee’s contributions (supporters need not be SAA members). - The nominee’s resume or curriculum vitae. - Nominations are reviewed by the Committee on the Selection of SAA Fellows, composed of recent past presidents and elected Fellows. - At least 75% of the committee must approve a nominee for election as Fellow. - No more than 5% of the total SAA individual membership may be elected as Fellows in any given year. --- ## Additional Information - The award is presented at the SAA Annual Meeting. - Focus is on service to SAA, though broader contributions to the archival field strengthen the case. - Letters of support should highlight the nominee’s impact and quality of contributions, not merely restate eligibility. --- ## External Links - [Program & Criteria Overview](https://www2.archivists.org/governance/handbook/section12-fellows) - [Online Nomination Form](https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/55559-Society-Of-American-Archivists) - [Sample Nomination Package (PDF)](https://www2.archivists.org/sites/all/files/Sample%20Nomination_SAA%20Fellow.pdf) - [SAA Core Values Statement and Code of Ethics](https://www2.archivists.org/statements/saa-core-values-statement-and-code-of-ethics) - [Contact SAA](https://www2.archivists.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Department/Contact | Details | |--------------------|---------| | SAA Headquarters | 17 North State Street, Suite 1425, Chicago, IL 60602-4061 | | Phone | (312) 606-0722 | | Online Contact Form| [Contact SAA](https://www2.archivists.org/contact) | | General Inquiries | Use contact form or call for guidance on Fellow nominations | ---

Fellow of the Society of American Archivists

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