This program is grounded in the following principles:

• Reward that which is important to the university.
• Strengthen sense of community – university-wide, unit-based, and across functions.
• Use Awards of Excellence to recognize support staff.
• Provide equitable access to Awards of Excellence – opportunity for full-time and part-time support staff  in a variety of positions.
• Expect use of recognition practices and of accountability at unit and managerial level.
• Recognize service soon and regularly.
• Offer choice in the service awards.
• Use campus resources as service awards – Bookstore, University Club, Special Functions, Recreation Services.
• Promote everyday respect and recognition – a culture of appreciation and recognition – as the foundation of positive culture.
• Grow the program as the culture of recognition grows. Maintain consultation to evaluate program and adjust as appropriate.