Recognizing exceptional contributions from employees is important at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. Employee awards are split into two separate programs for faculty and staff. Awards are administered in two programs—one for employees and one for faculty, so be sure to read the instructions thoroughly before submitting a nomination.
2024 College of Engineering Employee Awards
These awards are conferred annually to recognize employees who go above and beyond their day-to-day duties to serve the engineering campus community. They are separate from Faculty Awards, described further down on this page. One awardee will be chosen for each of the following categories. Other benefits include:
- $2000 cash award
- Recognition on website
- Awarded at College Awards Night banquet
Administrative
Staff Member of the Year
Primarily supports HR, finance/accounting, marketing/communications, travel, purchasing, research or other non-advisory, non-technical functions within the college. (Staff).
Student-Centered
Employee of the Year
Primarily student-focused work including academic advisors, student group advisors, research advisors, undergraduate and graduate student support, career and library services and department or administrative staff who largely serve student customers. (Faculty or staff).
Technical
Staff Member of the Year
Primarily supports computing, laboratories, machine shop and building/maintenance functions (except contract custodial workers). (Staff).
Eligibility
To be eligible for these awards, employees must be:
- Full time OPS (30+ hrs), A&P, USPS employees (except as indicated)
- Six months of service at the college
- Good standing in their position (i.e., not be on formal corrective or disciplinary action)
- Not won the award in the last five years
- Must work mainly on the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering campus
Criteria
Nominees for these awards should demonstrate outstanding performance, including one or more of the following:
- Exceptional service to students, faculty, staff and/or other stakeholders
- Innovative approaches toward greater efficiency and effectiveness
- Commitment to the college mission and values
- High morale and positive attitude
- Commitment to teamwork and college success overall
Nomination Process
Nominations for the 2024 awards are due using the nomination form by Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Submissions should include specific examples of how the individual has met the criteria above. Complete nominations include the following. Incomplete nominations will not be considered.
- Any faculty or staff member may nominate an individual
- An individual may nominate no more than one (1) nominee for each of the three (3) categories
- One nomination letter; up to three per nomination accepted
- Eligibility will be reviewed by the supervisor after submission
The review committee members are not eligible for awards. The Employee Awards Review Committee will evaluate nominations between March 28 and April 10, 2024. Awardees will be notified of their selection (but not specific award) before the College Awards Night banquet. Awards will be bestowed at the banquet.
Be sure to read the tips for a great nomination at the bottom of this page!
Employee Awards Timeline
March 13 – Nominations open
March 27 – Nominations close
March 28 – Employee Awards Review Committee convenes
April 10 – Awards review complete
April 26 – College Awards Night
2024 College of Engineering Faculty Awards
We ask that nominations for any of these awards be submitted by March 27, 2024. Any faculty member may nominate the individual. Self-nominations are permitted.
Faculty Nomination Process
Faculty nominations for the 2024 awards are due by March 27, 2024. Submissions should include:
- One-page summary of the accomplishments addressing the award requirements
- Current CV
- Additional backup information, such as a copy of a publication or patent, can be attached as an appendix but is not required
Award winners will be selected by a committee. Winners will be notified just before the College Awards Night.
Be sure to read the tips for a great nomination at the bottom of this page!
Faculty Awards Timeline
March 13 – Nominations open
March 27 – Nominations close
March 28 – Faculty Awards Review Committee convenes
April 10 – Awards review complete
April 26 – College Awards Night
Excellence in Education Award
One award is given to a faculty member in recognition of outstanding teaching contributions either in the classroom for established classes, through innovation in either content or pedagogy, or assessment and continuous improvement. Nominations contain a 4-year record of accomplishments. The award comes with a $2000 check. The award may not be given each year if there are insufficient outstanding nominations.
Rising Star Faculty Award
One award is given to a faculty member in a tenure-earning position who has achieved outstanding success in building their research career through publishing high-impact research, securing competitive external support, and developing successful Ph.D. students. While the award is focused on research, exemplary performance in all three elements—research, teaching and service, is expected. The award comes with a $2000 check or $10,000 discretionary research funding to be spent within two years. The award may not be given each year if there are insufficient outstanding nominations.
Outstanding Research Accomplishment Award
One award is given for an outstanding research accomplishment made within the last two calendar years. Such might be high-profile publications with a major impact on a field, a very significant patent or a spin-off company demonstrating success. This award is open to all faculty. The award comes with a $2000 check or $10,000 discretionary research funding to be spent within two years. The award may not be given each year if there are insufficient outstanding nominations.
Writing a Compelling Nomination
(credit UC Davis College of Engineering)
Write a strong and compelling nomination for each individual. Please try to use a neutral pronoun to preserve anonymity (i.e., “this person/our nominee/our candidate”). Your nomination should include:
- Supporting statements: Include supporting statements with specific examples that address the award criteria. Include outcomes, results and activities above and beyond normal job duties.
- What did the nominee do? Projects and activities above and beyond the job description, challenges or issues encountered and overcome.
- How did they do it? What initiative or leadership, creativity or innovation did they exhibit?
- What was the outcome or impact? What did the nominee accomplish and/or what were the specific benefits to the college/department/unit?
Helpful words and phrases:
- Consistently goes above and beyond to…
- Regularly demonstrates excellence, integrity, leadership, outstanding commitment…
- Is responsible for organizing/leading/tracking…
- Has successfully organized/executed…
Example
“This person is deserving of the Administrative Staff Member of the Year because of their regular, above-and-beyond commitment to and support of the employees in their unit. For example, each month this manager shares the latest staff development opportunities with their team and encourages staff to enroll in training and/or workshops. This unwavering support creates a positive office environment and challenges employees to continuously grow in their roles. This person also positively affects employee morale through their regular and clear communication and support.”