STAFF AWARDS

There are two annual Distinguished Service Awards. One is designed to recognize an individual staff member for consistent excellence, exceptional performance and service to the University community. The second award honors a group of individuals who, as a team, completes a special work project or activity during the fiscal year. The work project or activity cannot be a day to day activity of the department or of its team members. This team must have representation from at least two offices; employees from a single work unit are not eligible.

Selection Criteria

Awards will be given based upon the extent to which the nominee (individual or team) meets the following three criteria:

Consistent Excellence
Those who, day in and day out, demonstrate excellence in their attitude and performance.  Some examples: 

• Interacts with others in a positive, enthusiastic and cheerful manner  
• Commands the respect of co-workers, supervisor, students and others  
• Assists others with both personal and professional challenges that impact work life  
• Demonstrates extensive knowledge and competence in a wide array of work related topics  
• Uses knowledge and expertise to troubleshoot/solve problems quickly  
• Handles a large workload effectively and in a timely fashion  
• Acts as a team player and encourages teamwork in others  
• Exhibits a high degree of professionalism

Exceptional Performance
Those who demonstrate exceptional performance, above and beyond the call of duty and/or completed a task with a high level of excellence. Some examples:

• Accepts responsibilities and performs duties above and beyond what is normally expected  
• Works extra hard to help complete a critical work project(s)  
• Plays a key role in remedying a crisis or an emergency 
• Provides services which are outside the scope of normal work duty  
• Completes challenging tasks with little direction or supervision 

Villanova Community
Those who perform an activity which significantly enhances our sense of community or fosters a community spirit. Some examples:

• Serves on University committees that promote the department/University and its staff and students
• Acts as a mentor for others by providing advice, guidance, feedback, and encouragement
• Helps to integrate new employees or supervisors into the work environment
• Shares personal knowledge and skills with others in an effort to promote the welfare of staff and students
• Serves as a positive role model for others 

Eligibility

Previous award winners or nominees, either individual or team, along with current individual nominees are eligible to be included in a work team nomination.  An individual may be a member of several nominated teams.

Individual Award
All full-time and part-time staff employees (excluding Vice Presidents, Associate Vice Presidents, Assistant Vice Presidents, Executive Directors, Deans, and all other individuals who directly report to the President's Office) who have at least two years of service by the nomination deadline are eligible. Retirees may be eligible if they were employed during the fiscal year, June 1 through May 31. Employees who have previously received this award are not eligible, however, individuals previously nominated who did not win are eligible with the submission of a current nomination packet. A list of past winners will be updated annually. Faculty and student employees or work study students are ineligible for this award.

Team Award
In the spirit of community and commitment to quality improvement, work teams are also eligible for a special team award. A team may be comprised of any two or more community members (including all full-time and part-time staff, students and faculty) who work as a team to complete a special work project or activity during a fiscal year. This team must have representation from at least two offices: employees from a single work unit are not eligible. The work project or activity cannot be a day to day activity of a department or of its team members.

Nomination Process

Nominations and letters of support may be submitted by any member of the campus community (administrators, staff, faculty or students) throughout the course of the year. Nominations must be made and completed using the online form by the posted deadline each year. 

The completed nomination package will be reviewed by Human Resources and placed in each nominees' personnel file.  Human Resources will verify that the nominated employee is in good standing with the University. NOTE: A Villanova employee may nominate or write a letter of support for only one person or one team.

Selection Process

All nominees will be judged in comparison to all other nominees for the current fiscal year. Examples and achievements will only be considered if they are related to work in the department and/or at the University. Each committee member will use a ten-point scale to rate the nominees based on the Nomination Statement. Letters of support will then be reviewed. An average score will be developed for each nominee. A run-off vote will then be conducted with the top three scorers to determine the awardee who will be recommended to the President. The President will approve all awards.

Award and Recognition

One individual award and one team award may be given in each fiscal year. Where there are no outstanding candidates, no awards will be given.

All award winners will be invited to the annual Staff Awards luncheon.

Each Individual Award winner will receive $1,500 and a plaque. In addition, awardees will have their names inscribed on a permanent plaque prominently displayed on campus.

Each Team Award winner will receive an award certificate and be invited to a lunch with the President. In addition, each department represented on the team will be given a plaque with the team name and members listed. The team name will also be inscribed on a permanent plaque for display at the University.

The Work Process Improvement Award is designed to recognize those individuals or teams who have made suggestions which result in meaningful work process improvements and/or work redesigns.

Selection Criteria

The award will be given for suggestions which have been adopted at Villanova University. The improved processes must meet at least two of the following four criteria:

• Enhances the quality of services provided by the University
• Increases operational efficiency
• Generates revenue
• Generates a documentable cost savings

Eligibility

All Villanova University faculty, staff and students (full-time and part-time) are eligible. Teams of up to four individuals may be nominated to receive the award.  An individual/team may not receive an award more than once per fiscal year.

Nomination Process

Any Villanovan may nominate themselves or others by completing the nomination form. Nominations must be made by posted the deadline each year. 

Selection Process

The Staff Awards Committee will review the nominations received by using the above criteria as a guideline. If the committee requires additional information, the nominator will be contacted. 

Award and Recognition

One individual and one team award may be given in each fiscal year. Where there are no outstanding candidates, no awards will be given.

All award winners will be invited to the annual Staff Awards luncheon.

Each Individual Award winner will receive an award certificate and $100 credited to their Villanova University Nova Bucks debit account.

Each Team Award winner will receive an award certificate and the $100 award will be divided equally among the members' Nova Bucks accounts.