Recognition and Awards

Wesleyan University is fortunate to have a talented and dedicated staff.  The University appreciates their hard work and commitment, which contribute to the overall success of the institution. Our employee recognition programs were developed to recognize and reward these skilled professionals for their ongoing contributions to the Wesleyan experience.  By marking employees' service milestones and celebrating examples of their extraordinary initiative, we hope to convey the institution’s gratitude for their commitment to Wesleyan and its mission. 

Wesleyan University Service Recognition Program

The Wesleyan University Service Recognition Program acknowledges employees for their years of service to the University. The program recognizes staff who are eligible for service awards for every five years of continuous service (i.e., 5, 10, 15, and so forth). At each milestone, employees receive a certificate of service and a gift.  In addition, staff members with 20 or more years of service in the calendar year will be honored at our annual service recognition luncheon each fall for each 5 years of continuous service.

Cardinal Achievement Award Recognition Program

The Cardinal Achievement Award program provides supervisors, directors, deans and chairs the opportunity to recognize members of the faculty and staff who have demonstrated extraordinary initiative or extraordinary service that advances the mission of the University. This special award reflects the University’s gratitude for those extra efforts. Award recipients are invited to a luncheon with the President and recognized in the HR Newsletter and Wesleyan Connection.

Other Recognition

Wesleyan also thanks staff and faculty with an Ice Cream Social at the conclusion of each academic year. We also recognize the importance of celebrating successes and accomplishments in our day-to-day work.

Supervisors and managers are encouraged to use methods such as:

  • Give a personal, handwritten thank you note or an electronic card with music and graphics.
  • Say a a simple and sincere "Thank You".
  • Give public recognition such as a shout out at a meeting or on a recognition bulletin board.
  • Create a traveling trophy for your department where the 'trophy' can be anything. It can be earned by peer or supervisor nominations. and passed around.
  • Offer opportunities for professional development or participation on a committee or in a special project.
  • Celebrate birthdays and anniversaries.
  • Create a certificate of appreciation.

Peers can recognize their peers as well.

  • Send an email on a job well done and copy the supervisor.
  • Give a handwritten thank you note.
  • Pass on positive remarks you hear about a colleague.
  • Post a simply thank you on a post-it and leave it their desk or computer.