Depending on the award, recipients are recognized for professional achievements or service to the Society. STC awards individuals for both their professional achievements and their work at the Society and chapter levels. The Distinguished Chapter Service Awards acknowledge the work of chapter members who provide exemplary service to the Society through their dedication to the chapter and its activities. The Frank R. Smith outstanding journal article award recognizes the authors of exceptional articles that appeared in the Society journal, Technical Communication, during the previous calendar year. Since 1966, STC has paid tribute to the authors whose contributions have made Technical Communication one of the most highly respected journals devoted to the arts and sciences of technical communication.
Judges base their decisions on the content and form of the presentations.
Content is judged on the degree to which it represents contributions to new knowledge, new perspectives, or practical communication applications or techniques. The Jay R. Gould Award for excellence in teaching technical communication honors the distinguished teaching career of Professor Gould, whose academic mentorship of technical communication students guided many men and women into the profession. To be eligible for the award, a nominee must have been a member of the Society for Technical Communication for ten years and must have been involved in post-secondary education for at least fifteen years. The president's award is given by the STC president to an individual or organization that, in the opinion of the outgoing president, is deserving of recognition. It is given at the discretion of the president, and may not be given every year.