Applicability

Staff, faculty, graduate assistants, and student employees

Policy purpose and description

The SPOT Award program recognizes staff members for exceptional contributions, efforts, and performance that support departmental and College success.

SPOT Awards are intended to recognize contributions that go above and beyond an employee’s regular responsibilities or demonstrate meaningful impact. Awards may recognize a one-time contribution, completion of an important initiative, exceptional ongoing performance, or other significant efforts that benefit the department, College, students, faculty, or colleagues.

An employee may receive no more than 6 awards per fiscal year (net $200 or less) and the effective date of the awards must be at least 30 calendar days apart.

The contribution should recognize employees who go above and beyond their normal responsibilities by responding to unexpected needs, taking initiative, improving processes, or providing exceptional support. Examples include significant additional contributions to projects or initiatives, meaningful improvements to departmental success, and exceptional performance that produces measurable impact or results.

SPOT Awards are not intended to replace regular compensation, performance management, or recognition that is part of an employee's normal job responsibilities. The contribution being recognized should be clearly described and demonstrate why the recognition is warranted.

Procedure

To nominate someone for a Spot Award, fill out the following workflow form. Include a brief description of the contribution or performance being recognized. You don’t need to add an attachment. The form will route through your department accountant, department administrator, and the Senior HR Director for approval. The nominator will receive an email from the HR hub once the form has been approved in workflow with an estimated payment date. 

Key contact

If you have questions, please contact your Department Human Resources Representative.