Our purpose is to celebrate and recognize our outstanding staff and programs! The Vice Chancellor will recognize three individuals for their exemplary commitment to professional integrity and excellence. Each recipient is recognized with a $600 cash award and a plaque of appreciation.  This year, one program will also be recognized for its outstanding contribution to Student Affairs.  $1,000 will be awarded to the program’s home department to continue or expand the program. 

All Academic Professional, Open Range, and Civil Service staff members within the units that comprise Student Affairs are eligible except the Vice Chancellor, Associate and Assistant Vice Chancellors, and Department Heads. Employees who have previously received the award are also not eligible. All programs within the Student Affairs departments are eligible:

Assembly Hall • The Career Center • Division of Campus Recreation • Counseling Center • Office of the Dean of Students • Illini Union and the Illini Union Bookstore •

McKinley Health Center • Minority Student Affairs • Student Affairs Development •

Student Conflict Resolution • University Housing and Dining Services • Office of the Vice Chancellor.

Outstanding Staff Members

The Outstanding Staff Awards recognize unique contributions and achievements of individuals who advance the mission of Student Affairs. Two awards will be presented to staff members who:

• provide dedication and consistently excellent service to students or Student Affairs
• display genuine support and regard for students and co-workers
• exemplify the values of Student Affairs - diversity, leadership and civic engagement, health and wellness, and career development.

Outstanding New Professional

The Outstanding New Professional Award recognizes individuals for exceptional service or special accomplishments in Student Affairs. This award will be presented to a new staff member who:

• has been employed full time as a staff member (Academic Professional, Open Range, or Civil Service) in Student Affairs for five years or less
• is viewed as a promising future leader within student affairs
• is innovative, creative, and delivers outstanding service to students or Student Affairs.

Outstanding Program New!

The Outstanding Program Award will be presented to a Student Affairs program that demonstrates creativity, innovation, and appeals to a diverse body of students or staff. The program must be offered in 2008-09 (since funds awarded are for the upcoming year). The program can be for students or staff. The program can be ongoing or an event. The program can offer a service. Essentiallly since this is the first year for the award, use a broad definition of 'program'. Primary areas of consideration are:

• positive impact on student and/or staff learning, transitions, retention, or success
• relevance to Student Affairs values - diversity, leadership and civic engagement, health and wellness, and career development
• demonstration of success in addressing student needs and/or critical campus issues
• effectiveness of program with relation to its stated goals.

A completed nomination form along with 2 letters of recommendation is required to complete the nomination; they may be submitted separately or with the form. The nomination form should be completed online, then (1) submitted as an e-mail attachment to tdeshon2@uiuc.edu, (2) printed and sent by regular mail, or (3) printed and delivered in person to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the address below-left.

Nomination Form

Contact Tyler De Shon: tdeshon2@uiuc.edu