The Rewards and Recognition Committee is comprised of representatives from all University Services departments and staff levels. The Committee is responsible for 1) developing awards for recognizing, rewarding, and honoring University Services employees for exemplary work and character traits that represent the organization’s three principles as well as University Services’ commitment to diversity and inclusion; and 2) planning and promoting an annual event to thank, show appreciation for, recognize and reward University Services’ employees. Each year, the Committee collectively reviews submitted nominations and recommends finalists to the Vice President of University Services.

RR Awards are part of a University Services initiative that aims to recognize outstanding staff members as they relate to University Services principles (Service Excellence, Efficiency and Effectiveness, Team and People) and our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion. RR Awards are awarded once per academic year. The Tiger and Spot Award program is administered through the Office of Human Resources and recognizes one-time exceptional achievements or contributions to the University mission above and beyond one’s normal job responsibilities. Tiger and Spot Awards are awarded multiple times throughout the year. 

The monetary award amounts may fluctuate depending on the available budget each year. Other reasons for fluctuation include number of awards available, number of award recipients per award category, and number of members on a team recipient (Team Foundation Award only). Each year, the Rewards and Recognition committee will announce the dollar amounts for each award, minus the Team Foundation Award, when opening the nomination period. All monetary awards are subject to federal and state taxes. 

Any person or people the nominee provides a service to which may include coworkers, students, faculty and staff, and University visitors and guests.

No. Teams can include members outside of your department as long as they are a part of University Services working towards a common goal or project (e.g., ad hoc committees). 

The monetary award amounts may fluctuate depending on the available budget each year. Other reasons for fluctuation include number of awards available, number of award recipients per award category, and number of members on a team recipient (Team Foundation Award only). Each year, the Rewards and Recognition committee will announce the dollar amounts for each award, minus the Team Foundation Award, when opening the nomination period. All monetary awards are subject to federal and state taxes. 

Staff may nominate anyone in the division of University Services, which includes:

• Administration: Communications, Financial Services, IT
• Campus Dining
• Campus Support Services: AV Services, Performing Arts Services, Venue Services, and University Ticketing 
• Conference and Event Services and University Scheduling
• Housing and Real Estate Services
• Print and Mail Services and Trademark Licensing
• The Service Point and TigerCard Services
• Transportation and Parking Services

No. At this time, only University Services staff may participate in the nomination process.

Testimonies from outside University Services partners or customers can be included in a nomination submitted by one ore more University Services staff.

Yes, however you will need to submit a separate nomination form for each award.

Yes. If you would like a copy of a previously submitted nomination form to reference and build upon, please contact Amanda Stevens ([email protected]). Please note that previous nominations will not automatically be considered for subsequent programs.

Yes. Staff are welcome to co-write nominations (e.g. on behalf of an entire department, unit, team, etc.). When filling out the nomination form, please list only the primary contact. 

The staff at Princeton Writes is more than happy to serve as a personal writing coach to help University Services staff craft a compelling nomination. The service is available to all staff at no cost. Contact Princeton Writes to set up an appointment ([email protected]).

Staff have the OPTION of filling out the “Guided Questions” OR the “Open Response” section.

Guided Questions are designed to help nominators provide specific details about the nominee as they pertain to each award. Nominators only need to fill out questions they feel are relevant to the nominee. 

Open Response allows nominators to write more freely in an essay-like format. When choosing this method, nominators should reference the Guided Questions section to understand what the committee is looking for when selecting a recipient. When choosing this method, nominators should use specific examples when possible.

Either method will be equally and carefully reviewed by the Rewards and Recognition Committee, who will then recommend finalists to the Vice President of University Services.