Staff Excellence in Collaborative Impact Award

The Staff Excellence in Collaborative Impact Award recognizes a single, cross-divisional initiative involving two or more individuals or university departments that have partnered to advance strategic institutional priorities. This award celebrates teamwork that breaks down silos, fosters innovation, and demonstrates effective problem solving to deliver meaningful results for the university community.

Up to six individuals or departments may be recognized for their collaboration on a single initiative. Each awarded individual or department will receive an equitable allocation of the total dollar award. For the departments, the award may be used for staff development or recognition initiatives that benefit all employees within the department. Examples of allowable uses include:

• Hosting professional development workshops or training sessions.
• Purchasing team-building or wellness resources.
• Supporting staff appreciation events or activities.
• Enhancing shared workspaces to improve collaboration and morale.

Additionally, a commemorative engraved gift for the individual(s), or departments will be awarded which is presented during the Staff Appreciation Luncheon.

All expenditures must align with university policies and procedures for departmental spending and employee engagement.

Read the nomination form in English or the nomination form in Spanish.

Eligibility:

• The initiative must involve collaboration between departments from different university divisions.
• Staff involved must be in UNT retirement-eligible staff positions for at least six consecutive months
• Departments must not have received this award within the previous three years.

Criteria:

• Demonstrated effective collaboration across divisions to address a university-wide challenge or opportunity.
• Contributed to the design, implementation, or success of a strategic initiative (e.g., student success, operational efficiency, customer service, or community engagement).
• Fostered a culture of partnership, trust, and shared accountability, while actively breaking down silos.
• Applied creative problem-solving approaches to overcome barriers and deliver impactful results.
• Achieved measurable outcomes that positively impacted the university community.