Distinguished Service Award

Each year, in partnership with the Chancellor's Office, the Staff Association recognizes two staff members for their outstanding contributions to the campus with the UW Tacoma Distinguished Service Award. Each recipient receives a $1,000 professional development scholarship. In addition to a surprise announcement with their unit, the awards are presented as part of the annual campus-wide Spring Celebration.

Nomination Process

Any UW Tacoma staff, faculty or student can nominate. Each nominator may only nominate one person per year. 

Nominations for the 2023-2024 year are currently closed.

Who Is Eligible

All UW Tacoma staff including permanent, professional, classified, librarian, full-time, and part-time, are eligible for the award. Temporary staff, student employees, including work-study students, are not eligible for the award. Additionally, previous award recipients and anyone who serves on the award selection committee is ineligible to receive the award.

Nomination Criteria

Nominations are judged based on the following:

• Excellence in job performance
• Substantially exceeded in quality or quantity the performance expected for the position or assignment
• Inspirational service to the UW Tacoma community
• Significant contribution to the UW Tacoma mission
• Exceptional contribution to the off-campus community, which may bring credit to UW Tacoma
• Original and innovative resolution of a critical issue

The award is not restricted to only the current year of service. The award is designed to recognize outstanding staff members and their work - which may cross over multiple years. The nomination may be for a single year or project that a staff member worked on, or for many years of service.