Staff Recognition

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to recognize a Penn State University staff person who demonstrates integrity, respect, and excellence in all aspects of their position.

Criteria

Candidates being nominated for the Staff Excellence Award should exemplify the University values. The nomination narrative and supporting documentation should feature specific examples that: a) illustrate how the individual demonstrates these values, and b) describe the impact of excellence. 

• Integrity - Behaves in an honest and ethical manner; demonstrates accountability; identifies problems; gathers facts in order to make ethical decisions.

• Respect - Demonstrates recognition and respect for differences while also ensuring that all individuals feel valued and supported; embraces all perspectives; shows regard for traditions, abilities and attributes of others

• Responsibility - Demonstrates professionalism; seeks opportunities for professional development to deepen their professional contribution to the organization; works independently

• Discovery - Embraces shared learning opportunities in the event of failure; fosters creativity to identify solutions that amplify impact

• Excellence - Is a high performer who conceptualizes and capitalizes on opportunities for excellence; takes initiative to improve processes and/or procedures

• Community - makes outstanding contributions to the university community both internally and across other units

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to recognize a Penn State University staff person who demonstrates enthusiasm and optimism in order to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment for all. 

Criteria

Candidates being nominated for the Staff Morale Award should exemplify the University values. The nomination narrative and supporting documentation should feature specific examples that: a) illustrate how the individual demonstrates these values, and b) describe the impact on others. 

• Integrity - Leads with enthusiasm; fosters respectful & cooperative work climate; demonstrates accountability; makes ethical decisions
   
• Respect - Recognizes potential within others; values the opinions of others; practices active listening
   
• Responsibility - Considered trustworthy by peers; acts in an honest, optimistic and ethical manner
   
• Discovery - Encourages others to engage and/or take ownership; promotes creativity
   
• Excellence - Provides excellent customer service; goes the 'extra mile' to support and share guidance to improve the work community and/or culture
   
• Community - Works to create a culture that is safe and inclusive; motivates others to coalesce around institutional goals

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to recognize a Penn State University staff person who demonstrates excellence in leadership and serves as a positive role model for others.

Criteria

Candidates being nominated for the Staff Leadership Award should exemplify the University values. The nomination narrative and supporting documentation should feature specific examples that: a) illustrate how the individual demonstrates these values, and b) describe the overall impact of the nominee’s leadership competencies.

• Integrity - Works alongside team to "get the job done"; leads by example, practices "we not me"; demonstrates honesty, and consistently role models uncompromising principles and values
   
• Respect - Focuses on the team; listens and learns from others; inspires performance; supports others
   
• Responsibility - Recognizes natural talents in team members and provides opportunities to develop them; exhibits ownership and effective problem-solving skills; upholds professional behavior and standards
   
• Discovery - Promotes the growth of others; creates a supportive environment where setbacks are viewed as steps in learning; shows initiative and resourcefulness
   
• Excellence - Identifies ways to refine methods and practices to benefit the unit/college/university; takes initiative beyond regular duties to contribute
   
• Community - Builds connections within the organization and across university departments; acts as a mentor; participates in college/department and/or university committees