William Paterson University Recognition Programs At William Paterson University, we honor and celebrate the remarkable efforts and accomplishments of our dedicated team members. We deeply value the significance of recognizing our employees, as it plays a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant work environment and nurturing a culture of excellence, growth, and belonging. Service Awards Service Awards are given in recognition of length of service, skills and dedication that our employees bring to William Paterson University. Awards are presented upon completion of each five years of employment. Employees achieving a milestone of 10 years or more of service, are honored at a luncheon presided over by the President or his designee. Recognition Award Programs William Paterson offers two distinct programs—the Pioneer Colleague Recognition Program and the New Jersey State Employee Recognition Day (SERD) Program—designed to commend the outstanding contributions of our staff members. Employees are eligible for nomination in both programs. William Paterson University Pioneer Colleague Recognition Program The Pioneer Colleague Recognition Program acknowledges exceptional contributions by non-instructional staff and administrators to both the University and the wider community. The program aims to foster a sense of community and honor impactful leadership, echoing the sentiment expressed by John F. Kennedy: “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” All University non-instructional staff and administrators, excluding members of the Cabinet, are eligible for nomination for this program. Employees or teams recognized under this program must have made a significant contribution beyond their designated responsibilities and duties. Contributions will be evaluated based on the following categories: Leadership and Innovation – In the spirit of innovation, leading in the creation of innovative ideas and initiatives achieving significant process improvements and efficiencies. The enhancement of the University's public image, financial savings, or improved and increased service to a university constituency will be considered. Leadership and Team Spirit – The highest level of impact to team performance and productivity and/or improved cross-functional team solutions. Leadership and Professional Achievement – Recognition of an employee who has established a higher standard of work performance by example and development of self; demonstrated leadership qualities when presented with challenging assignments; voluntarily used their knowledge and skills to promote work-related development of other employees and contributed to building employee morale. Community Leadership – Enhancing or building new relationships with volunteer or community-serving institutions achieving improvements and impact for the community. From solutions to challenges faced by community members to starting impactful projects that benefit youth or the environment, this exemplary community leadership will be recognized given its’ highest contribution to the community. Nominations are open to all staff members, supervisors, administrators, or managers. Managers are responsible for disseminating information about the program and providing employees with the nomination form. To nominate an employee for the Pioneer Colleague Recognition Program, please complete the online nomination form by selecting the Pioneer Colleague Recognition Nomination link. A hard copy is also available by contacting Deborah Ackerly, director of talent acquisition and employee learning and development, at ackerlyd1@wpunj.edu. Individuals who are selected for the Pioneer Colleague Recognition Program will receive: A Pioneer Colleague Recognition plaque engraved with the employee's name, award year, and category. A celebratory meal. Recognition in WP Announcements and at various University meetings. Special acknowledgement/badge added to their profile in Workday. New Jersey State Employee Recognition Day (SERD) Award Ceremony This recognition day by the State provides an opportunity to nominate colleagues for state recognition for their outstanding contributions to public service. Nominees are evaluated based on criteria such as effort, innovation, commitment to citizens, teamwork, professionalism, and community service. Please find the link to the nomination form here: SERD Nomination form. Governor’s Awards Nomination Categories Innovation and Efficiency: Recognizes employees who demonstrate a willingness to identify and implement business processes that make services more accessible, link budget decisions and program priorities more closely with program performance to achieve cost savings, generate revenue enhancements, and/or implement more efficient methods of service delivery. Leadership/Professional Achievement: Recognizes an employee who has established a higher standard of work performance by example; demonstrated leadership qualities when presented with challenging assignments; voluntarily used their knowledge and skills to promote work-related development of other employees; contributed to building employee moral; improved work processes, procedures; encouraged initiative and forward thinking; has successfully established new and outstanding methods, practices, plans or designs resulting in cost savings, revenue generation, and/or workplace efficiencies. New Jersey Award for Heroism: Recognizes an employee who was selfless at saving someone who was in a life-threatening situation. This person must have gone above and beyond the call of duty to New Jersey citizens. Governor’s Team of Excellence Award: Recognizes a team that has demonstrated a commitment to public service by leading by example and helping the Governor meet his mission to make New Jersey a fairer and stronger place to live and work. Community Service Award: May be presented to employees who have made outstanding contributions to the communities in which they live or to the state through organizational activities outside the workplace. Selection Process Nominations for both programs (Pioneer and SERD) will be reviewed by members of the Recognition Committee, who will recommend honorees for review by the Cabinet. The President will make the final selections. Deadline for SERD Nomination form: Midnight, March 26, 2024 Deadline for Pioneer Colleague Recognition Nomination form: May 15, 2024 Nomination forms should be submitted online. Nomination forms may also be submitted to the Department of Human Resources in College Hall, Room 150. For any questions, please contact Deborah Ackerly, director of talent acquisition and employee learning and development, at ackerlyd1@wpunj.edu or call extension 2834.
