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Staff Talent Appreciation & Retention (STAR) Awards
Purpose And Goals
The Staff Talent Appreciation & Retention (STAR) Awards Program acknowledges the exemplary performance and contributions of staff members within the Division of Student Affairs. The program provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary performance of staff throughout the division. The primary goal of the program is to contribute to a positive, healthy work environment where staff members are valued and appreciated. The program also promotes a sense of community and aids in the retention of a diverse and talented workforce. This program consists of monthly and annual awards that emphasize the values and priorities of the Division of Student Affairs.
These awards acknowledge and recognize exemplary performance and contributions by staff to departments, the Division, the University, and the well-being of students at Sacramento State. Each academic year, the program celebrates the extraordinary performance of staff across the division promoting a sense of community and retention.
Eligibility
All full-time, classified staff (non-MPP) working in the Division are eligible to receive an award. Award recipients are selected from eligible nominees and anyone can submit a nomination as follows:
- All full-time, classified staff (non-MPPs) in the Division are eligible for nomination.
- Anyone (staff, students, management) can submit a nomination - divisional affiliation is not required.
- An online Nomination Form is available below.
- An individual staff member can be nominated for multiple award categories.
- Self-nominations are accepted for monthly and team awards, but not for the other awards.
Shining STAR of the Month Award
This award is presented monthly to an individual in the division whose actions or work performance stands out as an exceptional reflection of our divisional values (Integrity, Wellness, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Service). Nominations are evaluated on alignment with the identified value(s), the scope of impact on the division or campus, and the timeliness of the work included in the nomination.
STAR of the Year Award
This award is presented yearly to an individual in the division whose actions or work performance stands out as an exceptional reflection of our divisional values (Integrity, Wellness, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Service).
Award Recepients
Individual Excellence in Student Service Award
This annual award recognizes the contribution of a staff member who works to make procedures, services, facilities, programs, and/or the general Sacramento State learning environment a welcoming, efficient, and high-quality experience for students. The recipient goes above and beyond to enhance students’ experience while thoughtfully balancing educational needs and customer service.
Criteria
- Impacts student lives in positive ways
- Contributes to the retention and graduation of students
- Motivates students and provides opportunities for students to achieve their goals
- Exemplifies the core values of Sacramento State in daily interactions withstudents
- Serves as a role model for students and staff in Student Affa
Award Recepients
Team Excellence in Student Service Award
This annual award recognizes the innovative contributions of a team in developing procedures, services, facilities, and programs contributing to the quality of life for students at Sacramento State. This award is presented by the Student Affairs Council (SAC Team) from nominations.
Criteria
- Collaborates as a team in developing an innovative response to student needs
- Receives outstanding feedback from students who were impacted
- Implements outstanding new program, project or use of technology
- Develops a new program, project or use of technology to meet specific outcome(s) in accordance with divisional core values
- Nominations are required, a team member may nominate one’s, own team
Award Recepients
Diversity and Inclusion Award
This annual award recognizes the effort of staff who strive to promote understanding and appreciation of diversity in its multitude of forms. The award recipient helps build an environment of inclusivity and awareness and supports the education of issues of diversity and social justice.
Criteria
- Presented to an individual or team
- Provides educational and/or professional development opportunities to students and/or staff about diversity, multiculturalism, and social justice
- Nurtures an environment of openness, tolerance, and inclusion
- Celebrates the unique qualities within the student population and the Division
- Incorporates diverse perspectives into program planning and implementation
- Promotes an appreciation, understanding, or celebration of differences through the delivery of a program and/or through personal actions
Award Recepients
Outstanding Mentoring Award
This annual award recognizes efforts to support others in a way that maximizes potential, develops skills, improves performance, and encourages one's talents and potentialities.
Criteria
- Demonstrates versatility in appropriately consulting, collaborating and coaching to purposefully develop the mentee’s capacity to generate information
- Models problem solving, instructional processes, and reflective practice
- Demonstrates outstanding commitment by an individual to the mentoring process for another Sacramento State staff member or student
- Provides a mentoring relationship that enhances the educational experience/professional development for an individual(s) at Sacramento State
- Nomination by others is required (no self-nominations)
Award Recepients
Outstanding New Professional Award
This annual award recognizes a full-time professional in the Division who has had exemplary performance in their role.
Criteria
- Currently employed full-time within the Division of Student Affairs for three yearsor less
- Demonstrates pride in work and displays a positive attitude towardresponsibilities and people
- Engages in actions that support department, Division, and University values,and/or engaging in collaborative efforts across the University
- Transitions into their professional role successfully
- Commits to one’s own professional development, as demonstrated throughparticipation in committee work, training sessions, workshops, and conferences
- Performs all aspects of the position in an exemplary manner
- Promotes and maintains professionalism in his or her position
- Provides the highest level of service to SA and the University and willingly goesthe extra mile
- Demonstrates strong, progressive leadership and accepts responsibilities with apositive attitude
- Nomination by others is required (no self-nominations)
Award Recepients
Excellence in Administrative Support Award
This Annual Award recognizes the contribution of a staff member who works to create a welcoming, efficient, and high-quality experiences for the Division. These efforts may take the form of improvements to procedures, services, facilities, programs, and/or the general environment. Demonstrates innovation and creativity leading to new and/or improved program processes.
Criteria
- Impacts the efficiency of the department and their ability to serve students
- Provides exceptional customer service to constituents
- Demonstrates innovation and creativity leading to new and/or improved programprocesses
- Exemplifies the core values of Sacramento State in daily interactions with staff andstudents
Award Recepients
Outstanding Long Term Professional Award
This annual award serves to recognize the long-standing contribution and dedication to Sacramento State of a full-time professional in the Division. This award is presented to a staff member who is currently employed with the Division of Student Affairs and has been employed with the Division or Sacramento State for ten or more years.
Criteria
- Constantly provides the highest level of service to SA and the University and willinglycontinues to go the extra mile
- Engages in actions that support department, Division, and University values, and/orengaging in collaborative efforts across the University
- Commits to one’s own professional development, as demonstrated through participationin committee work, training sessions, workshops, and conferences
Award Recepients
Outstanding Manager Award
This award recognizes a full-time staff member in a managerial (MPP) position who displays exceptional leadership for their staff, constant support when needed, and constantly works to elevate their office or staff.
Criteria
- Dedicated to diversity and inclusion within their unit
- Demonstrates innovation and creativity when looking for new programs and ideas toelevate their unit
- Impacts their unit in a positive way by elevating their staff
- Demonstrates collaboration with different offices and programs, not only in StudentAffairs but campus-wide
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to staff and Sacramento State
Award Recepients
Vice President’s Award
The annual Vice President's Award is selected by the Vice President for Student Affairs. This award is presented to a staff member within the division who has performed admirably in some capacity.