Semiannual Award Forms
Margaret C. Howell
This award recognizes individuals whose efforts carry on the work and demonstrate the character of the late Margaret C. Howell, who retired from George Mason University in 2002 after 20 years of outstanding, committed service. Her work focused on the development of respect, diversity and individual dignity throughout the University and the community.
Criteria for this award are:
• Evidence of work that promotes respect, diversity and individual dignity
throughout the University and the community (examples: mentoring students, faculty or
staff; developing programs that promote cross-cultural understanding and cooperation;
resolution of problems and concerns based on individual differences).
• The nominee's efforts have impacted an individual or individuals, the University
and/or the community it serves.
This award is open to all University employees with at least three years of continuous service at the University. Nominations will be reviewed by a Selection Committee composed of employees from various departments. The winner will receive a plaque and $500 presented by the President at the winter awards ceremony.
Martha J. Reiner Quality Customer Service
The award is named after Martha J. Reiner, who retired in 2005 after 17 years of quality customer service to the Mason community. She was the recognized goodwill ambassador and "go to" person for her department , who along with her commitment to outstanding customer service skills, worked to recognize others through the development of programs like the Employee of the Month.
The criteria for this award are exceptional initiative in "going the extra mile" to provide service to internal and external customers with timely and appropriate follow-up, responsiveness to the needs of students, patrons or customers and demonstrated improvement of customer service and satisfaction.
The award is presented annually at the summer awards ceremony. It is open to all employees and students. The winner will receive $500, and the winner's name will be inscribed on a special plaque which will remain in the department for one year.
Outstanding Achievement Award
This award is granted for achievements that result in significant benefit to the University, school, institute or department, i.e. specific accomplishments that improve processes, save time or money or improve customer service. It is based on sustained, long-term accomplishments within the scope of the employee's job. Awarded twice yearly, it is based on nominations submitted for review by the Compensation Committee. It is centrally funded and includes a check for $500. Classified employees, administrative/professional faculty and wage employees are eligible for this award. An employee may only receive this award every two years.
Under the statewide compensation plan, classified and wage employees may receive up to $1,000 in monetary and non-monetary awards per fiscal year.
Outstanding Supervisor Award
The Outstanding Supervisor Award, sponsored by the Staff Senate, recognizes supervisors who most closely meet the criteria stated below. An employee who reports directly to a supervisor may submit the supervisor's name for consideration by submitting a nomination form accompanied by a letter of support. Other staff may add letters in support of the nomination. The letters should describe how the supervisor meets the award criteria, being as specific and thorough as possible.
Criteria for Award:
• Creates a pleasant and productive work environment for employees.
• Listens to suggestions and ideas.
• Performs all duties required of a supervisor in a timely fashion.
• Recognizes and rewards superior performance, and is fair and flexible in dealing with employees.
• Encourages professional growth of employees.
• Acts as an advocate for classified and non-student wage employees.
• Provides a sense of vision for the department and makes classified
and non-student wage employees feel actively involved in the goals of the department and/or university.
Return form and letter(s) of support to:
Staff Senate, MS 2A4
SUB I, Room 352B
Fax: 3-4150 Phone: 3-4141
staffsenatestaffsenate@gmu.edu
David W. Rossell Quill Award
This award recognizes individuals whose efforts exemplify the leadership and dedication of David W. Rossell, who retired from George Mason University in 2007 with over 20 years of loyal service. His devotion to the Mason community focused on leadership, teaching and fulfilling the University's mission.
Criteria for this award are:
- Worked on projects or initiatives, outside the realm of normal work duties, resulting in the advancement of the University's mission
- Shared time and expertise in service to the University and the Community
- Efforts to advance the stature of the department and/or entire university
- Displayed leadership
This award is open to all instructional, administrative and professional faculty of George Mason University. It will be presented at the spring and summer award ceremonies. The award amount is $500.00 from the central awards account. Up to an additional $500.00 from departmental funds may be added to the $500.00
Safety Recognition Award
This award is given to a person or group of employees (department, facilities
shop, laboratory, etc.) to recognize those who have made a significant
contribution to improving health and safety on campus. Any employee or group
of employees may be nominated by a colleague, supervisor, customer or student. The
management staff within the Environmental Health and Safety Office will serve as
the awarding committee. Nominations will be accepted twice a year prior to each
Human Resources Awards Ceremony and the monetary award will be divided between multiple
awardees.
Please send completed nominations to safety@gmu.edu.
For more information on this award, please visit
http://ehs.gmu.edu
Exceptional Support
This award is designed to recognize those employees who are the "worker bees" of
the University, i.e. those upon whom departments rely for the smooth running of daily
departmental functions and operations. These employees demonstrate exceptional customer
service, initiative, enthusiasm, commitment and energy.
Up to 15 Exceptional Support awards will be awarded twice yearly at the semi-annual awards
ceremony. Winners will receive $250. One individual may only receive this award once
every two years; receipt of the Outstanding Achievement Award is included for this two year period.
Team Excellence Award
The Team Excellence Award will be awarded annually at the winter awards ceremony. Selection is based upon outstanding performance and results due to group achievement. Examples include: delivering exceptional customer-oriented services, cost and/or time savings, maintaining high safety standards, combining talents of separate units, and encouraging teamwork in the workplace. Up to $500 will be awarded.
Sustainability Hero Award
The Sustainability Hero Award is given to a faculty or staff member or a group of faculty and/or staff members who have furthered university sustainability efforts through their creativity, dedication and heart. The Sustainability Council and the Executive Steering Committee for Sustainability will make the final determination of winners. Nominations will be accepted twice a year prior to each Human Resources Awards Ceremony. One award will given per semester, and may be given to an individual or a team. Team awards will be divided among the named winners.
Please send completed nominations to lstorm@gmu.edu. For more information on this award, please visit Sustainability at Mason.

