Best of the Nest Award Info

Administrative Senate’s “Best of the Nest” Award

Award Purpose:
This award recognizes and highlights the excellent and important work administrators do at USI.

Award Description:
The recipient of the award will receive a large, fluffy stuffed eagle (approximately 3 feet tall). The eagle will travel with a “passport”, which logs where he was and with whom he spent time. The recipient is encouraged to write a short entry in the log. The eagle can be outfitted with small, removable accessories as he travels. The recipient will receive a certificate to keep. The large eagle will be in the winner’s possession until the next winner is announced, and then he will fly away to his new nest. A photo will be taken of the winner and the “Migration Team”. The “Migration Team” are members of the administrative senate. A short write-up with a photo will be provided to the USI Today distributors.

Eligibility:
All full-time University of Southern Indiana administrative staff members. Must have been employed at USI, as an administrator for at least 90 days. Winners cannot be repeated for at least 12 months. Currently serving administrative senate members are not eligible.

Selection:
Individuals must be nominated and cannot self-nominate. The selection committee will be the executive team of the administrative senate. Nominations will be received on a rolling basis. Work being recognized must have taken place within the past 12 months. The following are the three categories in which work will be recognized. Nominations will be evaluated based on innovation, scale of impact, and alignment with university priorities. Winners should excel in multiple areas, demonstrating a broad positive influence on the institution. Winners will be selected every 120 days. (3 winners per year: Awarded in February, June, and October).

Innovation and Impact

• • Implemented creative solutions that significantly improved university operations
  • Led initiatives resulting in measurable positive outcomes for students, faculty, or staff
  • Demonstrated notable cost savings or resource optimization

Leadership and Collaboration

• • Successfully led cross-departmental projects or campus-wide initiatives
  • Fostered an inclusive environment and enhanced campus community engagement
  • Showed exceptional adaptability in navigating institutional challenges

Advancement of University Mission

• • Made substantial contributions to academic excellence or student success
  • Enhanced the university's reputation or visibility
  • Aligned administrative efforts with the institution's strategic goals

This concise set of criteria focuses on the most crucial aspects of administrative excellence in higher education while allowing for a straightforward nomination and evaluation process. It emphasizes impactful contributions that advance the university's core mission and values.

Additional Notes:
If the award is ever dissolved, then giant Archie will be returned to the Center for Campus Life.