Vol. 19, No. 18

Feb. 3, 2000

Help identify top innovations
by campus employees, groups

Nominations are being sought from the campus community for the UD Innovation Award, which recognizes employees and work groups who have made a significant contribution recently toward promoting University-wide objectives. Initiated six years ago, the award program recognizes projects that help improve institutional effectiveness as well as the quality of life in the work force and in the larger community. Last year, members of the University Web Media Team were honored for redesigning the University’s home page on the World Wide Web and developing an innovative approach to managing web resources. According to Maxine Colm, vice president for administration, each year the Innovation Award program recognizes the work of outstanding UD employees. “Since this program was initiated,” Colm said, “we have been proud to honor the fine work of our employees by spotlighting their creativity and cooperative efforts. These two attributes are necessary to accomplish important tasks in a rapidly changing and demanding work environment. We believe this award program both recognizes and motivates the members of our outstanding workforce.” Nominations, which are due March 10, should focus on one or more of the following areas: increased operational efficiencies, new applications of technology, documented cost savings, improved employee morale, customer (student) satisfaction, adaptability to other University offices/units, team-building initiatives and community outreach. Nominations, to be submitted to the appropriate dean or unit supervisor, should be in a one-page memorandum that outlines the names and titles of the persons participating and their respective offices/units and a brief description of the initiative. The nomination materials should include how the design of the project meets one or more of the established criteria for the program. Any additional documentation in support of the proposal also should be included. The review process will include review by the dean or unit supervisor, who may appoint a committee to assist in selecting no more than two proposals for continued review. Individuals or teams will be notified no later than March 24 if their proposal is moving forward or will not be considered further. The selected proposals are due to the vice president for administration by March 24. The provost, executive vice president and the vice president for administration will review all proposals forwarded by the college deans and unit heads and make recommendations to the president no later than April 7. The president will inform awardees no later than April 14, as well as those whose proposals are not selected. Innovation Award recipients will be honored at the annual spring Service Recognition dinner on May 10. Each recipient will receive a cash bonus of $250 and a certificate of recognition. An article describing the projects honored will be published in UpDate. Questions regarding the UD Innovation Award should be directed to Richie Holland, human resources, at 831- 2059.