Chapter 6 - University Sponsored Awards

CHAPTER 6 UNIVERSITY SPONSORED AWARDS

UNIVERSITY AWARDS

1. Members of the Awards Subcommittee are ineligible for consideration for any award.
2. The Subcommittee shall request that the deans solicit nominations for the individual and department nominees for the Regents Teaching Excellence Awards from their departments/units.  It is recommended that nominees for the individual award be prior recipients of campus Excellence in Teaching Awards.  The deans shall forward the nominations, with supporting statements from the nominating department/unit, to the Subcommittee.  Nominations are due to the committee four weeks from the date of issuing the call.
3. The Subcommittee will determine the nominees for the Regents Teaching Excellence Awards and forward the nominees to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs on or before November 1.
4. The Awards Subcommittee shall call for nominations for the four campus awards.  The nominations, with supporting statements from the nominating unit, shall be due to the committee four weeks from the date of issuing the call.  For the student body nominations, the nominee’s unit head shall assist the students in gathering the appropriate supporting statements about the nominee.
5. The Subcommittee shall determine the recipients of the awards and shall send the names of recipients and supporting documentation for the awards to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs on or before April 1.
6. The Subcommittee is encouraged to consider the distribution of campus awards across colleges.

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING, SCHOLARSHIP, AND SERVICE AWARD

This award stresses the overall contribution of a faculty or staff member in the areas of teaching, scholarship, and service. Nominees must demonstrate strength in all three areas to be considered for this award. Nominees must provide evidence of their contributions to the development of UWSP’s overall academic mission and should exemplify the nominee’s enduring commitment and contribution to institutional values for teaching, scholarship, and service.

Eligibility

Those eligible for the award must be faculty or academic staff with at least a 0.50 FTE teaching assignment or with a .050 FTE appointment in the University Library and have been at UWSP for 5 or more years. Winners may not be re-nominated for 5 years following their selection.

Nomination

Academic departments and their functional equivalents may nominate one individual. The method of nomination shall be determined by the unit. Two or more people may not be nominated to share a single award.

Awards

One recipient will receive a sum of $2500.

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD

This award stresses the importance of distinguished teaching, recognizes the contributions of outstanding teachers, and emphasizes the commitment of the University to teaching excellence.  Nominees must have stimulated students toward a high standard of scholarship and an active interest in learning.

Eligibility

Those eligible for the award must be faculty and academic staff with at least a 0.50 FTE teaching assignment or with a 0.50 FTE appointment in the University Library.  Winners may not be re-nominated for 5 years following their selection.

Nomination

Academic departments and their functional equivalents may nominate one individual.  The method of nomination shall be determined by the unit.  The student body may nominate up to twelve individuals, utilizing procedures to be established by the Student Government Association.  Two or more people may not be nominated to share a single award.

Awards

Four recipients with greater than 3 years teaching experience shall each receive a sum of $1000.

One recipient with 3 years of teaching experience or less shall receive a sum of $1000.  Applicants must have a minimum of one full year of teaching experience to qualify for this award.

UNIVERSITY SCHOLAR AWARD

This award recognizes outstanding achievement in scholarship, research, and/or creativity.

Eligibility

Faculty and academic staff who are employed half-time or more.  Winners may not be re-nominated for 5 years following their selection.

Nomination

Academic departments and all equivalent units may nominate one individual.  Two or more people may not be nominated to share a single award.

Awards

Two recipients shall each receive a sum of $1000.

UNIVERSITY SERVICE AWARD

This award recognizes outstanding service to the University and/or community.  A nominee’s service ordinarily will span a multi-year period.

Eligibility

Faculty and academic staff who are employed half-time or more.  Winners may not be re-nominated for 5 years following their selection.

Nomination

Academic departments and all equivalent units may nominate one individual.  The student body may nominate up to three individuals, using procedures to be established by the Student Government Association. Two or more people may not be nominated to share a single award.

Awards

Two recipients shall receive a sum of $1000.

CAMPUS NOMINEES FOR REGENTS TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Individual Award Guidelines

The Regents’ award committee will seek evidence that nominees:

1. Are strongly committed to teaching and learning
2. Use extremely effective teaching strategies, including (but by no means limited to) innovative uses of technology to enhance student learning
3. Have a significant impact on students’ intellectual development

Please note that the individual Regents Teaching Excellence Award is not intended as a “teacher of the year” award; rather, it recognizes career achievements in teaching.  Nominees should thus have spent a significant period of time (perhaps 10 years) in the UW System.

Department/Program Award Guidelines

The Regents’ award committee will seek evidence that nominated departments or programs:

1. Recognize and foster excellence in teaching
2. Approach teaching as a public, collaborative activity
3. Have thoughtfully constructed an effective curricula for academic programs ranging from general education to graduate degree programs, as applicable
4. Create a positive climate for learning and demonstrate significant impact on student learning

ACADEMIC STAFF AWARDS

AWARDS SUBCOMMITTEE

1. Membership

1. Two non-faculty members of the Academic Staff Council.
2. The faculty representative of the Academic Staff Council.
3. One student representative appointed by the Student Government Association.
4. Two academic staff members not currently serving on Academic Staff Council.  Appointments will be made by the Academic Staff Council.

2. Each year, the Academic Staff Council Awards Subcommittee will be constituted by the Academic Staff Council by October 1.  The Chairperson of Academic Staff Council shall convene the organizational meeting, at which time a chairperson shall be selected by the Subcommittee from among its members.

REGENTS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

1. Nominees

1. The Subcommittee shall call for nominations for the award.  The nominations, with supporting statements from the nominating units, shall be due to the Committee four weeks from the date of issuing the call.
2. The Subcommittee shall determine the nominee of the awards and shall send the nominee’s name and supporting documentation to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs on or before December 25.
3. Individuals selected for this award will receive $5000.00 and will be honored at the April Board of Regents meeting and be recognized a t the annual Academic Staff Leadership Conference.

2. Guidelines for Academic Staff Regents Award for Excellence

Nominees for this award should provide essential services to the university while demonstrating excellence of performance, personal interaction, initiative and creativity, and outstanding achievement.

Eligibility

Current UW System non-instructional staff members (category A or B scientific and research staff) are eligible for the award if they have fixed-term, limited, and/or rolling horizon or indefinite appointments, are employed 50% or greater, and have been members of the academic staff for a minimum of 12 months.

Nomination

The spring UWSP Academic Staff Excellence award winner will be forwarded as the campus’ nominee for the Regents Academic Staff Award.

Award

A $5000.00 award for professional development for the recipient, or for other activities approved by the recipient which enhance a university program or function.

UWSP ACADEMIC STAFF AWARDS

1. Nominees

1. The Subcommittee shall call for nominations for the two awards.  The nominations, with supporting statements from the nominating units, shall be due to the Committee four weeks from the date of issuing the call.  For student body nominations, the nominee’s unit head will assist students in gathering the appropriate supporting statements about the nominee.
2. The Subcommittee shall determine the recipients of the awards and shall send the names of recipients and supporting documentation for the awards to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs on or before April 1.
3. Individuals selected for these awards will receive recognition in the form of certificates and public recognition during events such as commencements, convocations, and/or other University recognition programs.

2. Guidelines for UWSP Academic Staff Excellence Award

This award recognizes an outstanding individual for contributions made in their unit, department, and/or university.

Eligibility

Those eligible for the award must hold an academic staff (A, B, or C) title (full time or part time) in any unit or department on campus.  Recipients may not be re-nominated for 5 years following their selection.

Nomination

Units and department may nominate one individual utilizing procedures they establish.  Academic Staff Council may nominate one individual utilizing procedures they establish.  The Student Government Association may nominate up to 4 individuals utilizing procedures they establish.

Award

One recipient shall receive a sum of $2,500 and will be put forth as the UWSP nominee for the UW Regents Award the following fall.

3. Guidelines for UWSP Academic Staff Spirit of Community Service Award

This award stresses the importance of service in building and contributing to a healthier community environment on and off campus.  Awards will be provided to individuals contributing in any of the following wellness areas: mental, social, emotional, intellectual, vocational, spiritual/philosophical, and/or environmental.  This service may be in the area of information gathering/research, education, or direct action/service in recognizing and supporting human dignity and the social dimension of human existence in enhancing the spirit of non-violence and active citizenship.

Eligibility

Those eligible for the award must hold an academic staff (A, B, or C) title (full time or part time) in any unit or department on campus.  Recipients may not be re-nominated for 5 years following their selection.

Nomination

Units and department may nominate one individual utilizing procedures they establish.  Academic Staff Council may nominate one individual utilizing procedures they establish.  The Student Government Association may nominate up to 4 individuals utilizing procedures they establish.

Award

One recipient shall receive a sum of $1000.

UNIVERSITY STAFF RECOGNITION AWARDS

Carolyn Rolfson Sargis Award

The Sargis Award is an annual award given to a university staff member in recognition of notable accomplishments and service throughout his/her career at UW-Stevens Point. To be eligible for this award, the candidate:

• must have 20 or more years of UWSP service (which can include LTE and project appointment service, but be currently in permanent status); a listing of eligible university staff will be provided each year on the Common Council website.
• must be making a positive contribution towards the goals and objectives of their unit and the university,
• should regularly demonstrate professionalism in working relationships and contacts within and outside the university community, and
• should show a commitment to personal growth and community service.

History of the Carolyn Rolfson Sargis Award

Past recipients of the Sargis Award 

For a nomination form, please see: Carolyn Rolfson Sargis Award nomination form on the Common Council website.

Outstanding Work Performance Award

The Outstanding Work Performance award recognizes performance far beyond what is normally expected. Including, but not limited to, taking on additional responsibilities or increased workload, accepting and completing special projects not part of the normal work duties, developing or modifying procedures,or exhibiting behavior that enhances the workplace. The overall result being effectiveness and efficiency of service offered by the work unit or university.

For a nomination form, please see University Staff Outstanding Work Performance Award nomination form on the Common Council website.

University Staff Service Award

The University Staff Service award recognizes time and effort voluntarily given to the university community; time and effort not considered part of the normal work assignment. Including, but not limited to, involvement in campus committees, assistance to staff, students, or campus organizations. The result of this involvement is increased positive perception of the university within the community or enhancing the ability of the university to accomplish its mission.

For a nomination form, please see University Staff Service Award nomination form on the Common Council website.

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - STEVENS POINT HALL OF FAME

This award recognizes individuals who have had a long-term affiliation with the university and made an exceptional contribution to the well-being of the institution or, in the case of alumni, a significant contribution to society or their professions. Nominees may include former or retired UWSP faculty or staff, alumni, and individuals who were not employed by the university. In all cases, achievements upon which a nomination is based must be significantly greater than those required by the conditions of employment, expected of distinguished alumni, or accepted as contributing to the university, community or society. As many as two people may be inducted into the UWSP Hall of Fame annually. A photo gallery of award winners will be established in an appropriate location on campus.

RESTRICTIONS ON HALL OF FAME NOMINATION/MEMBERSHIP

To insulate the Hall of Fame procedure from partisanship, protect the award from possible conflicts of interest, and protect nominees from possibly compromising positions, the following three categories of individuals are ineligible for consideration until five (5) years after vacating office or terminating employment*:

1. Public officials and political appointees, including serving members of the Wisconsin Legislature and the Wisconsin congressional delegation: elected and appointed officials: and all members of the state judiciary:
2. Serving members of the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents: and
3. Currently employed faculty or staff members at any UW System campus or in UW System administration.

NOMINATING PROCEDURE

1. Initial nomination may be made by current or emeriti UWSP faculty or staff members, administrators or alumni. The initial nomination should be sent to the Office of the Chancellor. The nomination materials should include the following:

1. Description of nominee’s outstanding contributions:
2. Letters of support from three (3) individuals who can affirm nominee’s contributions and
3. Recommendation of the UWSP Alumni Board Executive Committee (if nominee is an alumnus of UWSP).

2. The chancellor shall seek an initial review and recommendation from the appropriate dean and/or vice chancellor.
3. The chancellor shall forward the recommendation of the dean and/or vice chancellor to the Hall of Fame Committee.
4. The Hall of Fame committee will review the nomination and send their recommendation to the chancellor. The review will be conducted in closed session in order to maintain the confidentiality stipulated by the following requirement.
5. All activities related to the nomination of candidates, review of documentation supporting each nominee, and recommendations made by the Hall of Fame committee shall be conducted with the confidentiality appropriate to personnel actions.
6. The chancellor has final approval o f t h e nomination.

HALL OF FAME COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

This committee will be constituted by the Office of the Chancellor when needed, and shall include the following members:

1. A vice chancellor appointed by the chancellor from a division with which the nominee was not affiliated.
2. Three (3) representatives from the Common Council, two of whom must be faculty members, selected according to their nomination procedures,
3. A representative from the Academic Staff Council selected according to their nomination procedures.
4. A representative from the University Staff Council selected according to their nomination procedures.
5. A representative from the Student Government Association:
6. The committee shall elect its own chair.

*Under extraordinary circumstances, the Hall of Fame Committee may waive the five-year requirement.

GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS

The Graduate Council presents three types of awards annually to graduate students.  Graduate students are encouraged to make their program advisors aware of their interest in these awards.

OUTSTANDING GRADUATE ASSISTANT

Normally, this award will be given to one graduate assistant each year in recognition of outstanding performance of the duties assigned to that individual by his or her graduate program.  Each graduate program may nominate one candidate.  The deadline for nominations and all supporting materials is March 1.

GRADUATE COUNCIL’S AWARDS

Normally, these awards will be given to two or three graduate students each year in recognition of excellence in scholarship, teaching, creative work (including performance), or other significant professional contribution.  Each program may nominate as many candidates as they wish.  The deadline for nominations and all supporting materials is March 1.

DISTINGUISHED MASTER’S THESIS AWARD

This award may be given to one graduate student each year in recognition of distinguished scholarship and research as exemplified in their thesis.  Each graduate program may nominate one thesis per year for this award.  A nominee must have earned the Master’s degree within the calendar year from October 1 to September 30 preceding the yearly November 8 deadline for nominations.  The recipient of this award will automatically become UWSP’s nominee for the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) Distinguished Master’s Thesis Award.

PROCEDURES

Supporting Documentation

The following materials should be forwarded to the Chairperson of the Graduate Awards Subcommittee by the published deadline.

1. Nominations for these awards must include the following materials prepared specifically for these awards:

1. Letter of nomination from the department/program.  The letter of nomination must indicate the specific award for which the student is being nominated.  The letter should briefly justify the nomination by:

1. in the case of the Outstanding Graduate Assistant Award, describing the duties of the assistantship, their importance to the department/program, and the student’s performance of them;
2. in the case of the Graduate Council’s Awards and Distinguished Master’s Thesis Award, describing the student’s work and establishing its importance to her/his discipline;
3. in each case, highlighting the crucial points developed more fully in the other supporting materials.

2. Letters of support from faculty, professionals in the field, and/or peers. 
   These should provide:

1. a detailed evaluation of the student’s abilities;
2. a description of her/his achievements;
3. in the case of the Distinguished Master’s Thesis Award, the faculty mentor’s assessment of the thesis from the standpoint of clarity, scholarship, methodology, significance, and contribution to the field.

3. Statement from the student describing the nature and progress of the work (e.g. teaching, scholarship, research) for which she/he is being nominated.
4. Student’s vita (limited to 2 pages).

2. Additional materials may be submitted if available and/or appropriate.  These include: copies of the student’s unpublished research, offprints of publications, representative examples of creative products (e.g. videotapes of performances), and/or evaluations from professional organizations or conferences.  If the additional materials are collaborative efforts, it should be clear what the nominee’s part was in creating them.

Evaluation

The following procedures shall be used to determine the recipients of these awards:

1. Awards will be determined by the Graduate Council Awards Subcommittee, composed of three members of the Graduate Council.  The Subcommittee will make the final selections and report the award recipients to the Graduate Council.  The Subcommittee Chairperson will also notify the successful candidates as soon as possible after the Council meeting announcement.
2. All nominations and supporting materials (five copies of each item) must be submitted to the Subcommittee Chairperson by the published deadline.  Materials received after that date will not be considered.  These materials may be returned to the nominees by request.
3. Copies of the nomination materials will be distributed to the Subcommittee members by the Subcommittee Chairperson, who will also arrange an appropriate meeting time.
4. Award winners will receive a plaque or certificate at a departmental or graduate school recognition ceremony or other appropriate forum.  These plaques/certificates may be accompanied by a monetary award.
5. Award winners shall have their names engraved on a permanent plaque displayed prominently on campus.
6. In the case of multiple nominees of equivalent achievement, consideration will be given to the degree to which their work was of service to the University.