The purpose of the College/Area Vice President Awards program is to support local recognition programs that reward employees who make significant contributions to their college/area mission and goals. Funds provided through this program may be used either to create a new recognition program for an area that does not already have one, or to support an existing program that complies with the following university-wide guiding principles.

Program Development and Criteria

The primary responsibility for developing, communicating and administering the recognition program will reside with the college or area. Human Resources Management is available to consult with areas at any stage in the process upon request. A copy of the finalized guidelines should be sent to the compensation department in HRM in order to be officially recognized and eligible for the matching funds.

The university will provide matching funds for recognized plans that have the following characteristics:

• The program has clear and specific criteria for rewarding exceptional performance.

• Awards are given based on demonstrated performance and results.

• The process for nominating and/or selecting recipients is viewed as fair and consistent.

• The program is open to all benefits-eligible faculty and staff within the college or area.

• The awards are meaningful and provided in a timely manner.

• The program supports the mission and goals of the area.

Funding

The matching funds may not exceed $500 per recipient, with a maximum match of 5 percent of employee headcount times $500.

For example, if an area has 120 benefits-eligible employees, awards may be given to six employees, with $500 funded by the area and $500 funded by the university, so that each of the six recipients would receive a total of $1,000.

In this case, the total sum of the matching funds for the area would be $3,000. However, if the area only chooses to give out four awards, the matching funds would be $2,000 (four awards times $500).

Awards should be processed using the existing Extra Compensation form and checking the Rewards and Recognition box in the reason section. In addition, a note should be made in the comment section specifically referencing the area recognition program. Please contact the Budget Office for more information on how to charge back the expenses between the area account and the university account.

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