UMBC's human resources office has established a new quarterly staff recognition award. Changes to the previous employee of the month format were made after the Personnel Review and Employee of the Month Committees expressed concern over a lack of participation.

The Personnel Review Committee, Associate Staff Senate and Non-exempt Senate worked together to suggest changes to the award, and after Director of Human Resources Valerie Bell made her recommendations, a proposal was sent to Presidents Council and eventually approved. "I'm very happy with the new award," says Bell, who feels that the quarterly format will give the award more significance. "UMBC staff are outstanding, and I encourage everyone to nominate colleagues they feel are deserving of this honor."

The award includes one significant change: recipients will receive $500, a substantially larger award than the $100 given in the past to employees of the month. Award winners, who will be profiled on the UMBC homepage, also receive a personalized parking space for the quarter, one day of administrative leave and a certificate. They will be invited to a special annual luncheon for quarterly award winners, and their names will also appear on a plaque that will be on view in the Administration lobby.

There is still time to nominate the first recipient of the Quarterly Staff Recognition Award. The deadline for submission of nominations is Friday, April 9. A nomination form is available online.