UADM/PPS 08.01 - Outstanding Performance Award Eligibility and Selection Criteria

POLICY STATEMENT

Texas State University is committed to providing recognition to employees for their distinguished services and contributions.

1. SCOPE

   1. Employees may receive paid leave each year for outstanding performance (see Section 10.01 in UPPS No. 04.04.30, University Leave Policy).

   2. The purpose of this document is to establish eligibility and selection criteria for the Outstanding Performance Award.

2. ELIGIBILITY

   1. To be eligible for the Outstanding Performance Award, an employee must:

      1. be classified as either a full- or part-time, benefit-eligible employee;

      2. have been employed in their position for at least one full year; and

      3. be merit-eligible, according to their most recent performance review.

   2. Disciplinary action, such as those listed in UPPS No. 04.04.40, Disciplining and Terminating Staff Employees, received within the previous 12 months will nullify any performance leave awards.

3. SELECTION CRITERIA

   1. An Outstanding Performance Award may be awarded to employees who:

      1. carry out additional responsibilities for an extended but temporary timeframe;

      2. contribute to developing a new process that increases efficiency or effectiveness, reduces cost, or enhances the quality of services provided;

      3. contribute to developing a new program that significantly contributes to a strategic initiative;

      4. assist on a significant assignment or project that is not part of their normal work duties or assignments; and

      5. exceed expectations in current role.

   2. Actions by which nominations are based must align with at least one Texas State Shared Value:

      1. teaching and learning based on research, student involvement, and the free exchange of ideas in a supportive environment;

      2. research and creative activities that encompass the full range of academic disciplines – research with relevance, from the sciences to the arts, from the theoretical to the applied;

      3. the cultivation of character, integrity, honesty, civility, compassion, fairness, respect, and ethical behavior in all members of our university community;

      4. a diversity of people and ideas, a spirit of inclusiveness, a global perspective, and a sense of community as essential conditions for campus life;

      5. a commitment to service and leadership for the public good;

      6. responsible stewardship of our resources and environment; and

      7. continued reflection and evaluation to ensure that our strengths as a community always benefit those we serve.

   3. Depending on the action for which the nomination is based (e.g., degree of effort, impact, etc.) performance leave may be granted in increments of four hours up to:

      1. 16 hours for part-time, benefits-eligible employees; and

      2. 32 hours for full-time, benefits-eligible employees.

4. PROCEDURES FOR SELECTION AND AWARD

   1. By August 1, supervisors will nominate employees by completing the Outstanding Performance Leave Award Nomination form.

   2. By August 15, department heads will review the forms and forward approved forms to the vice president.

      Note: For awards greater than 16 hours, department heads must discuss with the vice president.

   3. Recipients of Outstanding Performance Awards may be announced at a division event, via award letter, or other communication platforms.

   4. Performance leave must be used within the following fiscal year. Unused performance leave will be lost; it cannot be carried forward to the next fiscal year.

   5. In the event that the award recipient leaves the university, the unused performance leave will be lost; the departing employee will not be compensated for unused performance leave hours.

5. REVIEWERS OF THIS PPS

   1. Review of this PPS includes the following:

      Position	Date
      Vice President for University Administration	Jan 1 E3Y
      Assistant Vice President for Institutional Compliance	Jan 1 E3Y
      Assistant Vice President for Institutional Inclusive Excellence – Faculty and Staff Initiatives	Jan 1 E3Y
      Assistant Vice President for Institutional Inclusive Excellence – Student Initiatives	Jan 1 E3Y

6. CERTIFICATION STATEMENT

   This PPS has been approved by the following individuals in their official capacities and represents Texas State University Administration policy and procedure from the date of this document until superseded.

   Vice President for University Administration; senior review of this PPS