Nominate a Great Employee or Coworker for a UA Award for Excellence!

DESCRIPTION

The University Award for Excellence - Individual recognizes individual University Staff and Classified Staff for outstanding achievements. This award is based on stellar achievements and accomplishments in the position.  A minimum of 3 letters of recommendation are required. Multiple individual awards may be given during each award cycle.

CRITERIA

Nominees will be evaluated on their actions that surpass meritorious performance in their job. Please ensure that letters of support address the criteria and give at least one concrete example for each dimension. 

The following four criteria will be evaluated:

A. OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN THE WORKPLACE

This is achievement surpassing the normal job duties and how this benefits others.

Examples that constitute performance beyond expected standards include:

• Significant accomplishments in performing the duties of the position 
• Creating space for an exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives
• Identifying gaps and finding ways to initiate positive change as a result 
• Serving on a committee or team and creating opportunities for employees to improve skills and abilities
• Making special efforts to mentor others

B. EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARD EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF OPERATIONS

This includes contributions that make a measurable impact on the work environment.

Examples that contribute toward efficiency and effectiveness include:

• Developing new and creative ways to reduce waste
• Identifying ways to reconsider who is impacted by environmental pollution and offer mitigation solutions
• Improve operational efficiency Improving service to stakeholders (such as students, parents, alumni, employees)
• Being transparent and assistive regarding financial aid and other supportive resources for traditionally underrepresented stakeholders.

C. OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY AND/OR VISITORS

Outstanding service/outreach that benefits the University and/or the broader community

Examples of outstanding service include:

• Contributing to public service and outreach
• Incorporating various Tucson community centers and neighborhoods into recruitment, retention, or programmatic efforts
• Utilizing campus cultural and resource centers as service options for students, staff, and faculty
• Delivering exceptional service to University projects or on University committees

D. SPECIAL EFFORTS IN PRACTICING INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE

Making an exceptional effort to be inclusive and how this affects the work environment

Examples that contribute to the practice of Inclusive Excellence include:

• Increasing awareness of and respect for different cultures
• Being attentive to diversity and proactively being inclusive in the workplace
• Taking action to support and champion diverse populations
• Embedding diversity and inclusiveness into their work duties and responsibilities
• Supporting thought diversity to bring various perspectives into the workplace

ELIGIBILITY

• Nominee must be a benefits-eligible, Classified Staff or University Staff employee
• Nominee must not have been one of last year's recipients

NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS

• Nominations must be submitted before the deadline
• Resumes, ancillary materials, and more than five letters of recommendation will not be accepted
• Please ensure that letters of support address as many dimensions as possible, give at least one concrete example for the criteria you are highlighting
• Please limit the support letters to two pages

HOW TO NOMINATE

Nominations are submitted through the University of Arizona Competition Space. Nominations must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025 - Late or Incomplete Packets Will Not Be Accepted! 

DESCRIPTION

The Billy Joe Varney Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding performance by dedicated and committed University Staff, Classified Staff, or Appointed Professional employees who have been employed at the University for at least 15 years. A minimum of 5 letters of recommendation are required.

CRITERIA

Nominees will be evaluated on their actions that surpass meritorious performance in their job. Please ensure that letters of support address the criteria and give at least one concrete example for each dimension. 

The following criteria will be considered:

A. DEMONSTRATED EFFORTS IN PRACTICING INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE - making an exceptional effort to be inclusive and how this affects the work environment

Examples that contribute to the practice of Inclusive Excellence include:

• Increasing awareness of and respect for different cultures
• Being attentive to diversity and proactively being inclusive in the workplace
• Creating space for an exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives
• Identifying gaps in your area and finding ways to initiate positive change as a result
• Taking action to support and champion diverse populations
• Supporting thought diversity to bring various perspectives into the workplace
• Making special efforts to mentor others
• Embedding diversity and inclusiveness into their work duties and responsibilities supporting thought diversity to bring various perspectives into the workplace

B. SERVICE TO THE UNIVERSITY – providing service/outreach and how this impacts others

Examples that constitute service to the University include:

• Making a significant contribution to the success of the entire University and the University community
• Acting as a competent and knowledgeable resource to students and employees
• Identifying ways to reconsider who is impacted by environmental pollution and offer mitigation solutions

C. SERVICE TO UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES – reaching out to employees/students 

Examples that constitute service to university employees include:

• Leading in making the University an exceptional workplace for employees
• Taking action to protect and champion diverse populations
• Being transparent and assistive regarding financial aid and other supportive resources for traditionally underrepresented stakeholders.

D. SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY – providing outstanding service/outreach and impacting the larger community

Examples that constitute service to the community include:

• Disseminating and applying knowledge gained from research and instructional activities to the broader community
• Delivering exceptional community service as a University employee
• Incorporating various Tucson community centers and neighborhoods into recruitment, retention, or programmatic efforts
• Utilizing campus cultural and resource centers as service options for students, staff, and faculty

ELIGIBILITY

• Nominee must be a benefits-eligible Classified Staff or University Staff employee
• Nominee must have at least fifteen (15) cumulative years of employment at the University in any employment category
• Nominees are eligible to receive this award only once in their career - see past winners

NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS

• Nominee must merit special recognition for a career of dedicated service to the University, its employees, and the community
• Nominations must be submitted before the deadline
• Please ensure that letters of support address as many dimensions as possible, giving at least one concrete example for the criteria you are highlighting

HOW TO NOMINATE

Nominations are submitted through the University of Arizona Competition Space. Nominations must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025 - Late or Incomplete Packets Will Not Be Accepted! 

DESCRIPTION

The Team Award for Excellence is designed to recognize outstanding team achievement. Both functional working teams and project-oriented teams will be considered. A minimum of 3 letters of recommendation are required.

DEFINITION OF A TEAM

A team is defined for the purposes of nominations as a group of two or more, primarily comprised of University Staff, Classified Staff, Service Professionals and/or Academic Service Professionals. Team members should be committed to a common purpose, share specific collaborative performance goals, and hold each other mutually accountable.

Please ensure that letters of support address the three criteria and give at least one concrete example for each dimension.

CRITERIA

Nominees will be evaluated on their actions that surpass meritorious performance in their job. The following criteria will be considered.

A. EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARD EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF OPERATIONS – setting high standards and achieving great goals and how this affects others

Examples that contribute toward efficiency and effectiveness include:

• Developing new and creative ways to reduce waste or improve operational efficiency
• Improving service to stakeholders (such as students, parents, alumni, employees)

B. OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY AND/OR VISITORS – providing service/outreach in addition or outside of normal team duties and how this impacts others

Examples of outstanding service include:

• Contributing to public service and outreach
• Delivering exceptional service to University projects or on committees
• Incorporating various Tucson community centers and neighborhoods into recruitment, retention, or programmatic efforts
• Utilizing campus cultural and resource centers as service options for students, staff, and faculty

C. SPECIAL EFFORTS IN PRACTICING INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE – making an exceptional effort to be inclusive and how this creates a better work environment

Examples that contribute to improving sensitivity to and implementation of diversity include:

• Increasing awareness of and respect for different cultures
• Being attentive to diversity and proactively being inclusive in the workplace
• Taking action to support and champion diverse populations
• Embedding diversity and inclusiveness into their work duties and responsibilities supporting thought diversity to bring various perspectives into the workplace

ELIGIBILITY

• Employees in the team must be benefits eligible

NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS

• Nominations must be submitted before the deadline
• Resumes, ancillary materials, and more than three letters of recommendation will not be accepted

The application for nominating a team will request the following information.

• Identify how the project/work supported the mission of your unit, department, or the UA
• Define the project/work, its timeline and identify its goals/objectives
• Define the steps taken to reach goals or milestones
• Explain the group’s dynamics
  • Examples: how did the team communicate internally, make decisions, assign tasks, distribute workload, interact with management, handle conflict, etc.
• Describe how the team measured progress
• Describe the results of the team’s efforts, clearly detailing the achievements of the team that exceeded the stated goals/objectives

HOW TO NOMINATE

Nominations are submitted through the University of Arizona Competition Space. Nominations must be submitted by - DEADLINE - 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025 - Late or Incomplete Packets Will Not Be Accepted! 

DESCRIPTION

The “Center”, "Department", or “Institute” Award for Excellence will be presented to a single organizational unit in recognition of its outstanding excellence in the management of its people and resources. The awarded Center/Department/Institute will receive a commemorative plaque. Required materials are a nomination letter and three (3) support letters.

DEFINITION OF A CENTER/DEPARTMENT/UNIT 

A “center”, "department", or “institute” encompass one or several functions/programs and activities which are typically assigned to a principal who reports to a dean, assistant/associate vice-president, vice-president, or president. Such principals typically hold the position of dean, director, or department head.

CRITERIA

A. CULTURE OF PROMOTING A SATISFYING WORK ENVIRONMENT – building an inclusive and productive workplace 

Examples include:

• Ensures respect for all center/department/unit members
• Fosters an environment of diversity and inclusion
• Supports a culture of engagement
• Encourages and accepts the need for a balance between life and work commitments
• Takes action to support and champion diverse populations
• Embeds diversity and inclusiveness into the work duties and responsibilities
• Supports thought diversity to bring various perspectives into the workplace

B. LEADERSHIP IN CREATING AND SUSTAINING A DYNAMIC AND ENGAGING WORKPLACE – crafting an exceptional and extraordinary center/department/unit and how this is observed

Examples include:

• Creates and reinforces an environment of innovation, empowerment, participation, and knowledge-sharing
• Establishes, communicates, and deploys organizational values based on a compelling and inclusive vision
• Supports professional development
• Addresses workplace health and safety
• Creates opportunities for success and recognition for traditionally underserved or entry level employees, or those employed 3-years and under
• Recognizes and awards the contributions of employees
• Resolves grievances and conflicts

C. ENVIRONMENT OF HIGH PERFORMANCE – setting high standards and achieving great goals and how this is impacting the workplace

Examples include:

• Sets directions and communicates values and performance expectations
• Prioritizes equitable and inclusive practices to encourage diversity of thought and perspective
• Uses performance metrics to help improve efficiency and effectiveness
• Promotes cooperation and collaboration, individual initiative, and innovation
• Considers cultural competence to be a critical part of the growth and development of a unit
• Aligns resources with the center/department/units’s strategic plan

NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS

• Nominations must address the three (3) criteria themes listed below
• Nominations must be signed and submitted by the department head or responsible administrator
• Nominations must be submitted before the deadline

HOW TO NOMINATE

Nominations are submitted through the University of Arizona Competition Space. Nominations must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025 - Late or Incomplete Packets Will Not Be Accepted!