The University of Connecticut established the UConn Spirit Awards to honor staff and faculty at our Storrs and regional campuses for stellar contributions and dedication to civility in the workplace. The goals of the UConn Spirit Awards are to:
- Build community within the University and University departments;
- Provide an opportunity for employees to be recognized for their contributions to the University, which are not specifically academic but related to teamwork and civility; and
- Create an event that acknowledges the efforts of all employees, especially staff members.
Winners will be chosen in the following categories:
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award is given to a staff member who has contributed significantly to his/her department and University community with enthusiasm, strong work ethic, superior leadership (if applicable), and reliability. This person has enhanced the UConn brand through their ideas and actions.
Criteria:
- New to UConn; and
- Must have held current position within the same department for a minimum of 6 months and less than two years at time of nomination.
Unsung Hero Award
The Unsung Hero Award is awarded to a person who is continually both a real benefit to coworkers and a stable, dependable resource for the entire University. This staff member consistently goes above and beyond, without fanfare or public recognition; fills in when and wherever needed and always performs at a high level; takes initiative to solve problems and improve work situations without being prompted; demonstrates reliability, perseverance, and focus on results. They help others by sharing knowledge of the Institution’s practices and job-related skills.
Criteria:
- Continuously goes above and beyond; and
- Performs their duties with pride.
Team Award
This honor is awarded to a department/group/team (two or more individuals) whose collaboration has demonstrated success and overall contribution to the University.
Note: If an entire department/group/team is nominated, the nomination cannot be submitted by a member within the department/group/team. Nominations may be submitted by a non-group team member.
Criteria:
- Group of two or more individuals;
- Can be from different departments/units; and
- Collaboration has positively impacted the entire University.
Outstanding Peer Award
The Outstanding Peer Award provides an opportunity for employees to recognize a peer for outstanding service in the workplace. This award exemplifies excellence in peer-to-peer assistance. The award recipient should be a faculty or staff member who motivates co-workers to continually improve, who has made a professional impact on a peer, and who shares knowledge to help peers be successful. The recipient acts as a role model, an inspiration, and a source of support in the workplace and demonstrates a dedicated interest in helping peers and/or co-workers.
Note: This category is not meant for submissions by a supervisor about a subordinate employee, or by an employee about their supervisor.
- Criteria:
• Peer, defined as one that is of equal standing to another; and
• An employee whose collegial nature has helped a peer or peers be successful.
Submit your nomination at http://spiritawards.uconn.edu/nomination-form/
For more information, contact: Cara Workman at cara.workman@uconn.edu