Vol. 18, No. 18	Feb. 4, 1999

Nominations sought for UD Innovation Award

"Initiated five years ago, the program has been strongly supported by college and administrative units," Maxine Colm, vice president for administration, said. She noted that the Innovation Award recognizes projects developed by departmental units and/or work groups that improve institutional effectiveness as well as the quality of life in the workforce and in the larger community.

"Last year's proposals were outstanding, and it was difficult to make a single award," she said. "Therefore two awards were given: the first to a team comprised of library employees who, with assistance from Information Technologies, developed an alternative way for faculty to access scholarly information; the second, to a team that developed the Purchasing Card Program which enables departments to process purchases on the web. In both instances, technology and talented individuals came together to enhance services for the University community."

Colm noted that she was confident proposals of similar excellence would be presented for consideration this year. She urged unit members engaged in innovative activities to apply for the award.

Nominations, which are due March 12, 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.

To help recognize the outstanding work of University employees during the last year, all members of the campus community are invited to submit recommendations.

Nominations, to be submitted to the appropriate dean or unit supervisor, should be in the form of a one-page memorandum that outlines the names and titles of the persons participating and their respective offices/units, plus 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 26 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 26. The provost, executive vice president and the vice president for administration will review all proposals forwarded by the college deans and unit suprvisors and make recommendations to the president no later than April 9.

The president will inform awardees no later than April 16, as well as those whose proposals are not selected.

Innovation Award recipients will be honored at the annual spring Service Recognition dinner May 19.

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, Office of Employee Training and Career Development, at 831-2059.