Traveling Plaques: Universal Competencies

You can nominate co-workers, either as individuals or as teams, for one of three University HR Traveling Plaque Awards. These awards are reflective of UI's universal competencies, through which respect, collaboration, and service brings institutional values to life. Learn more about these awards below.

Welcoming and Respectful Environment

Demonstrates the ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and respectful manner while appreciating the unique contribution of an inclusive workforce that brings together the talents of people across multiple identities, including: race, creed, color, religion, national origins, age, sex, pregnancy, disability, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences.

Service Excellence/Customer Focus

Demonstrates the ability to meet or exceed customer service needs and expectations and provides excellent service in a direct or indirect manner. Able to effectively transmit and interpret information through appropriate communication with internal and external customers.

Collaboration and Positive Impact

Demonstrates the ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and civil manner and utilizes existing resources and learning to achieve or exceed desired outcomes of current and future organizational goals/needs.

University HR Impact Awards

University HR leadership, unit directors, and program managers can nominate staff members in their current working units, either as individuals or teams, for one of three University HR Impact Awards. The University HR annual recognition event will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. Below is nomination criteria and descriptions of the awards. HR leadership, unit directors, and program managers are encouraged to nominate deserving staff, and can find the nomination form below. 

Nomination Criteria:

• Nominations should be made for staff member(s) in your current working unit. 
  • If you are nominating a team that collaborates on a cross-functional project, program, or service, and includes staff members from your current working unit, you may nominate all members of the team, even if some members are not within your current working unit. 
• Nominations should be for project, program, or service outcomes, and should signify one of the 3 award descriptions.
• Nominators should provide clear and specific examples of the contributions and outcomes made by the staff member(s).

Deadline for submission is close of business on Monday, August 12, 2024.

If nominating an individual or a team for more than one award, please submit a separate workflow for each. 

Supports the organization by empowering, enlightening and motivating others. Is an individual or team who brings energy and optimism to the work environment, they see the glass as half full rather than half empty and project positivity to others. They literally can light up any room by their presence.

An individual or team who encourages peers to take on a new challenge or go the extra mile in their current role through direct or indirect support. Is achievement oriented and works continuously and tirelessly to achieve University HR's strategic goals and initiatives.

An individual or team that fosters change within the organization by recognizing challenges, identifying unsustainable processes and practices, and investing their innovative skills to find a solution. Is someone who germinates ideas into plans and is considered an intrapreneur by colleagues.