Guidelines
Eligibility
Western Michigan University employees from the following employee groups are eligible for Make a Difference awards.
- Staff Compensation System—administrative, professional, clerical and technical employees.
- American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees—custodial, dining, landscape and maintenance employees.
- Michigan State Employees Association—employees working at the WMU Power Plant.
- Police Officers Association—police officers and detectives.
Questions regarding eligibility may be directed to make-a-difference@wmich.edu. For more information on additional WMU faculty and staff awards, visit the Office of Faculty Development.
Number of awards
The Make A Difference Semiannual Award is presented twice a year, in the fall and spring, and up to 15 eligible staff members may receive the award at each event. Fall nominations for the Semiannual Award are due by October 31 and spring nominations are due by February 28. Four Make A Difference Annual Award recipients will be selected from the pool of Semiannual Award recipients, . Additional information supporting Annual Award candidates is due May 31.
Nature of awards
- Semiannual award recipients will receive $300 (before taxes) and a certificate.
- Annual award recipients will receive $1,200 (before taxes) and a plaque.
Publicity of awards program
The Make a Difference awards program will be publicized via: website, Western News, poster and email.
Origin of nominations
Nominations will be accepted from the entire University community, including staff, faculty and students.
Criteria
Candidates shall meet all job expectations and demonstrate dedication to outstanding service. The following examples, while not all-inclusive, can be used as a guide.
- Projecting a positive attitude.
- Promoting a positive image of Western Michigan University.
- Providing outstanding customer service.
- Finding innovative solutions to problems.
- Volunteering to serve on University committees.
- Finding ways to cut costs, eliminate waste and save time or money.
- Other examples of service over and above normal job responsibilities.
Nomination form
Nominations may be made by email, letter or via the online form, which is has continuous year-round availability. The Make a Difference website also lists prior award recipients.
Administration and selection
Human Resources will collect forms, organize them to preserve anonymity, and disseminate them to selection committee members.
Selection committee
The selection committee will consist of two representatives each from the staff compensation system (exempt), staff compensation system (nonexempt) and AFSCME, one representative each from MSEA and POA, and one non-voting member at large from any of these eligible employee groups. The committee will elect a chair and secretary. It will be facilitated by Human Resources.
Award notification
Committee members will call award recipients and notify group presidents. Human Resources prepares award payments, letters and certificates. Copies of award letters go to supervisors and employee files.
Public recognition
- Semiannual award recipients are honored at two university-wide award ceremonies held in the Student Center.
- Annual Award recipients will be honored at WMU Fall Award Celebration
Repeat award recipients
Eligible for award more than once but limited to one award every five academic years.