• A creative approach was implemented to process improvements
• Original idea that contributed to the success of the unit/institution
• A staff employee who is in a nonleadership position and provided leadership, team building, and/or facilitated a team or project that enhanced the organization
• A staff employee in a leadership position who consistently grows their organization by mentoring and growing each of their subordinates
  

• Although not part of his/her job description, someone who consistently makes a difference in students' lives
• Contributed to an innovative, original idea that implemented and transformed an aspect of the “student experience” or environment

• A personal dedication to a project or cause that definitively improved the greater community
• Staff employee of the USM community who throughout his/her career has, in a collaborative and sustained manner, made a difference in the larger community
• The award is based on a sustained record of service over a period of years carried out through the individual’s role(s) in the University rather than as a private citizen

To publicly recognize exemplary ideas that, when implemented, will serve to further the University System of Maryland’s goal to continually increase the effective and efficient use of its resources. One award from the listed categories may be made for an exemplary initiative that has the potential to be implemented systemwide.

Awards shall be bestowed in the following two categories:

• Academic transformation - Improved learning and a minimum cost savings of $10,000
• Administrative transformation - Improved effectiveness and efficiency resulting in a minimum cost savings of $10,000

In addition to the existing application procedures, the nominee’s packet needs to include:

1. A brief description of the innovative initiative
2. Potential benefits
3. Magnitude (single/multiple institutions or systemwide)
4. Effectiveness and efficiency to be attained (including estimated cost and/or resource savings)

Award recipients may be invited to address the Board.

For further detail on current initiatives, applicants will be advised to review the effectiveness and efficiency reports.

This award salutes the outstanding work of a USM staff member in their ability to build, nurture, and advance inclusion, multiculturalism, and social justice practices within their community. Their community may comprise their internal institutional community, their external institutional community, or a combination of the two. 

Review criteria includes outcomes, including, but not limited to:

1. Community engagement in diversity dialogue and education
2. Examination and modification of current practices of one’s department/institution that support inclusion
3. Implementation of initiatives that foster inclusion, multiculturalism, and social justice