Staff Awards
The 2009 staff award winners were honored at the annual awards reception on February 25, 2009 at the Nittany Lion Inn. All of the information for the awards and nominations process is on this website. If you have any questions about next year's awards and reception, contact the Liberal Arts Human Resources Office at 865-6487.
LASER - Liberal Arts Staff Employee Recognition 
The LASER (Liberal Arts Staff Employee Recognition) Program is designed to recognize, reward, and retain exceptional staff employees within the College. Candidates for the award must be nominated by their unit heads and submit a portfolio that will be reviewed by their supervisors, unit heads, and a selection committee. The committee will make award recommendations to the Dean. The award carries a 5 percent permanent salary increase.
Pictured 2009 LASER award winners (left to right):
Denise Surovec, Jan Wallace, Dean Susan Welch, Mona Muzzio, and Barby Singer.
Eligibility
All staff members on standing or fixed-term appointments who have been in their current positions for at least three years; those who remain in their positions after achieving the first in-grade promotion may be nominated for a second one after an additional five years.
Criteria
Rankings of “significantly exceeds expectations” on two of the three most recent performance reviews and no lower than “exceeds expectations” in the other year, demonstrated superior performance (knowledge, accountability and self management, teamwork, leadership, communication, problem solving), demonstrated ability to change the organization for the better (e.g., process improvements, increased unit productivity, innovative solutions that have been implemented, etc.), demonstrated and sustained commitment to professional development, and service to the University community.
LASER Information
- Nomination Information
- Who's eligible?
- Forms for nominee to complete
- Portfolio Format
Rising Star, Esprit, and Exceptional Service Awards
These awards provide recognition to non-exempt, exempt, and technical service employees in the College of the Liberal Arts (CLA) whose performance on the job is exceptional and best exemplifies professionalism and dedication to the mission of the College and the University. We seek nominations from department and program heads, supervisors, and coworkers for all types of work. The award carries an engraved Nittany Lion statue.
Pictured 2009 Excellence Award winners (left to right): Sherri Bumbarger, Mary Cameron, Michele Moslak, Dean Welch, Susan Johnson, and Amy Homan.
Eligibility: Non-exempt, exempt, or technical service employees in the College of the Liberal Arts. Past recipients of awards are eligible for nomination in the same category after three years.
Rising Star
- Employed by the CLA for a minimum of one to three years as of the nomination deadline
- Excellence in performance of responsibilities
- Demonstrated potential
- Dedication to the College and unit missions
Esprit
- Employed by the CLA for a minimum of three years as of the nomination deadline
- Outstanding attitude and enthusiasm in the work unit
- Promotes cooperation and positive work climate
- Fosters respect for all, demonstrates commitment to diversity and sensitivity to diverse populations
- Fosters an atmosphere of collegiality and cooperation within the College
- Ability to make the best of any situation or circumstance
Exceptional Service
- Employed by the CLA for a minimum of three years as of the nomination deadline
- Demonstrated exemplary customer service
- Highest professionalism and demonstrated initiative in continuous professional development
- Promotes productive relationships across the unit and University
- Promotes a positive and productive image to organizations and individuals
- Demonstrates diplomacy and responsiveness