Outstanding Performance Awards

Research shows that we all want to work with outstanding colleagues who inspire us through their dedication to excellence. Being surrounded by such individuals boosts our productivity and creates a great workplace.

The Outstanding Performance Awards (OPA) recognize university staff (both exempt and nonexempt) who inspire others through their commitment to UofL. These awards complement the Distinguished Faculty Awards, which honor faculty contributions each year. They are awarded annually to employees across all staff job groups, without restriction to specific categories.

Areas where excellence can be recognized for the OPA include campus maintenance, event planning, student affairs, communications, customer service, human resources, staff development, finance, IT, research, and medical fields.

Who has inspired you this year with their dedication and contributions?  Show them they have made a difference with a nomination.

Award Overview & Criteria

The nomination period for this award is from December 1 to February 15 each year.

Who can nominate someone?

Anyone in the university community, including co-workers, supervisors, faculty, staff, and students can submit a nomination. Self-nominations are not accepted.

Who can be nominated?

Regular, full-time exempt or non-exempt staff, who:

• Have at least one year of continuous service at the University of Louisville
• Are in good standing with the university
• Have not received the same award in the past five years

Nomination Form Requirements

All requested fields must be completed in the nomination form for consideration. Include as much detail as possible and provide real-world examples that showcase the nominee's impact; specific stories and achievements can truly highlight their contributions and make your nomination stand out!

• Nominations must not include annual performance appraisals
• Additional letters of support can be included, but the form itself must be complete. If you are aware the multiple people would like to nominate the same person, you are encouraged to submit one nomination but include additional letters of support combined in a PDF via the upload document field.

Number of Award Recipients

Up to ten recipients are selected each year.

Selection Criteria

A selection committee of peers will review each nomination and provide their recommended winner(s). Recipients of this award should have:

• Exhibited commitment to serve students, the general public and university colleagues
• Sustained a high-level of productivity and consistent quality of work
• Demonstrated a high degree of initiative in the performance of functions
• Displayed exceptional dependability
• Maintained effective relationships with others
• Demonstrated leadership qualities
• Enhanced the university's image through professional publications and public service
• Demonstrated the Cardinal Principles

Nominees need not meet all criteria for the award, but the nomination must recognize the employee's commitment to service excellence.

What Winners Receive

Once winners are selected, they will be notified via email. They will receive:

• A cash award of $1,000
• An engraved glass award
• Recognition in UofL Today
• A highlight on the Employee Success Center website
• Recognition at the Annual Presidential Excellence Reception

Questions?

For any questions, please email recognition@louisville.edu.

Submit a nomination

Nomination forms can be submitted via this webpage beginning in January, with a deadline of February 15, 2025. You can begin preparing now. You will be asked to submit answers to the following questions. Include as much detail as possible and provide real-world examples that showcase the nominee's impact; specific stories and achievements can truly highlight their contributions and make your nomination stand out!

Support your nomination by responding to as many of the following sections as possible. Nominees need not meet all seven criteria for the award, but the nomination must recognize the employee's service orientation and describe how the employee went above and beyond their normal job duties (provide examples, as applicable).

Again, additional letters of support can be included but are not required. If you are aware the multiple people would like to nominate the same person, you are encouraged to submit one nomination but include additional letters of support combined in a PDF via the upload document field