Enhancing staff recognition programs

In e-mail sent to Brown faculty and staff Nov. 9, Elizabeth Huidekoper, executive vice president for finance and administration, announced several enhancements to the University's staff recognition program.

The enhancements were developed under the leadership of the Human Resources Advisory Board and the Staff Advisory Committee and "build on and improve a number of individual recognition traditions and institute new initiatives as well," according to the announcement. "Together, the programs better reflect the values of the Brown community and the important role of staff in carrying out Brown's mission on a daily basis."

Major components of the enhancements include:

The Bonus Program: The University will award $500,000 in performance bonuses to recognize and reward staff members whose extraordinary efforts in 2003-2004 contributed to the University in significant and meaningful ways. Bonuses, which will be awarded by the senior officers to staff in their respective areas, will include individual as well as team awards. Nominations are due to senior officers on Friday, Dec. 3.

Specific criteria, nomination materials and deadline dates can be found online.

Team awards received through the Bonus Program will be acknowledged at B.E.A.R Day.

B.E.A.R. Day and Excellence Awards: B.E.A.R. (Brown Employee Appreciation and Recognition) Day, a new recognition event for all University staff, will take place in late January. All staff and faculty will be invited to participate and celebrate in this event, which will include recognition for staff for their years of service and excellence in performance. In the past, service awards were presented to employees who reached the 5-, 10-, 20- and 25-year milestones. This year, a 15-year category has been added to recognize staff for their continuing loyalty and dedication to the University.

In addition to recognizing years of service, B.E.A.R. Day will also include recognition for excellence in performance.

The Excellence Awards will be given to four individuals in one of six possible categories: Citizenship, Diversity, Efficiency, Innovation, Rising Star, and Service. A $1,000 award will be given to each recipient. Award recipients will be selected through a peer-nominated and peer-selected process. Nominations for these awards should be submitted to Angel Hilliard by Friday, Dec. 3. Please refer to the HR Web site for further details regarding nomination materials and individual categories.

B.E.A.R. Day will be an opportunity for staff and faculty to come together to recognize, appreciate and celebrate staff accomplishments and contributions to Brown. B.E.A.R. Day will take the place of the Years of Service Awards and Brown Says Thank You events held in previous years.

Dessert Social: Over the past year, members of the Staff Advisory Committee and others have heard from staff that the holiday party offered in early December has had limited appeal, particularly in comparison to the popularity of the winter break closing and the strong desire to have the winter break continued. Therefore, to give the University the opportunity to celebrate the holidays together as a community, a Dessert Social on Dec. 2 will replace the holiday party.