Chapter 6 - University Sponsored Awards

CHAPTER 6 UNIVERSITY SPONSORED AWARDS

Section 1: REGENTS AWARDS

The UW System Board of Regents sponsors several awards recognizing the excellence of UW System staff and programs. Recipients are chosen by special committees composed of Board of Regents members and are honored at Board meetings throughout the year. Current criteria and deadlines can be found at the UW System Board of Regents Awards website. 

The three personnel awards committees, Academic Staff Awards Subcommittee, University Awards Subcommittee, and University Staff Awards and Programming Subcommittee, will determine UWSP’s nominees for the corresponding awards through a preliminary nomination process: the committees will issue a call for nominations, determine the nominees, and forward the nominees’ names to the Office of the Chancellor to complete the nomination process. 

REGENTS ACADEMIC STAFF EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Two $7,500 awards are given to non-instructional administrative and professional academic staff members at UW System institutions in recognition of their exceptional service to the university.

One $7,500 award is given to a non-instructional academic staff program in recognition of the important role played by academic staff in supporting students and their success.

Selection criteria, required documentation, and timeline is available on the UW System Board of Regents Awards website.

Nominations are usually due in February.

Individual: A UW System non-instructional administrative or professional academic staff member.  The nominee should provide essential services to the university while demonstrating excellence of performance, personal interaction, initiative and creativity, and outstanding achievement. They should have a fixed term, limited, and/or rolling horizon or indefinite appointment, be employed 50% or more, and have been a member of the academic staff for a minimum of twelve months.

UW-Stevens Point nominee: The winner of the previous year’s UWSP Academic Staff Excellence Award will be forwarded as the campus’s nominee for the individual Regents Academic Staff Excellence Award, if eligible. 

Program:  A UW System program primarily staffed by non-instructional administrative and professional academic staff.  The program should provide essential services to the university while demonstrating excellence of performance, initiative and creativity, and outstanding achievement. 

REGENTS TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Two $7,500 awards are given to faculty and instructional academic staff members at UW System institutions in recognition of outstanding career achievement in teaching.

One $7,500 award is given to an academic department, program or other academic unit which demonstrates exceptional commitment to, and effectiveness, in teaching and learning.

Selection criteria, required documentation, and timeline is available on the UW System Board of Regents Awards website.

Nominations are usually due in November or December.

Individual: UW System teaching faculty and instructional academic staff (minimum of ten years teaching experience in the UW System). 

Department/Program: UW System academic department, program, and other academic units. 

REGENTS UNIVERSITY STAFF EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Two $7,500 awards are given to university staff members at UW System institutions in recognition of their exceptional service to the university.

One $7,500 award is given to a program in recognition of the important role played by university staff in supporting the UW System mission, priorities, or programs.

Selection criteria, required documentation, and timeline is available on the UW System Board of Regents Awards website.

Nominations are usually due in May.

Individual: A UW System university staff member.  The nominee should provide essential services to the university while demonstrating excellence of performance, personal interaction, initiative or creativity, and outstanding achievement. They should have a permanent appointment, be employed 50% or more time, and have been a university staff employee at their institution for a minimum of twelve months.

UW-Stevens Point nominee: The winner of the previous year’s Sargis Award will be forwarded as the campus’s nominee for the individual Regents University Staff Excellence Award. If that person is not eligible, the previous year’s University Service Award recipient will be nominated. If that person is not eligible, the USAPS will select from among the previous year’s Outstanding Work Performance Award recipients. 

Program: A UW System program primarily staffed by university staff.  The program should provide essential services to the university while demonstrating excellence of performance, initiative or creativity, and outstanding achievement.

Section 2: UWSP FACULTY AND STAFF AWARDS

ACADEMIC STAFF AWARDS

1. The Academic Staff Awards Subcommittee (ASAS) is a subcommittee of the Academic Staff Council. The ASAS is responsible for awarding the UWSP Academic Staff Excellence Award and the Academic Staff Spirit of Community Service Award. 
2. The ASAS shall coordinate with the other personnel awards committees, the provost’s office, and University Communications and Marketing to determine the spring awards timeline and post the call for nominations at the end of the fall semester. The nominations, with supporting statements from the nominating unit, shall be due to the committee by the established deadline. For the student body nominations, the nominee’s unit head shall assist the students in gathering the appropriate supporting statements about the nominee.
3. The ASAS shall determine the recipients of the awards and send the names of recipients and supporting documentation for the awards to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs according to the agreed-upon timeline, usually on or before April 1.
4. The ASAS will also determine the UWSP nominees for the Regents Academic Staff Excellence Awards.

ACADEMIC STAFF EXCELLENCE AWARD

This award recognizes an academic staff member for contributions made in their unit, department, and/or university. The award recognizes excellence in performance, personal interaction, initiative and creativity, and outstanding achievement.

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 Regents Academic Staff Excellence Award the following fall.

ACADEMIC STAFF SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

This award recognizes the importance of service in building and contributing to a healthier community environment on and off campus.  Any and all of the following should be considered when making the nomination: displaying collaboration, garnering and giving respect, personal impact on and/or off campus, and work of distinction. Awards will be provided to individuals contributing in any of the following areas of community service: mental, social, physical, emotional, intellectual, vocational, spiritual/philosophical, or environmental. 

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 departments 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 $1,000.

UNIVERSITY AWARDS

1. The University Awards Subcommittee (UAS) is a subcommittee of the Faculty Council. It is responsible for the teaching, scholarship, and service award for faculty and academic staff, depending on eligibility. Members of the UAS are ineligible for consideration for these awards while serving on the committee.
2. The UAS shall coordinate with the other personnel awards committees, the provost’s office, and University Communications and Marketing to determine the spring awards timeline and post the call for nominations at the end of the fall semester. The nominations, with supporting statements from the nominating unit, shall be due to the committee by the established deadline. For the student body nominations, the nominee’s unit head shall assist the students in gathering the appropriate supporting statements about the nominee.
3. The UAS shall determine the recipients of the awards and send the names of recipients and supporting documentation for the awards to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs according to the agreed-upon timeline, usually on or before April 1.
4. The UAS is encouraged to consider the distribution of campus awards across colleges.
5. The UAS will also determine the UWSP nominees for the Regents Teaching Excellence Awards.

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING, SCHOLARSHIP, AND SERVICE AWARD

This award recognizes a faculty or instructional academic staff member for excellence 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 contribution to UWSP’s overall academic mission and their commitment and contribution to institutional values of 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 recognizes the importance of distinguished teaching, and the contributions of outstanding teachers, and emphasizes the commitment of the University to teaching excellence.  Nominees must have inspired students to 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 more than 3 years of teaching experience shall each receive a sum of $1,000.

One recipient with 1-3 years of teaching experience shall receive a sum of $1,000.  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 each receive a sum of $1,000.

UNIVERSITY STAFF AWARDS

1. The University Staff Awards and Programming Subcommittee (USAPS) is a subcommittee of the University Staff Council. The USAPS is responsible for awarding the UWSP University Staff awards. 
2. The USAPS shall coordinate with the other personnel awards committees, the provost’s office, and University Communications and Marketing to determine the spring awards timeline and post the call for nominations at the end of the fall semester. The nominations, with supporting statements from the nominating unit, shall be due to the committee by the established deadline. For the student body nominations, the nominee’s unit head shall assist the students in gathering the appropriate supporting statements about the nominee.
3. The USAPS shall determine the recipients of the awards and send the names of recipients and supporting documentation for the awards to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs according to the agreed-upon timeline, usually on or before April 1.
4. The USAPS will also determine the UWSP nominees for the Regents University Staff Excellence 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 their career at UW-Stevens Point.

Eligibility

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.

Nomination

A nomination form and list of past recipients is available on the Common Council website.

Award

One recipient shall receive a sum of $2,500.

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, resulting in increased 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.

Nomination

A nomination form is available on the Common Council website.

Award

Four recipients shall each receive a sum of $1,000.

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. This may include, but is not limited to, involvement in campus committees, or 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.

Nomination

A nomination form is available on the Common Council website.

Award

One recipient shall receive a sum of $1,000.

Section 3: 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.