Presidential Employee Excellence Recognition Program

Description: Recognizes and celebrates the dedication, exceptional performance, and positive impact of frontline staff members at Rutgers University. This award honors both individuals and teams who provide outstanding services that contribute significantly to the effective operation of the university—often behind the scenes—and enhance the overall experience of the Rutgers community.

The recipient of this award will demonstrate exceptional professionalism, a steadfast dedication to problem-solving, and an unwavering commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and caring university climate. The award highlights the contributions of individuals who ensure the seamless functioning of vital services, maintain high standards of service quality, and consistently go above and beyond to meet the needs of the community.

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals and/or unit, departmental, interdepartmental, or campus teams can be nominated for this award. Only current full-time staff are eligible. Nominated effort must be within the last 12 months and show lasting positive results in at least one of these areas:

• Maintain a high standard of professionalism in all interactions
• Show initiative in solving problems and improving processes
• Contribute to a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone
• Consistently deliver reliable, high-quality support to the university community
• Consistently exceed expectations and contribute to the university’s success
• Contribute to the seamless functioning of the university and improve the experience of students, staff, and visitors

Individuals selected for this award may be determined ineligible for other Presidential Employee Excellence Recognition Awards in the same calendar year.

Required Documentation: To complete the nomination form, at least one of the following required documentations must be included:

• A thoughtful summary outlining the impact of the individual or team and the extraordinary effort and accomplishment serving as the basis for nomination
• Letter(s) of support and/or testimonial(s) documenting the individual’s or team’s contributions from their peers, supervisors, or members of their service population/beneficiaries of their service

Incomplete submissions will not be considered by the committee. Before submitting your nomination, please view the nomination form instructions to understand all of the elements required in order to submit your nomination.

Nominate a Colleague: Go to the nomination form

Description: Recognizes and celebrates the dedication, exceptional performance, and positive impact of frontline health care employees at Rutgers University. This award honors individuals who provide outstanding health care support that contributes significantly to the effective operation of the university's health care system—often behind the scenes—and enhance the overall experience of Rutgers patients and their loved ones.

The recipient of this award will demonstrate exceptional professionalism, a steadfast dedication to problem-solving, and an unwavering commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and compassionate environment. This award highlights the contributions of non-physician providers who ensure the seamless delivery of vital services, maintain high standards of care, and consistently go above and beyond to meet the needs of the university community. The recipient exemplifies a commitment to patient-centered care, teamwork, and high standards of service quality, and consistently goes above and beyond to meet the needs of the community.

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals and/or unit, departmental, interdepartmental, or campus teams can be nominated for this award. Only current full-time staff are eligible. Nominated effort must be within the last 12 months and show lasting positive results in at least one of these areas: 

• Maintain ethical standards and provide respectful, compassionate care 
• Prioritize patients' well-being and provide high-quality care 
• Actively work to resolve issues and improve health care services 
• Work effectively with others to ensure quality care 
• Consistently meet or exceed health care service expectations 
• Provide exceptional care and support that exceeds basic requirements 
• Contribute to improving patient care and the health care system at Rutgers 
• Create an empathetic, inclusive environment for patients and colleagues

Required Documentation: To complete the nomination form, at least one of the following required documentations must be included: 

• A thoughtful summary outlining the impact of the individual or team and the extraordinary effort and accomplishment serving as the basis for nomination
• Letter(s) of support and/or testimonial(s) documenting the individual’s or team’s contributions from their peers, supervisors, or members of their service population/beneficiaries of their service

Incomplete submissions will not be considered by the committee. Before submitting your nomination, please view the nomination form instructions to understand all of the elements required in order to submit your nomination.

Nominate a Colleague: Go to the nomination form

Description: This award celebrates the extraordinary achievements of faculty and staff who have devoted over two decades of their professional journey to enriching the academic landscape and leaving an indelible mark on the University. This prestigious accolade acknowledges individuals whose tireless commitment has shaped the very essence of our institution and beyond. Their impact transcends generations, shaping the intellectual landscape and nurturing the next wave of visionary leaders.

In addition to demonstrating expertise and leadership within their respective disciplines and/or professional domains, recipients of this esteemed award have also served as catalysts for transformative change both within and beyond the institution.

In honoring their decades-long dedication and profound influence, the Presidential Lifetime Contribution Award pays homage to a legacy built upon unwavering dedication, boundless passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As stewards of knowledge and champions of progress, these exemplary individuals embody the true spirit of enduring excellence, leaving an indelible imprint on the fabric of our institution and society as a whole.

Eligibility Criteria: Full-time faculty may be nominated for this award. Rutgers full-time faculty who have retired within the last 12 months are eligible.

Nominees must be a university faculty member for a minimum of 20 years. Nominees must have made significant and sustained contributions to the university community throughout their tenure. These contributions may include, but are not limited to:

• Teaching excellence, research achievements, administrative leadership, mentorship, and service to the university and wider community
• Demonstrable impact on the academic, professional, and personal lives of students, colleagues, and the broader university community

Nominees must have demonstrated exceptional dedication, commitment, and service to the university throughout their tenure. This may include:

• Exemplary performance in their assigned duties, innovative contributions, leadership in their department or unit, and going above and beyond expectations to support the university's mission and goals
• A significant and positive impact on the university community, whether through their interactions with students, colleagues, or other members of the Rutgers community, or through their contributions to the efficient functioning and success of the university as a whole
• Consistently demonstrated professionalism, respect, and collaboration in their interactions with others, fostering a positive and supportive work environment

Required Documentation: Nominees must be endorsed by colleagues, supervisor, and/or other members of the university who can attest to the nominee's longtime outstanding contributions and impact on the university community. These endorsements may include:

• A thoughtful and substantive summary outlining the extraordinary effort and accomplishment serving as evidence of the nominee's exceptional service and impact
• Letter(s) of support documenting the individual’s achievements (up to three)
• Artifacts showing qualitative and/or quantitative impacts, such as commendations, letters of appreciation, or other forms of acknowledgment

Incomplete submissions will not be considered by the committee. Before submitting your nomination, please view the nomination form instructions to understand all of the elements required in order to submit your nomination.

Nominate a Colleague: Go to the nomination form

Description: This award celebrates the extraordinary achievements of a staff member whose dedication, innovation, and excellence over more than two decades has significantly contributed to the enhancement of our university. This prestigious accolade acknowledges individuals whose tireless commitment has shaped the essence of our institution. Their impact transcends generations, shaping the intellectual landscape and nurturing the next wave of visionary leaders.

In addition to demonstrating expertise and leadership within their respective disciplines and/or professional domains, recipients of this esteemed award have also served as catalysts for transformative change both within and beyond the institution.

In honoring their decades-long dedication and profound influence, the Presidential Lifetime Contribution Award pays homage to a legacy built upon unwavering dedication, boundless passion, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. As stewards of knowledge and champions of progress, these exemplary individuals embody the true spirit of enduring excellence, leaving an indelible imprint on the fabric of our institution and society as a whole.

Eligibility Criteria: Full-time staff may be nominated for this award. Rutgers full-time staff who have retired within the last 12 months are also eligible.

Nominees must be a university staff member for a minimum of 20 years. Nominees must have made significant and sustained contributions to the university community throughout their tenure. These contributions may include, but are not limited to:

• Administrative leadership, mentorship, and service to the university and wider community
• Demonstrable impact on the academic, professional, and personal lives of students, colleagues, and the broader university community

Nominees must have demonstrated exceptional dedication, commitment, and service to the university throughout their tenure. This may include:

• Exemplary performance in their assigned duties, innovative contributions, leadership in their department or unit, and going above and beyond expectations to support the university's mission and goals
• A significant and positive impact on the university community, whether through their interactions with students, colleagues, or other members of the Rutgers community, or through their contributions to the efficient functioning and success of the university as a whole
• Consistently demonstrated professionalism, respect, and collaboration in their interactions with others, fostering a positive and supportive work environment

Required Documentation: Nominees must be endorsed by colleagues, supervisor, and/or other members of the university who can attest to the nominee's longtime outstanding contributions and impact on the university community. These endorsements may include:

• A thoughtful and substantive summary outlining the extraordinary effort and accomplishment serving as evidence of the nominee's exceptional service and impact
• Letter(s) of support documenting the individual’s achievements (up to three)
• Artifacts showing qualitative and/or quantitative impacts, such as commendations, letters of appreciation, or other forms of acknowledgment

Incomplete submissions will not be considered by the committee. Before submitting your nomination, please view the nomination form instructions to understand all of the elements required in order to submit your nomination.

Nominate a Colleague: Go to the nomination form

Description: Recognizes staff, faculty, or a team of employees who go to exceptional lengths to remove barriers and provide access to those pursuing a Rutgers education. The recipient(s) recognize(s) the value of a diverse student body and the challenges students often face and seek(s) to make education more accessible and attainable.

This award is presented to those who initiated innovative solutions and/or provided extraordinary value or service that led to exceptional outcomes for our students and the Rutgers community.

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals and/or unit, departmental, interdepartmental or campus teams can be nominated for this award. Only current full-time faculty and staff are eligible. Nominations for faculty and/or staff teams that include student participants or part-time faculty or staff participants will also be accepted.

Nominated effort must be within the last 12 months and show lasting positive results in at least one of these areas:

• Student and/or parent satisfaction
• Enhancing the student experience
• Providing access
• Creating a supportive and inclusive environment
• Improving processes for students
• Augmenting safety
• Stewardship of university resources

Individuals and/or teams selected for this award may be determined ineligible for other Presidential Employee Excellence Recognition Awards in the same calendar year. Nominations are encouraged in more than one category, if applicable.

Required Documentation: 

• Artifacts showing qualitative and/or quantitative impact on a population of students
• Letter(s) of support documenting the individual’s or team’s achievements
• Nomination letter(s) from a student or group of students highlighting an exceptional impact is strongly encouraged as supporting documentation for this nomination
• A thoughtful and substantive summary outlining the regular duties of the individual or team and the extraordinary effort and accomplishment serving as the basis for nomination

Incomplete submissions will not be considered by the committee. Before submitting your nomination, please view the nomination form instructions to understand all of the elements required in order to submit your nomination.

Nominate a Colleague: Go to the nomination form

Description: Recognizes staff, faculty, or a team of employees who go to exceptional lengths to remove barriers to build a more positive work environment, improve employee engagement and morale, and create operational efficiencies through forward-thinking process improvements. The recipient(s) recognize(s) the value of a diverse workforce and encourage(s) cross-departmental teamwork to address shared challenges and improve workplace culture. This recognition spotlights complex initiatives or practices that highlight how to enact change, innovate, and navigate institutional barriers to improve everyday work for employees and the Rutgers community. These may include collaborations, cross-unit improvements to systems or processes, clarifying roles and structures, or bringing about broad cultural change to showcase what Rutgers can accomplish when we collaborate to function at our best.

This award is presented to those who initiated innovative solutions and/or provided extraordinary value or service that led to exceptional outcomes for our employees and the Rutgers community.

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals and/or unit, departmental, interdepartmental, or campus teams can be nominated for this award. Only current full-time faculty and staff are eligible. Nominations for faculty and/or staff teams that include student participants or part-time faculty or staff participants will also be accepted. 

Individuals or teams selected for this award may be determined ineligible for other Presidential Employee Excellence Recognition Program awards in the same calendar year. Nominations are encouraged in more than one category, if applicable.

Nominated effort must be within the last 12 months and show lasting positive results in at least one of these areas:

• Prospective and/or current employee satisfaction
• Enhancing workplace culture of the patient experience
• Promoting healthy working relationships and a supportive work environment
• Improving processes that result in significantly more effective and efficient department or university operations
• Augmenting safety
• Stewardship of university resources

Required Documentation: To complete the nomination form, the following required documentation must be included:

• Artifacts showing qualitative and/or quantitative impact on Rutgers employees and workplace culture
• Letter(s) of support documenting the individual’s or team’s achievements
• Nomination letter(s) from an employee or group of employees highlighting an exceptional impact is strongly encouraged as supporting documentation for this nomination
• A thoughtful and substantive summary outlining the regular duties of the individual or team and the extraordinary effort and accomplishment serving as the basis for nomination

Incomplete submissions will not be considered by the committee. Before submitting your nomination, please view the nomination form instructions to understand all of the elements required in order to submit your nomination.

Nominate a Colleague: Go to the nomination form

Description: This award celebrates differences and recognizes significant contributions to cultivating a beloved community—one in which all members work together and are heard—at Rutgers University. This individual or team exemplifies this commitment by promoting and advancing dialogue, mutual respect, and a spirit of belonging to create a healthy Rutgers ecosystem.

The recipient(s) of this award embody the principles of a beloved community and model an exceptional commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals and/or unit, departmental, interdepartmental or campus teams can be nominated for this award. Only current full-time faculty and staff are eligible. Nominations for faculty and/or staff teams that include student participants or part-time faculty or staff participants will also be accepted.

Individuals selected for this award may be determined ineligible for other Presidential Employee Excellence Recognition Program awards in the same calendar year. Nominations are encouraged in more than one category, if applicable.

Nominated effort must be within the last 12-months and show lasting positive results in at least one of these areas:

• Community building and collaboration
• Enhancing workplace culture in line with the spirit of this award
• Advancing Rutgers University’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Individuals or teams selected for this award may be determined ineligible for other Presidential Employee Excellence Recognition Awards in the same calendar year.

Required Documentation: 

• Artifacts showing qualitative and/or quantitative impact
• Letter(s) of support documenting the individual’s or team’s achievements
• A thoughtful and substantive summary outlining the regular duties of the individual or team and the extraordinary effort and accomplishment serving as the basis for nomination

Incomplete submissions will not be considered by the committee. Before submitting your nomination, please view the nomination form instructions to understand all of the elements required in order to submit your nomination.

Nominate a Colleague: Go to the nomination form

Award Description: Rutgers is committed to serving the common good and to making a difference in the worlds of ideas, politics, social justice, innovation, invention, business, health, local need, national discourse, and of global priorities.

This award recognizes faculty, staff, and/or a team that demonstrate a relentless determination to make a lasting difference beyond the university’s borders. The recipient(s) display(s) a demonstrated commitment to moving society towards a greater common good and encourage(s) constructive collaboration in service to our local and global communities.

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals and/or unit, departmental, interdepartmental or campus teams can be nominated for this award. Only current full-time faculty and staff are eligible. Nominations for faculty and/or staff teams that include student participants or part-time faculty or staff participants will also be accepted.

Individuals selected for this award may be determined ineligible for other Presidential Employee Excellence Recognition Program awards in the same calendar year. Nominations are encouraged in more than one category, if applicable.

Nominated effort must be within the last 12-months and show lasting positive results in at least one of these areas:

• Work outcome results in a meaningful positive impact in communities in New Jersey and/or beyond
• Demonstrate constructive collaboration with internal and/or external communities
• Achievement of environmental, health, and/or well-being goals

Required Documentation: 

• Artifacts showing qualitative and/or quantitative impacts
• Letter(s) of support documenting the individual’s or team’s achievements
• A thoughtful and substantive summary outlining the regular duties of the individual or team and the extraordinary effort and accomplishment serving as the basis for nomination

Incomplete submissions will not be considered by the committee. Before submitting your nomination, please view the nomination form instructions to understand all of the elements required in order to submit your nomination.

Nominate a Colleague: Go to the nomination form