Frequently asked questions for the VC's Excellence Awards

• Am I eligible for nomination?
• Can I be nominated in more than one category?
• Can I initiate a nomination for myself?
• Who can nominate?
• What are the award categories?
• How much is the prize money?
• Are there guidelines in how the prize money can be spent?
• When is the award ceremony?
• When do I find out if I won?

Am I eligible for nomination?

Currently employed UWS staff who have worked at UWS for a minimum of one year are eligible for individual nominations or as leaders of team nominations. You can have less than one year of employment and be nominated as part of a team.

If you were a winner in 2010, you are ineligible for nomination in the same category. You can however be nominated in another category. If you received highly commended or commended in your nomination last year, then you can apply in the same category.

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Can I be nominated in more than one category?

Yes. You can be nominated in more than one category, either as an individual or member of a team nomination.

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Can I initiate a nomination for myself?

Yes, you can but you will need to find someone to nominate you, and the nomination requires endorsement by your Dean of School, Executive Director, Director, PVC or DVC.

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Who can nominate?

The policy does not limit anyone from nominating. However, it is expected that nominators will primarily be staff and students of UWS.

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What are the award categories?

There are six award categories:

• Excellence in Teaching
• Excellence in Professional Service
• Excellence in Postgraduate Research Training and Supervision
• Excellence in University Engagement.
• Excellence in University Sustainability
• Excellence in Leadership 

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How much is the prize money?

In each category, the winner will receive $4000 if an individual, $6000 for a team of two, and $8,000 for a team of three or more. 

Are there guidelines in how the prize money can be spent?

Yes. The prize money is credited to a cost centre project within the recipient’s school or unit, which will be established in their name. Expenditure must comply with all University policy relating to financial transactions and must be reasonable. Examples of reasonable expenditure includes:

• conference costs (including travel and accommodation)
• training and development programs
• purchase of equipment
• funding of employment of casual staff to undertake further developmental work. 

Equipment or other materials purchased from Award funds, remain the property of the University.

Individual winners or highly commended individuals can opt to receive their prize money in cash after tax.

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When is the Award ceremony?

The award ceremony will be held on Friday, 9 December 2011.

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When do I find out if I won?

The Awards Panel review all nominations during October and the results are kept confidential until the Awards Ceremony in December.

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