The Staff Merit Awards at Indiana University Bloomington honor staff members for outstanding service. Recognition is crucial as it acknowledges the hard work and dedication of staff, fostering a positive work environment and encouraging continued excellence. These awards help build a sense of community, improves communication, and showcases staff contributions.
While exhibiting our core competencies, staff demonstrate success in Student Success & Opportunity, Transformational Research & Creativity, and Service to Our State and Beyond; all pillars of our Indiana University Bloomington 2030 Strategic Plan. Nominations can motivate employees, enhance job satisfaction, and promote a culture of appreciation and respect. Eight winners are selected each year and awarded $2000 with our gratitude and appreciation for their commitment and excellence.
Please note: The nomination window for 2025 closed October 17. Nominations are being reviewed by a committee of staff members. The Staff Awards Ceremony will be held in February 2026. If you have any questions, please contact stmerit@iu.edu.
Criteria for nomination
Individual awards will be based on how strongly the nominee demonstrates the following qualities:
Excellence in overall work performance
Commitment to growth – actively improving themselves while also supporting and recognizing others
Initiative and creativity – contributing ideas or solutions that improve efficiency in their department and/or across the university
Positive impact – enhancing the reputation of their department and/or Indiana University as a whole
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered, nominees must:
Hold a full-time appointment
Have at least three years of continuous full-time service at Indiana University
Continue to meet the eligibility criteria if nominated in the past
Not have previously received the Staff Merit Award
Prepare to nominate a colleague next year
Instructions
We’re excited to receive your nominations! To help the committee give each nominee the thoughtful consideration they deserve, please review the criteria carefully before submitting. Nominations with complete information are the easiest for to review and ensure every nominee is considered fairly.
Submitting Your Nomination
Please complete all forms in full before submitting them for committee review.
You may include up to three letters of recommendation. While these letters are encouraged, they are not required, and the format is flexible.
If you choose to submit letters, please include at least one from the nominee’s supervisor.
Each letter should be written by an individual (up to two pages) and share specific examples that highlight why the nominee is so deserving.
Helpful Reference
For context, you can view the core competencies that set the baseline expectations for all staff members here.
