The STAR (Staff Appreciation and Recognition) Award Program is a cash recognition program designed to recognize and reward excellence in University service, significant achievements and contributions, and/or outstanding individual and team performance.
The STAR Program recognizes contributions in two ways:
- SPOT Awards
- Achievement Awards
SPOT Awards
SPOT Awards are for “in-the-moment” contributions. They recognize significant employee achievements and contributions, as they occur, for a specific project or task over a relatively short period of time. A SPOT Award lets employees know that someone has noticed their noteworthy contribution. The prize amount is $1,000 or up to 10% of base salary, whichever is lower. These awards will be reviewed by an internal Department of Surgery committee. You can nominate an eligible staff member here: Spot Award. These nominations will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Achievement Award
Achievement Awards are designed to recognize sustained, exceptional performance and/or significant contributions from an employee over an extended period of time (minimum of six months). Achievement Awards are given once a year and are $5,000 or up to 10% of base salary, whichever is lower. The contribution that is being recognized at the Achievement Award level must reflect at least one of the Chancellor’s Priorities and/or UCSF PRIDE Values. Nominations will be reviewed by an external School of Medicine Committee. You can nominate eligible staff members here: Achievement Awards. The deadline to submit an Achievement Award nomination is in April of each year.
In order for a staff member to be eligible for a STAR Award they must meet the following criteria:
- Nominee’s home department must be with the School of Medicine
- Nominee must be either a campus policy-covered staff (PSS or MSP) or a represented staff in the clerical (CX) bargaining unit.
- Nominee must hold a career or contract position at 50% time or more for at least 6 months.
- Nominee must have received a satisfactory performance rating on their most recent performance evaluation.