Recognition and Awards

During each fiscal year (FY) (July 1 – June 30), the Library administers the UC Staff Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Plan, which is intended to acknowledge and reward exemplary performance and contributions by employees.

UC Berkeley offers Achievement and Spot Awards under the UC STAR Plan.

The STAR Plan is comprised of two types of awards:

  • Achievement Awards ($2,000 - $10,000): For sustained, exceptional performance and/or significant contributions above and beyond normal performance expectations. May be awarded to an individual or team. Teams recognized via Achievement Awards will receive $1,000 per team member.
  • Spot Awards ($500): For special contribution to a specific project or task, or group of projects or tasks, accomplished over a relatively short time period. May be awarded to an individual or team. Teams recognized via Spot Award will receive $500 per team member.

Criteria

STAR Awards at UC Berkeley are intended to recognize and award individuals and teams of employees for demonstrating Berkeley’s Operating Principles. The Berkeley Operating Principles are the criteria for both the Achievement and Spot Awards. Whatever the contribution that is being recognized at either the Spot or Achievement Award level, it should reflect at least one of the Operating Principles.

Eligibility

Employees eligible for Achievement Awards must meet all of the following requirements:

  1. PPSM (PSS or MSP) non-academic, non-represented employee or a represented employee in the Clerical (CX) bargaining unit in one of the following appointment types:
    • Career
    • Partial-Year Career
    • Contract (where eligibility is incorporated into the terms of the contract)
  2. Have successfully completed their probationary period, if applicable;
  3. Are on active pay status or on approved paid leave; and,
  4. Received a “meets expectations” or better overall rating on most recent performance evaluation (PPSM 23 requires that written performance evaluations to be completely annually).

Employees eligible for Spot Awards must meet ALL of the following requirements:

  1. PPSM (PSS or MSP) non-academic, non-represented employee or a represented employee in the Clerical (CX) bargaining unit in one of the following appointment types:
    • Career
    • Partial-Year Career
    • Contract (where eligibility is incorporated into the terms of the contract)
    • Limited
    • Per Diem
  2. Have successfully completed their probationary period, if applicable;
  3. Are on active pay status or on an approved paid leave; and,
  4. Received a “meets expectations” or better overall rating on their most recent annual performance evaluation (PPSM 23 requires that written performance evaluations be completed annually).

Nomination process

Nominations should be submitted on the Berkeley STAR Nomination Form.

The Library Leadership Team reviews all nominations and selects the successful nominees.

The Director of Library Human Resources is the designated recognition award administrator.

Additional information and detail addressing examples of distinctions between Achievement Award and Spot Awards, Berkeley Operating Principles, limitations under eligibility, frequently asked questions (FAQs), Nomination Form, and the nomination process for the Staff Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Plan can be accessed on the campus HR website.