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2007 Models of Excellence Program
September 26, 2006, Volume 53, No. 5

models of excellance

Dear Colleagues:

The Models of Excellence Program was introduced to encourage excellence, provide inspiring role models for emulation, and recognize innovative staff accomplishments that reflect initiative, leadership, collaboration, increased efficiency, and a deep commitment to service.  We are in the eighth year of this program and continue to appreciate the contributions our “Models” of Excellence make to Penn’s success.

The Commitment to Excellence Program was introduced in 2004 as part of this initiative, to offer a way for leadership to recognize outstanding commitment to Penn goals in the face of extraordinary external circumstances.

This year, we introduce a Model Supervisor Award to identify outstanding supervision and present models for emulation. We see this as a significant addition because outstanding supervisory skills serve as the foundation for achieving eminence.

Please look around you and help us identify the important achievements and contributions of our Penn colleagues. In this way, you will contribute to this great University’s continued success and support Penn’s research and teaching mission.

Amy Gutmann, President
Ronald J. Daniels, Provost
Craig R. Carnaroli, Executive Vice President

Components of the Models of Excellence Program

• Models of Excellence—Recognizes notable staff member accomplishments at Penn that reflect initiative, leadership, increased efficiency and a deep commitment to service.

• Commitment to Excellence—Provides leadership with a vehicle for recognizing outstanding commitment to the University in times of unprecedented, extraordinary situations.

• Model Supervisor Award—Honors “model” supervisors for the behaviors that make them successful and constructive contributors to Penn’s success. Details about this new program are below.

Nomination Deadline

Nominations for both Models of Excellence and Model Supervisor awards are due by November 13, 2006. Commitment to Excellence nominations are received as events occur.

Send your nominations via intramural mail to:

Human Resources
QOWL—Models of Excellence Program
527-A 3401 Walnut/6228

You can find step-by-step nomination guides at www.hr.upenn.edu/quality/models/default.asp. Nomination workshops also are available. Please email Human Resources at QOWL@hr.upenn.edu or call (215) 898-0380 for details.

Selection Committee

The Selection Committee is comprised of an annually rotating group that is representative of the diversity of our institution. Each year, the Selection Committee includes new Penn leaders, previous Models of Excellence award winners, and other faculty and staff members from across the campus. They review all nominations and identify preferred nominations for Models of Excellence and Model Supervisor recognition.

Notification

Staff members chosen for Models of Excellence recognition or accorded an Honorable Mention will be notified in January. Notification of Commitment to Excellence recognition is at the discretion of leadership. Finalists for the Model Supervisor Award will be notified in March, and the winner will be announced—live—at the spring Models of Excellence Awards Ceremony.

This information will be publicized broadly to the campus community. Honorees will be acknowledged at the spring Models of Excellence Awards Ceremony.

Awards

Staff members identified as Models of Excellence receive a cash prize of $500 each and a symbolic award. Staff members accorded an Honorable Mention receive a cash prize of $250 and a symbolic award.

Commitment to Excellence awards are given at the discretion of the nominator.

The individual chosen as the Model Supervisor for the year will receive a cash prize of $500, a symbolic award, and lunch with senior leadership.

Celebration

A Ceremony and Reception for all honorees will be held on April 19, 2007. All members of the campus community are invited. If you would like to attend, please email Human Resources at QOWL@hr.upenn.edu or call (215) 898-1012.

Questions?

For more information about this program, see www.hr.upenn.edu/quality/models or contact Human Resources at QOWL@hr.upenn.edu or (215) 898-0380.

 

The New Model Supervisor Award

The Model Supervisor Award:

• Is open to faculty and staff with bona fide supervisor responsibilities, excluding senior academic or administrative leaders of a school or center
• Highlights Model Supervisor behaviors
• Is awarded to only one supervisor a year
• Is a once-in-a lifetime award
• Involves nomination screening by the annually rotating Models of Excellence Selection Committee
• Relies on nomination information, supervisor performance metrics, feedback from randomly selected organizational staff members, and input from leadership

Model Supervisor Behaviors

The following behaviors reflect the University’s standards for a Model Supervisor and will be used by the Models of Excellence Selection Committee to identify individuals who qualify for this award:

• Applies fair and consistent actions
• Communicates goals and expectations clearly and holds staff accountable
• Provides tools for achievement
• Removes unnecessary barriers to accomplishment and assists with problem solving
• Provides feedback in a constructive way and manages issues in the workplace
• Treats all with dignity, respect, and integrity
• Collaborates with other peers and organizations and supports an environment of collaboration
• Empowers everyone to achieve their best and offers development opportunities for future growth
• Understands and supports work life balance
• Appreciates the contribution that a diverse workforce offers, and supports efforts to sustain a diverse workforce
• Safeguards and manages assets and institutional resources for the greatest support for institutional goals

Almanac - September 26, 2006, Volume 53, No. 5