1. SMC Staff Recognition Task Force
Middle Phase of Work: Nov March, 2015
Presented by Sunny Bradford, DLOE

2. Recognition Task Force Mandate
The mandate of the Staff Recognition Task Force is to explore approaches to staff recognition at SMC and develop a systematic staff recognition strategy for the College.

3. Staff Recognition Task Force Members
Eduardo Salaz (HR)
Marty Storti (Athletics)
Janet Thys (Enrollment Services & Staff Council
Jennifer Villena (HR)
Michael Viola (Facilities)
Carole Wolf (Institutional Research & Staff Council)
Betty Bell-Amarant (Library)
Sunny Bradford (HR – Task Force Leader)
Peter Chen (HR)
Lorinda Cunha (SOLA)
Vicki Davis (Career Center)
Elizabeth Gallagher (Development)
Robert Henderson (Academic Affairs)
Angelica Moore (Admissions)

4. SMC’s Performance-Based Staff Recognition Program (Program Name TBD)
Purpose Statement
Staff members of Saint Mary’s College contribute to the institution’s ongoing success and play a significant role in achieving our vision of being “the leading Catholic comprehensive university in the western United States…” (SMC Strategic Plan )
Saint Mary’s College Staff Recognition Program will strengthen excellence by providing reward mechanisms that highlight exemplary performance and contributions from staff members. In addition, the Program aligns with the College’s staff compensation philosophy of attracting and retaining outstanding persons who are committed to the College’s mission, as well as to their own personal and professional growth.

5. A Focus on Contribution & Performance
Two-Component Recognition Strategy
Organizational Recognition
Formal, institution-wide recognition of specific individuals’ contributions & performance in defined award categories
Peer-to-Peer Recognition
Informal, on-the-spot recognition between co-workers

6. Overview of Organizational Recognition
Five individual staff members will receive $3,000 awards each fiscal year for outstanding contribution in one of five performance-based categories1
Leadership Award 2
Unsung Hero Award
Inclusive Excellence / Building SMC Community Award
Customer Service Award
Innovative Solutions Award
During a 6-8 week nomination period, SMC staff, faculty, and Brothers may nominate eligible3 staff members.
A seven-person staff selection committee4 will review nominations and make selections based on clear, published criteria. A special Organization Awards Event will be held annually.
1 Each category is specifically defined
2 Leadership Award does not require being in a formal supervisory position
3 Eligibility requirements will be specified
4 Committee membership will change every 1-2 years

7. Overview of Peer-to-Peer Recognition
The centerpiece of the peer-to-peer recognition strategy is a fun “Gael Bucks”1 program to support and encourage informal, on-the- spot appreciation between co-workers.
Each year every employee receives ten $2.00 Gael Bucks ($20) to distribute as a gesture of thanks and appreciation to a co-worker who has offered assistance, gone the extra mile, provided excellent customer service, shown great collaboration, etc.
Gael Bucks can be given to your staff co-workers inside or outside your department, no matter what staff role they occupy.
Recipients of Gael Bucks will turn them in (to HR and/or Bus Office- details TBD) for credit as flex dollars on their SMC ID cards – which can then be used in Oliver Hall, Café Louis, and the Bookstore.
1 Final program name TBD. On the back of each $2 Buck, there will be a place to write the names of the giver, the recipient, and what the “thank you” is for.

8. Moving Towards a Culture of Recognition
Understanding the link between employee recognition and engagement.
Ensuring senior leadership endorsement & involvement
Integrating celebration & fun
A special new awards event, separate from the yearly Service Awards, to recognize the 5 organizational award recipients and acknowledge all SMC staff for their hard work.
Fostering both formal and informal recognition in all directions

9. Next Steps Gain Cabinet Approval If thumbs up…
Work out implementation details for both the Organizational and Peer-to-Peer components, including timeline
Communicate widely and invite participation

10. Questions?