INFORMATION FOR
At William Paterson University, we honor and celebrate the remarkable efforts and accomplishments of our dedicated team members. Recognizing our employees plays a vital role in fostering a vibrant work environment and cultivating a culture of excellence, growth, and belonging.
Service Awards recognize the length of service, skills, and dedication that our employees bring to William Paterson University. Awards are presented upon completion of each five-year milestone of employment.
Employees achieving a milestone of 10 years or more of service, are honored at a luncheon presided over by the President or their designee.
William Paterson offers two distinct programs—the New Jersey State Employee Recognition Day (SERD) Program and the Pioneer Recognition Program—designed to recognize the outstanding contributions of our staff. Both programs recognize individuals and teams for outstanding contributions.
This State recognition program provides an opportunity to nominate individuals or teams for their outstanding contributions to public service. Nominees are evaluated based on criteria such as effort, innovation, commitment to citizens, teamwork, professionalism, and community service. SERD honorees are recognized at the State Employee Recognition Day ceremony in Trenton and receive formal acknowledgment from the State of New Jersey, along with recognition across the University community.
Heroism Award: Awarded to employees who perform acts of exceptional bravery or personal sacrifice involving life-threatening circumstances that go above and beyond the duties of their position and bring credit to the State of New Jersey.
Exceptional Service Award: Recognizes employees who demonstrate outstanding public service beyond the scope of their regular duties, including but not limited to effective responses to crisis or emergency situations, and whose actions reflect credit upon the State of New Jersey.
Professional Achievement Award: Recognizes employees for meritorious or distinguished accomplishments that may extend beyond their normal job responsibilities, such as initiating and successfully implementing innovative methods, practices, plans, or designs, or for receiving honors from professional organizations, educational institutions, or other recognized entities for excellence in their field.
Community Service Award: Recognizes employees who have made significant contributions to their communities or to the State through volunteer, civic, or organizational activities outside the workplace.
The Pioneer Recognition Program acknowledges exceptional contributions by individuals or teams among non-instructional staff and administrators to both the University and the broader community. The program aims to foster a strong sense of community and recognize impactful leadership, echoing John F. Kennedy’s sentiment: “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”
All non-instructional staff and administrators, excluding members of the Cabinet, are eligible for nomination. Recipients receive a Pioneer Recognition plaque, a celebratory meal, and recognition in WP Announcements and other University communications.
Employees or teams recognized through this program must demonstrate significant contributions beyond their designated responsibilities. Contributions are evaluated across the following categories:
Unsung Heroes Award: This award recognizes an individual or team whose contributions often happen behind the scenes but make a meaningful and lasting impact on the University community. Recipients consistently go above and beyond their defined responsibilities, demonstrating exceptional dedication, reliability, and work ethic in support of students, colleagues, and the institution’s mission. While their efforts may not always be highly visible, their commitment helps keep the University moving forward and exemplifies the spirit of service and pride that defines our campus.
Pioneer of Innovation and Continuous Improvement: In the spirit of innovation, this recognition honors an individual or team who introduces new ideas or improves existing processes in ways that make our work easier, more efficient, or more effective. Contributions may include strengthening the University’s reputation, saving resources, or enhancing the services we provide to students, colleagues, or the broader campus community.
Team Spirit: Recognizes an individual or team who brings enthusiasm, energy, and inspiration, making a meaningful difference in how teams work. Contributions include boosting team performance, improving productivity, or helping departments collaborate more effectively to achieve shared goals.
Leadership and Professional Achievement: Recognizes an individual or team who consistently goes above and beyond by setting a strong example through their own growth and dedication. This individual demonstrates leadership when faced with challenges, willingly shares their knowledge to support the development of others, and contributes to building a positive and encouraging work environment.
Community Impact: Recognizes an individual or team who strengthens or creates partnerships with community or volunteer organizations, leading to meaningful improvements for the broader community. Whether by helping address community challenges or launching initiatives that support youth, the environment, or local needs, this award honors leadership that creates a lasting impact beyond the University.
Faculty as Mentor: Recognizes faculty member(s) who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to mentoring students. These individuals go above and beyond by providing guidance, support, and meaningful opportunities that foster both personal and professional growth, leaving a lasting impact on students on campus and beyond.
Nominations for both programs (Pioneer and SERD) are reviewed by the Recognition Committee, which recommends honorees for Cabinet review. Final selections are made by the President.
University-wide communication regarding nomination timelines and processes for both programs will be shared during the designated timeframes. For questions, please contact humanresources@wpunj.edu.
