UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The University Staff Advisory Council (USAC) is seeking nominations for its annual Staff Recognition Awards.

The Staff Recognition Awards are an avenue for USAC and the University community to express gratitude for the contributions of University staff across the commonwealth. Faculty, staff, administrators and students are asked to nominate staff members from all campuses and work units whom they feel exemplify the criteria for each award. 

Each year, USAC presents three awards — the Staff Excellence Award, the Staff Morale Award and the Staff Leadership Award. The awards will be presented at a luncheon on May 19 hosted by President Eric Barron at the Schreyer House.

All full-time staff members are eligible to be nominated, and anyone at the University may submit a nomination. Every nomination is considered on its own merit and will be given equal consideration. 

Criteria for each award is listed below, and can also be found online at the USAC website. To nominate a staff member, send a letter of nomination, along with up to three additional letters of support, to AskUSAC@psu.edu by Friday, March 13.

Questions about the awards or nomination process may be sent to askUSAC@psu.edu, using “Staff Awards” as the subject line. 

Staff Excellence Award 

The purpose of this award is to recognize a Penn State staff person who demonstrates integrity, respect and excellence in all aspects of their position. 

Criteria: 

• Exhibits creativity, innovation and initiative. 
• Continues to seek opportunities for personal and professional growth. 
• Demonstrates excellence in professionalism. 
• Promotes productive relationships across units and/or organizations. 
• Makes outstanding contributions to their immediate work unit as well as the university as a whole. 
• Demonstrates commitment to and support of University values, including integrity, respect, responsibility, discovery, excellence and community. 

Staff Morale Award 

The purpose of this award is to recognize a University staff person who demonstrates enthusiasm and optimism in order to create a positive, inclusive and supportive work environment for all. 

Criteria: 

• Fosters respect and a cooperative work climate. 
• Recognizes potential within others. 
• Demonstrates concern for the well-being of co-workers. 
• Able to provide the support and guidance needed to help make life better for those around them. 
• Demonstrates commitment to and support of University values, including integrity, respect, responsibility, discovery, excellence and community. 

Staff Leadership Award 

The purpose of this award is to recognize a University staff person who demonstrates excellence in leadership and serves as a positive role model for others. 

Criteria: 

• Exhibits reliability and resourcefulness. 
• Demonstrates ability to mentor, inspire, motivate and support others. 
• Displays sound judgment and exemplary problem-solving skills. 
• Promotes excellence in teamwork, performance and achievement within the unit and/or the organization. 
• Demonstrates commitment to and support of University values, including integrity, respect, responsibility, discovery, excellence and community. 

About the University Staff Advisory Council

USAC — the voice for Penn State staff — consists of committed staff who act in an advisory capacity to the central administration; explore issues, policies and practices that impact staff; suggest revisions to policies and new policy initiatives; and advocate for staff welfare and development.

For more information, visit https://hr.psu.edu/university-staff-advisory-council.