These awards recognize the dedication and excellence of staff serving in the Division of Student Affairs who have provided exemplary, dedicated and caring service to divisions purpose to Connect Every Student. Further, these awards honor and celebrate Student Affairs employees who showcase innovation and commitment to student-centered efforts at Wichita State University. Nominations can be submitted by anyone from within the Wichita State University community.

Nomination materials must be submitted by 5:00 pm CST on Friday, February 21, 2025.

• Must be permanent Wichita State University employees, with at least a .5 appointment and minimum of 1 year of service in the Division of Student Affairs at WSU.
• Must exemplify characteristics that pertain to each award.
• Must be actively employed in the Division on Student Affairs during the current academic year (August 1 – July 31) 

  • DSA Eligible Departments: Campus Recreation, CARE Team, Child Development Center, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Office of Student Accomodations and Testing, Housing and Residence Life, Health Outreach, Prevention and Education (HOPE) Services, Parents/Family Association, Prevention Services Advisory Board, Rhatigan Student Center (Finance, Human Resources, IT/Shocker Card Center, Marketing, Plant Operations, Shocker Bowling, Shocker Store, Shockers Sports Grill & Lanes, University Event Services), Shocker Rowing, Strengths, Assessment and Staff Experiences, Student Affairs Marketing and Communication, Student Conduct and Community Standards, Student Engagement and Belonging, Student Health Services, Vice President’s Office, and other departments formally within the Division of Student Affairs

Each year the Division of Student Affairs will request nominations of Student Affairs staff members from the WSU campus community. The pillar awards are awarded to staff who embody and exemplify divisional pillars and commitment to the common purpose of Connecting Every Student.

To be eligible for the Pillar in Connecting Every Student Award:

• Nominees must be permanent Wichita State University employees, with at least a .5 appointment and minimum of 1 year of service in the Division of Student Affairs at WSU.
• Nominee must meet one or more of the following criteria:
  • Demonstrates notable behaviors reflecting the four pillars of Student Affairs.
    • Equip: cultivate growth, efficiency, and development by equipping themselves and others with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed.
    • Engage: foster active participation, engagement, and connection with and within the Division of Student Affairs.
    • Empower: enable and support others to take initiative, make decisions, and develop a sense of confidence and ownership in their shocker experience.
    • Educate: encourage self-knowledge, knowledge-sharing, and continual learning to promote holistic well-being.
• Consistently promotes, engages and embodies a student-centered attitude and approach to elevating the shocker experience.
• Commitment to and understanding within the Shocker community outside of the scope of their day-to-day job duties through communication, innovation, improving the office/university environment, and engagement.
• Strong commitment to WSU through extensive committee service, cross-campus collaboration, and Shocker Pride.

Nomination Rules

• The nomination should clearly illustrate the significant accomplishments / services exhibited by the nominee that are BEYOND the expectations of the duties and responsibilities of their position.
• A minimum of two letters of support are required in addition to the nomination form.

Recognizing and celebrating the hard work and dedication of employees is essential to building a positive and engaged work environment. The Service Excellence Awards aim to honor the outstanding contributions, leadership, and service of Student Affairs staff members who go above and beyond in their roles. These awards will highlight important and diverse aspects pertaining to the impact that staff in Student Affairs have on the Wichita State University community.

The DSA Awards & Recognition Selection Committee will be comprised of several individuals from different positions across the DSA. All committee members are ineligible to be nominated for an award. Committee members will use a standard rubric to review and score nominations based of of each award criteria outlined in the nomination packet.