DATE: March 2, 2007
TO: Deans, Department Heads and Administrative Officers
FROM: Susan Carkeek, Chief Human Resources Officer
SUBJECT: 2007 Outstanding Contribution Awards

Each year the University is proud to honor employees through a special award program, the Outstanding Contribution Awards (OCA). This is my first time participating in this event here at U.Va., and I am looking forward to celebrating those employees who make exceptional efforts toward the University’s success.

The Outstanding Contribution Award is the highest honor for staff at the University. It is extremely important that we recognize excellence in our ranks, so informing your employees about this program would be deeply appreciated. I am asking for your help in singling out the best and brightest on your staff and nominating them for this award.

Deadlines
The nomination period for the 2007 OCA program is Monday, February 26, 2007 through Friday, March 23, 2007. Nominations must be received in the Office of University Faculty and Staff Employee Relations, 914 Emmet Street, Michie South, by 5:00 PM on March 23, 2007. Nominations must be submitted in a “hard copy.”

Nomination Guidelines
To be considered complete, a nomination package must include an original nomination, a nomination form, and two endorsements by individuals who have direct knowledge of the employee’s contributions. Either the nominator or one of the endorsers must be the nominee’s supervisor. Nomination forms are available on the UHR website and will be available through employee council representatives. Three University selection committees will choose employees from the Academic Division, Medical Center, and College at Wise to receive an OCA.

Recipients
In addition to an engraved plaque and public recognition at an event, each winner of the OCA will receive a $1,000 cash award. This award is exclusive of any other pay action or any other potential monetary recognition through routine departmental programs such as Rewards and Recognition. Detailed information will be sent to honorees and their departments closer to the event dates.

Governor’s Awards
The University also uses this same nomination process to identify employees for the Governor’s Awards, the state’s recognition program. Select nominations from the OCA process will be submitted to the state for consideration for a Governor’s Award. The Virginia Public Service Reward and Recognition Steering Committee will choose the recipients of the Governor’s Awards.

Recipients of both the OCA and the Governor’s Awards will be announced during the week of May 7-13, 2007, which has been designated as Virginia Public Service Week (VPSW).

As part of that celebration, the State is offering the opportunity for interested employees to participate as “Ambassadors” during the Governor’s Awards Ceremony. Any employee who is interested in serving as an Ambassador should complete and submit the Ambassador Sign-up Form by March 30, 2007. There will be a random drawing from all applicants to select a total of 35 Ambassadors from all regions of the Commonwealth. (If selected, employees must receive permission from their supervisors to attend the function. Travel expenses are to be reimbursed by the State’s Department of Human Resources Management. The time will not be counted toward annual leave.)

If you have any questions please contact Debbie Gausvik at 924-6263 or ddr@virginia.edu. I thank you for your support of the University’s efforts to recognize employees, and look forward to meeting you at these important events.