Student Affairs Awards
Nomination Form
Graduate Assistant of the Year Award
The GA of the Year Award recognizes a graduate student who has consistently exceeded the responsibilities of their position in a way that enhances the success, mission, and goals of Student Affairs. This student has gone above and beyond in being innovative and student-focused with their work. This award is open to all graduate assistants within the Division of Student Affairs.
- Must be a current graduate student at EIU with a Graduate Assistant position within the Division of Student Affairs.
- Must have a GPA of 3.0 or above.
- Must be in good disciplinary standing with the University.
- Individuals are eligible to win this award one time.
- Can recognize up to two Graduate Assistants in this category.
Newcomer of the Year Award
The Newcomer of the Year Award recognizes employees who have contributed to the success of the Division of Student Affairs and their individual departments through their use of personal initiative, analytical and critical thinking skills, and problem-solving capability. This individual is successful in moving a team toward goals that are consistent with the vision of a department, group, committee, or University organization. Has a track record of direct or indirect impact on the development of students and student groups in creating an environment which enhances student development.
- Must be a full-time employee of EIU working in the Division of Student Affairs.
- Must be employed at minimum 6 months but no more than 24 months.
- Recipient will receive $250 towards an approved professional development opportunity.
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award recognizes employees who have contributed to the success of the Division of Student Affairs and their individual departments through their use of personal initiative, analytical and critical thinking skills, and problem-solving capability. This individual is successful in moving a team toward goals that are consistent with the vision of a department, group, committee, or University organization. Has a track record of direct or indirect impact on the development of students and student groups in creating an environment which enhances student development.
- Must be a full-time EIU employee in the Division of Student Affairs.
- Must be employed in their role a minimum of 25 months but no longer than 60 months.
- An exception can be made for a BSW due to their bidding process and ability to shift between Divisions.
- Recipient will receive $250 towards an approved professional development opportunity.
Student Affairs Employee of the Year Award
The Student Affairs Employee of the Year Award recognizes employees who have contributed to the success of the Division of Student Affairs and their individual departments this year through their use of personal initiative, analytical and critical thinking skills, and problem-solving capability. This individual is successful in moving a team toward goals that are consistent with the vision of a department, group, committee, or University organization. This individual has a track record of direct or indirect impact on the development of students and student groups in creating an environment which enhances student development.
- Must be a full-time EIU employee in the Division of Student Affairs.
- Must be employed in their role a minimum of 12 months.
- An exception can be made for a BSW due to their bidding process and ability to shift between divisions.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advocate Award
The DEI Advocate Award is awarded to an individual, department, or team who has demonstrated their commitment to the promotion and celebration of diversity and inclusion within their department, the Division of Student Affairs, and/or the greater University community. The recipient creates an environment that celebrates diversity, challenges assumptions, advocates for the inclusion of underrepresented groups and identities, and infuses social justice into their work for students, faculty, and staff.
- Recipients must be employed in their current position as a GA or full-time employee for at least 12 months.
- Nominations should be based on programming within the current calendar year from January 1 - December 31.
- Nominations may be for an individual staff member or a Student Affairs department connected through a program/initiative.
Friends of Student Affairs Award
The Friends of Student Affairs Award recognizes any person or group outside of Student Affairs who has been an outstanding partner with Student Affairs on a significant initiative to improve the EIU experience for students. This award is presented to the office or individual outside of the Division of Student Affairs with whom staff within the Division partner or collaborate to advance a cause or solve a problem to benefit students and/or the Division. The “friend” must be an integral part of the program or cause.
- The nominator must be a current member of the Division of Student Affairs.
- Nominations should be based on programming within the current calendar year from January 1 - December 31.
- Nominations may be for an individual staff member or a non Student Affairs department connected through a program/initiative.
Outstanding Support Staff Member Award
The Outstanding Support Staff Member Award recognizes an individual who goes above and beyond the standard responsibilities to deliver quality service to staff and students. Recognizes employees who have contributed to the success of the Division of Student Affairs and their individual departments through their use of personal initiative, analytical and critical thinking skills, and problem-solving capability. This employee exceptionally completes essential administrative functions within the Division and fosters student success but is not necessarily always in direct contact with students. This award is designed to celebrate the contributions of employees often completing responsibilities “behind the scenes.”
- Must be a full-time EIU employee in the Division of Student Affairs.
- This award will recognize staff that do not have primary supervisory expectations over other staff or students as part of their role.
- Will recognize two staff members in this category.
Blue Star Worker Award
The Blue Star Worker Award recognizes the contributions of individuals who provide exceptional support to the students and staff within Student Affairs. This award is open to all Building Service Workers, Cooks, or Food Service Sanitation Laborers that directly support students and Student Affairs personnel. This award is to recognize staff members that display outstanding service, foster a caring attitude, and enhance the overall work/living environment for our staff and students through their daily interactions and performance.
- Must be a full-time EIU employee (does not have to be a Student Affairs employee).
- Must have been in their role for a minimum of 6 months.
- We will recognize two employees in this category.
- Nominees may have either direct or indirect contact with students.
Unsung Hero Award
The Unsung Hero Award recognizes the contributions of an individual who provides exceptional work that is essential within Student Affairs. This award is open to all Student Affairs employees. This award is to recognize a Student Affairs staff member that provides services or initiatives to enhance our work, foster organizational health, and promote student learning and success during the last calendar year.
- Must be a full-time EIU employee or Graduate Assistant in the Division of Student Affairs.
- Must have been in their role for a minimum of 6 months.
- Recipient will receive $250 towards an approved professional development opportunity.
- We will recognize two employees in this category.
- Nominees may have either direct or indirect contact with students.
Legacy of Student Affairs Award
The Legacy of Student Affairs Award recognizes an individual who consistently contributes and demonstrates dedication to the Student Affairs mission through positive influences on student learning and engagement. This individual is successful in moving a team toward goals that are consistent with the vision of a department, group, committee, or University organization. This award is open to all Student Affairs employees. This award recognizes Student Affairs staff members who have exhibited outstanding achievement in one of the following areas:
*leadership in a national/international professional organization
*significant service to EIU and its students
*development of innovative activities
*commitment to mentoring
*long-term service to the Division of Student Affairs
*fostering of school pride and spirit (bleeds blue)
*fostering of community partnerships, health, and well-being
- Must be a full-time employee in the Division of Student Affairs.
- Must have been in their role for a minimum of 61 months.
- Individuals are eligible to win this award one time.
