CSM Staff Excellence Awards

1. A completed nomination form.
2. For individual awards, at least two nomination letters from a primary and a supporting nominator.
   • No more than three nomination letters will be accepted per application
3. For team awards, at least two nomination letters by individuals outside of the team.
   • Please note the team manager’s or member should not nominate their own team.

The adjudication committee may not be familiar with your nominee, their job, or successes. Thus the more detailed provided, the better. The following suggestions have been provided to assist you in preparing a compelling nomination letter:

• A nomination letter should make the case, don’t just list information. The opening paragraph should identify the nominee, their position, and a brief explanation why the nominee is a suitable candidate for the award. You should also include your relationship to the nominee (i.e. how long have you worked with this individual/team, what was the capacity in which you worked with them, etc.). Open strongly with a concise and direct statement of accomplishment applicable to the award’s criterion(link). Convey excitement for, and the importance of, the candidate’s accomplishments.
• The main body of the letter should provide the committee with a well-rounded picture of the nominee. These paragraphs should provide several concrete examples of the general and specific efforts and contributions the nominee makes in the workplace and their impact, the qualities that make the individual or team a worthy recipient, and how these have made a difference to the university. Your examples must clearly link the attributes and work of the team or individual to the award criteria.
• Descriptions can include brief 'testimonial' statements from co-workers, students and other people on whom the nominee has had a positive impact. A co-signed letter should include examples or viewpoints from each supporter. Supporters may also submit a separate, supporting nomination to present difference voices.
• When multiple nomination letters are being submitted, it is a good strategy for the different writers to connect to ensure key criteria are addressed and linked across letters. Each letter should add its own value (as opposed to each one saying the same thing and, taken collectively, missing key criteria).
• Avoid generalities (like "He/she is a hard worker and goes above and beyond her job duties"). Make every sentence count, provide enough detail, and use examples to emphasize what you are saying and to demonstrate to the committee how the individual or team meets the award criteria.