Who’s Eligible?

All non-probationary, non-temporary, full-time and part-time (20-plus hours per week) staff and faculty employees at the Storrs and regional campuses are eligible. Any proposed employee must be in good standing with his/her respective department and the University at the time of nomination. Criteria may differ by award. In order to avoid possible conflicts of interest, no member of the UConn Spirit Awards Committee may nominate staff members. Self-nominations, or nominations by a family member will not be accepted.

UConn Health employees are not eligible for these awards, as UConn Health has its own robust awards program for Farmington-based staff as a result of an earlier campus climate survey there.

How are Winners Selected?

In complete confidentiality, nominations will be reviewed by the UConn Spirit Awards Committee, which will distinguish one award recipient per category. In the event a committee member is nominated for an award, he/she will not participate in the review of nominations and selection of the recipient for that particular award.

What are the Criteria?

The UConn Spirit Awards celebrate individuals and teams who exceed expectations and contribute positively to the workplace and the University. The spirit of the program is to acknowledge outstanding contributions.

Winners will be chosen in the following categories:

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award is given to a staff member who has contributed significantly to his/her department and University community with enthusiasm, strong work ethic, superior leadership (if applicable), and reliability.

Criteria:

• New to UConn (no prior stints of employment of any type); and
• Must have held current position within the same department for a minimum of 6 months and less than two years at time of nomination.

Unsung Hero Award

The Unsung Hero Award is awarded to a person who is continually both a real benefit to coworkers and a stable, dependable resource for the University. This staff member consistently goes above and beyond, without fanfare or public recognition; fills in when and wherever needed and always performs at a high level; takes initiative to solve problems and improve work situations without being prompted; demonstrates reliability, perseverance, and focus on results. They help others by sharing knowledge of the Institution’s practices and job-related skills.

Criteria:

• Continuously goes above and beyond; and
• Performs their duties with pride.

Team Award

This honor is awarded to a department/group/team (two or more individuals) whose collaboration has demonstrated success and overall contribution to the University.

Note: If an entire department/group/team is nominated, the nomination cannot be submitted by a member within the department/group/team. Nominations may be submitted by a non-group team member.

Criteria:

• Group of two or more individuals;
• Can be from different departments/units; and
• Collaboration has positively impacted the entire University.

Special Citations

A special citation is an optional add-on to a nomination across any category. Nominators may choose to add an optional “special citation” to their nomination, if their nominee meets the parameters of the overall award and does so through the lens of the “special citation.”

• Inclusive Excellence
  • Inclusive Excellence means putting our community values into action and creating a campus climate where all members belong, thrive and succeed.
  • The Inclusive Excellence Special Citation recognizes a university employee or team who meets the criteria of a Spirit Awards and does so while:
    • Exemplifying a commitment to diversity and inclusion in their daily work life, creating and sustaining an environment where all individuals are respected and valued.
    •  Demonstrating measurable progress in promoting and sustaining innovative diversity and inclusion efforts within their campus community.
      
• University Citizen
  • The University Citizen Special Citation recognizes a university employee or team who meets the criteria of a Spirit Award and do so while:
    • Exhibiting University workplace values, including honesty, integrity, compliance, cooperation, and civility.
    • Motivating or inspiring colleagues to continually improve.
    • Acting as a role model, an inspiration, and/or a source of support in the workplace and demonstrates a dedicated interest in helping colleagues succeed.

Spirit Awards Ceremony
Thursday, April 8, 2027
Alumni Center
10:30am – 11:45am