Professional Staff Senate

Distinguished Professional Staff Award

February  2008

TO: All Faculty and Staff

FR: Rosa Redonnett, Vice President for Enrollment Management

RE: Distinguished Professional Staff Award

The University of Southern Maine consists of many outstanding individuals who make a recognizable difference at this University. There are many opportunities for University employees to individually share acknowledgment of a colleague’s achievement. Annually, the Professional Staff Senate provides an opportunity to formally recognize a University colleague. We are pleased to announce the call for nominations for this important annual award to recognize distinguished career achievement by a member of the University’s professional staff. This award both recognizes a valued University colleague and promotes the effort and achievements of all professional staff.

On behalf of the Distinguished Professional staff Award Committee, I invite you to take this opportunity to submit a nomination. The award includes peer recognition, $500, a special gift. Most importantly, the award recognizes the special achievement of a talented colleague. Nominations must be submitted by April 4, 2008.

Please do not hesitate to contact me at extension 4097 if you should have any questions about this.

DISTINGUISHED PROFESSIONAL STAFF AWARD

Eligibility

Any member of the professional staff with at least five (5) years of distinguished professional service at the University of Southern Maine, whose primary responsibility is administrative, not teaching, is eligible for the award. A professional staff member cannot win the award more than once.

Nomination Process

Nominations may be made by other members of the professional staff, faculty or classified staff. The responsibilities of the nominator are as follows:

• Obtain permission from the candidate to be nominated;
• Write a letter of nomination and recommendation for the nominee;
• Obtain three (3) additional written recommendations. Nominators are encouraged to seek recommendations from the external community as well as the University community.
• Obtain an up-to-date resume from the nominee;
• Submit the letter of nomination, all recommendations and the resume of the nominee to my office by April 4, 2008.

Candidates may be re-nominated from a previous year, and those considerations are encouraged. The nominator would, in that case, submit an updated letter of nomination, at least one new recommendation (current year) and an updated resume.

Selection Criteria

The Selection Committee will carry out its work with the utmost rigor, integrity and confidentiality. Judgements will be based on the following criteria (please note: Nomination letters and recommendations should address these criteria):

• recognized excellence in one’s professional area;
• recognized as a role model and mentor to others;
• leadership in fulfilling the mission of USM;
• creativity, as expressed through program initiatives, special projects, writing, etc.;
• demonstrated leadership and initiative as a USM professional staff member;
• active contributor to the USM community;
• public service in the larger community.

Time Line

All nominations and supporting documentation (including resume and all recommendations) must be received by no later than April 4, 2008. Submit all materials to: Rosa Redonnett, Vice President, Enrollment Management, 732 Law Building, Portland Campus.

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