Outstanding Staff Award

The Outstanding Staff Award was created to recognize and honor exceptional dedication and outstanding contributions by staff members in the Division of Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences, and Cooperative Extension (ALVSCE). Staff represent three-quarters of the employees in ALVSCE and are significant contributors to the overall mission delivery and success of the division. 

Recipients of the Outstanding Staff Awards represent individuals who, through their actions, go above and beyond their role. Awards in the amount of $1,000 each will be given semi-annually to deserving winners with a maximum of four recipients annually. Individual plaques will be presented at the Spring and/or Fall Awards Celebration. A master plaque located in the Forbes 3rd Floor Lobby contains the names of all past winners. 

How to nominate a peer

Who can be nominated?

Any non-probationary ALVSCE University Staff or Classified Staff member (collectively referred to as Staff), irrespective of length of service to the division who has not received the award in the past fiscal year, can be nominated. Preference is given to staff members who have not received the award before.

Who can nominate?

Nomination of candidates for the ALVSCE Outstanding Staff Award may be made by any administrative head, faculty, staff or student in the Division of Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences, and Cooperative Extension. 

Preparing your nomination

It is incumbent on the nominator to do a particularly compelling and thorough job of documenting the nominees attributes. Include at least three but no more than five letters of support not to exceed one page per letter. 

Information to be Provided in the Nominating Packet:  

1. Name of nominee
2. Internal signed narrative statements of the individual's exceptional contributions in any or all of the following areas: (2-4 categories acceptable) achievement on the job (ability in performing duties that is above and beyond position expectations)
   • Assistance to students, faculty or visitors to ALVSCE
   • Contribution towards the effectiveness and efficiency of ALVSCE operations 
   • Efforts in staff development or diversity and inclusion
   • Participation in University-related activities or committees
3. If applicable, non-university affiliates may provide letters of support in addition to the minimum of three letters of support.

ALVSCE Staff Council will select the award recipient based on the nomination materials submitted to them. Staff Council, at its sole discretion, may choose to not award any recipient if nominating criteria were not met.

Suggested Award Criteria

These criteria address employee achievements that have an impact primarily at the unit level: 

Outstanding Achievement on the Job 

Actions that constitute performance beyond expected standards, such as: 

• Producing high quality of work over an extended period of time 

• Producing high quantity of work over an extended period of time 

• Giving extra effort to complete a job or handle a heavier workload 

• Filling in when unit is short-staffed 

• Volunteering for and working on special projects 

• Serving on a committee and contributing to its success 

Exceptional Contributions towards the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Operations 

Actions that contribute to the maximum utilization of departmental resources, such as: 

• Integrating information or equipment for more efficient/effective use 

• Developing new work methods that reduce waste or stretch resources 

• Eliminating unnecessary actions or steps for delivering service 

• Making creative suggestions that save time/money 

Outstanding Service to Other Employees or Visitors 

Actions that are especially helpful or make a good impression on others, such as: 

• Doing things for others that are beyond job requirements 

• Performing in an exceptionally courteous and cooperative manner 

• Being so helpful that others write letters of appreciation 

Special Efforts in Promoting Workforce Diversity 

Actions that contribute to improving sensitivity to and implementation of diversity and inclusion, such as: 

• Increasing awareness of and respect for all people

• Creating a culture of inclusion and belonging

• Taking affirmative steps to achieve institutional diversity and inclusion goals in the workplace 

Distinguished Efforts in Staff Development/Recognition 

Actions that help provide employees with opportunities to learn and to be rewarded, such as: 

• Making special efforts to recognize excellence in others 

• Creating extra opportunities to improve skills and abilities 

• Contributing to an exceptionally supportive, team-oriented environment