The University of Iowa Outstanding Staff Award


Since 1985, the University of Iowa has presented awards to recognize current University staff for outstanding accomplishments and contributions that have significantly benefited or brought honor or recognition to the University. Up to six awards may be given each year. Award recipients will be recognized at a university event in the fall. Each winner receives a commemorative gift and a $500 prize.

Eligibility

  • All current permanent full-time and part-time (50% or more) Merit, Merit Supervisory, Exempt/Confidential, and Professional and Scientific staff, including those covered by a collective bargaining agreement, are eligible.
    If you are unsure of the category of your nominee, please check with your Unit HR Representative.
  • Individuals may not be selected for both the Board of Regents Staff Excellence and the UI Outstanding Staff Awards in the same year.
  • Staff members may receive the UI Outstanding Staff Award once during their employment at The University of Iowa.
  • Previously nominated but not selected staff are eligible.
  • Nominees must be actively employed at the close of the nomination period.

Criteria

  • Demonstrates extraordinary contributions to the University.
  • Contributions extend beyond normal job responsibilities.
  • This award does not recognize community service unless it directly relates to the nominee’s University position.

Nominations

  • Any member of the University of Iowa community (faculty, staff, or student) may submit nominations.
  • Nomination materials must clearly address the award criteria.
  • Nominators must complete the online nomination form located on the Staff Council Award webpage.
  • Submissions received after the deadline will not be processed.
  • Incomplete submissions will be returned for correction and must be resubmitted by the deadline.

Selection and Notification

The Selection Committee is appointed by the UI Staff Council Awards Committee and composed of Merit Supervisory, Exempt/Confidential, Professional and Scientific staff, and faculty members (total of seven).

Nominators and nominees will be notified of the Committee’s decisions via letter from the President’s Office (typically in late August or early September).

After notification, award recipients will be announced in a University of Iowa News Release and posted on the Staff Council website.

Required Nomination Materials
Nomination materials may be submitted online using the nomination form link. or emailed to staffawards@uiowa.edu.

Nomination Letter

  • No more than 750 words in length (letters longer than 750 words will be returned).
  • The nomination letter must speak directly to the nominee’s accomplishments based on the criteria below:
    • Demonstrates extraordinary contributions to the University.
    • Contributions extend beyond normal job responsibilities.
    • Excludes community or service organization work unless related to the University position.

Two Letters of Support

  • Limited to one, one-sided page each; font size must be at least 10.
  • Letters from a variety of constituents (staff, faculty, students, alumni, patients, customers, or suppliers) have a greater impact than those all from the same department.
  • Letters should address the award criteria.
  • No more than two letters will be accepted. Additional letters will not be considered.

If you have questions concerning your nomination, contact the Staff Awards Committee at staffawards@uiowa.edu.