Rationale and Program Overview

Rationale

In 2002 when the Office of Human Resources conducted nine (9) focus groups across campus, "recognition and rewards" was in the top ten items named by both Administrative and Support employees. A Task Force was formed to determine what the University is already doing as well as what our sister institutions, the City of Jacksonville, and local corporations are doing.

Research shows that employee rewards and recognition are motivating mechanisms in the workplace.
These programs provide tangible or intangible rewards to recognize excellence and to encourage continued high performance standards.
In the U.S. more than $25 billion annually is dedicated to rewarding positive behavior in the nation’s workforce. This expenditure on rewards programs is viewed by most as an investment.
Improved individual performance aggregates into enhanced organizational performance.

Coordination

The overall coordination of the Excellence Awards Program is handled by the University’s Recognition and Rewards Committee, which is appointed by the UNF President. The Committee is comprised of three Administrative staff, three Support staff and a representative from the Office of Human Resources. Each year after the inaugural year, the award recipients from the previous year will serve on the Committee for one year following their recognition.

Other Forms of UNF Recognition:

Annual UNF Service Recognition Awards Luncheon
Institutional Advancement: Outstanding Osprey Marble Egg Award
Enrollment Services: Spirit Award; Employee Excellence Award; Osprey Excellence Award
University Police Dept: Employee of the Quarter and Employee of the Year
Student Affairs: various recognition initiatives
Physical Facilities: National Custodian Week - Breakfast event for all custodians.
Administrative: GABOR Award, Book Award
Support: GABOR Award; USPA Employee of the Year; Book Award

back to the Excellence Awards Program page