Overview
JMU wishes to recognize employee contributions that support the overall objectives of JMU and state government. The university has established a recognition program that applies to classified staff, A&P faculty and non-student wage employees to reinforce positive behaviors, enhance good employee relations, raise morale, and improve agency and state government operations. Monetary recognition awards include Individual Impact and Customer Service Awards.
Purpose
Recognizing and rewarding employees for their contribution to the organization is important. Recognition and reward programs are an essential component in attracting and retaining employees. The purpose of this program is to recognize individuals or groups for exceptional performance, special acts or innovative ideas.
Eligibility
All classified staff, A&P faculty and non-student wage employees are eligible for monetary recognition awards.
Nomination Procedures
Nominations for Individual Impact and Customer Service Awards may be submitted at any time throughout the year through the supervisory chain to HR for processing. Requests are made on the Employee Recognition Nomination form. All awards are funded by the department submitting the nomination.
Criteria
Each recognition award recognizes specific achievements or service. The total monetary awards shall not exceed $5,000 per employee per fiscal year.
|
Type of Recognition |
Frequency |
Eligibility |
Nomination By |
Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Individual Impact Award Recognizes exceptional performance on short-term tasks. Awarded for performance, completion of a project or event. |
At any time |
Classified staff, A&P faculty and non-student wage employees |
Supervisor nomination through VP to HR. Specific award determined by supervisor, reflective of budget and consultation with HR. |
$25-$5,000 The total monetary award an employee may receive per fiscal year is $5,000 |
|
Customer Service Award Presented to individuals or groups who have contributed to exceptional customer service at JMU. Criteria could include: initiative in going the extra mile to provide services to internal and external customers with timely and appropriate follow-up, responsiveness to the needs of students and other patrons or customers and demonstrated improvement in customer service and satisfaction. |
At any time |
Classified staff, A&P faculty and non-student wage employees |
Supervisor nomination through VP to HR. Specific award determined by supervisor, reflective of budget and consultation with HR. |
$25-$5,000 The total monetary award an employee may receive per fiscal year is $5,000 |
Funding
Departments must fund Individual Impact and Customer Service awards. Combined, these awards may not exceed $5,000 per fiscal year, per employee.
Payment
Lump sum payments to employees under the Employee Recognition Program are treated by the Fair Labor Standards Act as part of the employee’s regular rate of pay. These guidelines will be applied to payments. Monetary awards are considered income and are subject to taxes in accordance with IRS regulations.
Recognition Leave
JMU recognizes length of service for classified staff (and A&P faculty) by awarding Service Recognition Leave to employees achieving cumulative state service milestones and through an annual service awards event in accordance with DHRM Policy 1.15 -Employee Recognition and Engagement.
The president has the discretion to award classified staff (and A&P faculty) up to 40 hours of Presidential Recognition Leave annually for immediate recognition for outstanding performance. Presidential Recognition Leave hours are added to the University Holiday/Closing Schedule when awarded.
Non-student wage employees are not eligible for Service or Presidential Recognition Leave.
