Staff Senate Recognition

Campus gates summer

AWARD SUBMISSIONS WILL REOPEN JANUARY 2025

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) Staff Senate is to be an advisory body on issues, institutional policies, and practices that relate to the staff, to serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas, to promote common interests among the staff, to advocate for staff welfare and development, to suggest revisions and initiatives to improve staff policies, and to participate in the formulation of institutional policy and governance.

Senators, who are elected by their peers, represent one of seven districts defined by the university’s overall organization.  They serve on nine standing committees: the Executive Committee, the Bylaws Committee, the Liaison Committee, the Communications Committee, The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, the Elections Committee, the Personnel Affairs Committee, the Recognition Committee, and the Legislation Committee.

Of these committees the Recognition Committee's purpose is to recognize and reward staff for exemplary service to the University or community by:

  • Determining what campus-wide awards are available and propose new staff awards

  • Calling for nominations for the awards each spring

  • Reviewing submissions in terms of requirements

  • Notifying nominees and recipients

  • Notifying  appropriate University offices and work with Communications Committee to publicize outcomes

The Staff Senate Recognition Committee developed eight staff awards that connect to the aims and overarching principle of the University's N2025 Strategic Plan that every person and every interaction matters.  These annual staff awards will be awarded to individuals that exemplify an aim or the overarching principle of the University's N2025 Strategic Plan.  Award submissions will reopen between January 2025.  

Award Categories

Student Experiences

Overview

The UNL Staff Senate Student Experiences Award is an honor bestowed to an individual staff member who prioritizes innovating student experiences. The recipient is recognized for their commitment to innovating student experiences that prepare graduates to be life-long learners and contributors to the workforce and/or their community.

Reflective of the N2025 Aim 1: Innovate Student Experiences 

 

Inclusive Excellence

Overview

The UNL Staff Senate Inclusive Excellence Award is an honor bestowed to an individual staff member who prioritizes inclusive excellence. The recipient is recognized for their commitment to creating a climate that emphasizes, prioritizes, and expands inclusive excellence and diversity.

Reflective of the N2025 Aim 5: Emphasize Inclusive Excellence

 

Research Impact

Overview

The UNL Staff Senate Research Impact Award is an honor bestowed to an individual staff member who prioritizes research impact. The recipient is recognized for their commitment to establishing a culture committed to increasing the impact of research and creative activity.

Reflective of the N2025 Aim 2: Increase Research Impact

 

 

Professional Development

Overview

The UNL Staff Senate Professional Development Award is an honor bestowed to an individual staff member who prioritizes professional development. The recipient is recognized for their commitment to personal professional development.

Reflective of the N2025 Aim 6: Prioritize Professional Development

 

 

Problem Solver

Overview

The UNL Staff Senate Problem Solver Award is an honor bestowed to an individual staff member who prioritizes solving critical challenges. The recipient is recognized for their commitment to focusing research, scholarship, creative activity, and/or student experiences to foster innovative, interdisciplinary endeavors and solve critical challenges.

Reflective of the N2025 Aim 3: Solve Critical Challenges

 

Staff Advocacy

Overview

The UNL Staff Senate Staff Advocacy Award is an honor bestowed to an individual staff member who prioritizes staff advocacy. The recipient is recognized for their commitment to consistently encouraging and advocating for staff excellence by contributing to the advancement, benefit, and well-being of staff.  The recipient of this award is a leader who views staff members as valuable and whose interactions within the university foster a positive workplace culture.

Reflective of "Every Person and Every Interaction Matters"

 

Engagement

Overview

The UNL Staff Senate Engagement Award is an honor bestowed to an individual staff member who prioritizes engagement. The recipient is recognized for their commitment to building relationships with stakeholders for opportunities in partnership and impact.

Reflective of the N2025 Aim 4: Broaden Engagement 

 

Customer Service

Overview

The UNL Staff Senate Customer Service Award is an honor bestowed to an individual staff member who prioritizes customer service. The recipient is recognized for their commitment to providing exceptional customer service to internal and external customers of the University.

Reflective of "Every Person and Every Interaction Matters"

Details and Eligibility

Eligibility

Any non-probationary staff member of UNL or Nebraska Extension in good standing. Nominees must not have received the award within the last three years prior to the closing date of nominations.

Process

The UNL Staff Senate Recognition Committee will review nominations and determine all award recipients. Please complete all the required information and submit the nomination online.

Nomination Requirements

  1. Please include a written statement demonstrating how the nominee exemplifies the requirements of the award. Self-nominations are accepted but need a letter of support to be considered. Current UNL and Nebraska Extension employees are eligible to nominate staff members.
  2. Additional letters of recommendation are optional. While additional letters are optional, please understand that more supporting documentation will give the review committee a more complete picture to assess the contributions of the nominee.

Submission Period

AWARD SUBMISSIONS WILL REOPEN JANUARY 2025

The Recognition Committee is committed to developing opportunities to recognize the approximately 4,000 staff that are the backbone of the University.  These awards are a small token of appreciation to the individuals who day in and day out serve our students, campus and community.  Thank you for your commitment to making Every Person and Every Interaction Matter.

Scott Evans
EZ9 County Ext Asst Hort 
NE Ext Engagement Zone 9

 

Carrie Jackson
Asst Dir, Student Affairs Event Reserv 
Nebraska Unions 

 

Morgan Green McConnell | COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
Senior Residence Director 
Residence Directors 

 

Julie Singh | COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
Business Ctr Manager II 
AEM Business Center 

 

Colleen Huls
IT Human Resources Coordinator
Facilities Management & Planning 

 

Pat Tetreault
Dir - LGBTQA+ Resource Ctr & Women's Ctr 
Gender and Sexuality Center