Mark of Excellence Nominee Hub

Mark of Excellence Logo in Black

Key Dates

  • July 27: Deadline to purchase nominations without a late fee.

  • July 31: Deadline to purchase nominations with a late fee.

  • August 16: Deadline to submit application questionnaire in OpenWater.

  • August 17 - August 29: Finalist interviews.
  • October 24: Mark of Excellence Awards Ceremony at Sycuan Casino Resort

Submission Method

All responses must be submitted directly into the OpenWater platform. The OpenWater Answer Box has a character limit, so participants should ensure their responses fit within this constraint.

Review the written questions in advance to thoughtfully prepare your responses.

Submit Your Application >

Download Application Questions >


Guidance on AI Usage

Participants may use AI tools to assist in drafting their responses. If AI was used in any part of the response, participants must explicitly state that AI was utilized. 

Nominee Responsibility

It is the nominee’s responsibility to ensure that all questions are answered before submitting. Once answers are submitted, they cannot be edited or reentered. Nominees should review their responses carefully before clicking the submit button. 

Extended Submission Time & Fees

If additional time is needed beyond the initial deadline, nominees may request an extension for a few additional days at a cost of $25 per nomination. Fee must be prepaid, no invoicing available. 

Final Submission & Deadline Enforcement

All nominations will be submitted on the last day, regardless of completion status. Nominees must ensure they have completed all responses before the deadline. Once submitted, no further changes will be possible. If a nominee needs their submission reopened after it has been submitted, there is a $40 fee per request. 

Example

  • If a nominee requests to reopen their submission once, they will be charged $40. 

  • If they request to reopen their submission twice, they will be charged $40 per request, totaling $80. 

  • Each additional request will continue to incur a $40 fee per instance.


Judging Criteria

The evaluation of nominations will be based on specific scoring criteria. Nominees should carefully review the scoring criteria to understand how their responses will be assessed.

View Judging Criteria >

SCRHA Room Block

Want to stay the night? Click here to access the private hotel room block at a discounted rate for Mark of Excellence attendees only. 
Contact the Events Team or call 858.278.8070 with any questions or concerns.