Employee Excellence Awards

Applied Research
This award recognizes outstanding contribution in terms of advancement of knowledge, or advancement of economic and/or societal well-being, through the development, application and/or implementation of technology. Nominees must have demonstrated two (2) or more of the following during the past year (January through December):
▪ Conceptualization, development or implementation of an innovative product, process or technique;
▪ Development of an innovative solution to a practical technical problem;
▪ Development of a novel approach in how technology is applied and integrated;
▪ The work has received widespread peer recognition or, the work has enhanced BCIT’s public profile through a variety of means (media, published articles, etc.).

Applied Research –New to Research
This award recognizes an individual or group at BCIT that is new to research and has made an outstanding contribution in terms of advancement of knowledge or, creation of a new research program, through the development, application and/or implementation of technology and who have met three (3)or more of the following criteria during the past year (January through December):
▪ Development of a new research project or program;
▪ Collaboration with industry and or/students;
▪ Breaking ground or innovation in a new area of research;
▪ Conceptualization, development or implementation of an innovative product, process or technique;
▪ Development of an innovative solution to a practical technical problem;
▪ Contributes to excellence and best practice in research.

Brian Thom Award
This award is for teams or individuals who met three (3)or more of the following criteria during the past year (January through December):
▪ Champions innovation in education to enhance instruction across the BCIT community;
▪ Develops processes to enhance teaching excellence at a departmental, school, or institute level and improves student outcomes;
▪ Finds innovative ways to enhance instruction within the BCIT community;
▪ Makes advancements in teaching accessible to the BCIT community;
▪ Acts as a prominent resource for members of the community seeking to improve their teaching.

Inclusivity
This award is for teams or individuals who embraced the principles of the BCIT inclusivity philosophy by promoting a work environment that is collaborative, understanding and of mutual respect. Nominees must meet two (2) or more of the following criteria during the past year (January through December):
▪ Took an active role in raising awareness and educating others about diversity and inclusion;
▪ Respected and valued differences and work to promote fairness and equity;
▪ Demonstrated formal or informal leadership by embracing inclusivity through positive interactions;
▪ Leveraged differences to develop a creative and innovative workplace.

International Award
This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of a BCIT staff or faculty member who has gone to great lengths to assist either an individual international student, a group or other stakeholder(s) or project(s) / initiative(s) related to international study at BCIT.
This award is open to individuals whose work at BCIT is not directly related to international students/groups or other stakeholders or initiatives. Rather, this award is intended for faculty and staff who interact with international students and who have made extra efforts to engage with and assist international students or who have championed or assisted with international initiatives.
Nominees must have met three (3) or more of the following criteria within the past year (January through December).
▪ Provided substantial assistance to an individual (or group of) international student(s) or visitor(s), visiting instructor(s) or other stakeholders. (e.g. visiting instructor(s);
▪ Provided significant leadership to help move an international initiative or service forward;
▪ Overcame a significant obstacle/challenge to find a positive resolution for an international student or initiative;
▪ Achieved outstanding success in an international related effort;
▪ Leveraged local and international resources to initiate an international objective;
▪ Consistently works to promote respect and shared values within the international context at BCIT.

Leadership
This award is for individuals who demonstrate leadership competencies in their role at BCIT and who have met three (3)or more of the following criteria during the past year  January through December):
▪ Inspires Shared Vision: Displaying a clear understanding of BCIT’s mission, vision and values. Using sound judgement in creating strategies and making decisions that are in the best interest of students, the team, the Institute and its stakeholders.
▪ Delivers Quality and Excellence: Translating vision and strategy into action by focusing on the execution of educational objectives and ensuring that outcomes are delivered with high standards.
▪ Builds Talent: Setting people up for success by providing clear expectations, enabling feedback, and development opportunities to help them excel in their current and future roles.
▪ Fosters Collaboration: Proactively building collegial relationships within the Institute and with external stakeholders by engaging others, building trust and creating alignment to maintain support for initiatives.
▪ Champions Change and Innovation: Leading and supporting innovative change by maintaining an awareness of trends, challenging current thinking and practices, and engaging in continuous improvement to support student success.
▪ Mobilizes People: Speaking up for the good of BCIT and building support for initiatives by communicating tactfully and in a clear and compelling manner.

Outstanding Contribution –Department
This award recognizes a department that has surpassed the expectations of the Institute, its staff or students during the past year (January through December) by seizing an opportunity to do more than was asked of it – going the extra mile while demonstrating a positive attitude, using strong judgment, and utilizing good communication skills. Nominees must meet three (3) or more of the following criteria:
▪ Overcame a significant obstacle and/or challenge to achieve a goal through perseverance and hard work;
▪ Achieved outstanding success despite a difficult circumstance and unforeseen problems;
▪ Provided excellent customer service outside the scope of usual roles and responsibilities;
▪ Demonstrated commitment through a significant contribution required for the success of a project or initiative;
▪ Dedicated personal time and effort to represent BCIT and enhance BCIT’s reputation in the community;
▪ Made a significant impact on students, staff, departments or the Institute

Outstanding Contribution –Individual
This award recognizes an employee who surpassed the expectations of the Institute, its staff or students during the past year (January through December) by seizing an opportunity to do more than what was asked of them – going the extra mile –while demonstrating a positive attitude, using strong judgment, and utilizing good communication skills. Nominees must meet three (3) or more of the following criteria:
▪ Overcame a significant obstacle and/or challenge to achieve a goal through perseverance and hard work;
▪ Achieved outstanding success despite a difficult circumstance and unforeseen problems;
▪ Provided excellent customer service outside the scope of usual roles and responsibilities;
▪ Demonstrated commitment through a significant contribution required for the success of a project or initiative;
▪ Dedicated personal time and effort to represent BCIT and enhance BCIT’s reputation in the community;
▪ Made a significant impact on students, staff, departments or the Institute

Service Excellence
This award is for a team or individual who consistently meets two (3)or more of the following criteria during the past year (January through December):
▪ Takes the initiative to improve the value and efficiency of the services they provide;
▪ Maintains a consistently high quality of service to Institute customers including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external clients;
▪ Anticipates clients’ needs and potential problems before they arose;
▪ Creates new, cost-effective and/or innovative methods for performing day-to-day operations
▪ Serves as role models to others through positive and productive client and colleague relationships.

Sustainability
This award is for teams or individuals who met three (3)or more of the following criteria during the past year (January through December):
▪ Enhanced BCIT’s position as a leader in environmentally sustainable practices;
▪ Served as a rolemodel and broadly influenced others to adopt green habits;
▪ Implemented new and effective green solutions at BCIT;
▪ Created cost-savings for BCIT through resource efficiencies and conservation;
▪ Contributed to the education and learning of our community in the areas of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Teaching Excellence
The award recognizes teaching excellence by meeting three (3)or more of the following during the past year (January through December):
▪ Communicates subject matter accurately, clearly and with enthusiasm; and presents, invites, and challenges multiple and balanced points of view;
▪ Plans and organizes all course material (e.g. course outlines, assignments, handouts, projects, evaluation plans) in a way that adds significant value to the learner;
▪ Challenges, inspires and supports students to do their best work;
▪ Demonstrates knowledge of and a passion for the subject matter and ensures that information is leading edge and aligned closely with industry;
▪ Treats all students with respect and encourages and openly considers feedback;
▪ Uses effective teaching methods and techniques (including educational technologies);
▪ Responds appropriately to the individual needs of each student by being available and approachable for out of classroom consultation;
▪ Acts as a role model for personal and professional development;
▪ Established a positive, collaborative learning environment;
▪ Generates a desire for and continuous and lifelong learning;
▪ Acts as a valuable resource for students, colleagues and BCIT.

Teaching Excellence in Open Education
The award recognizes teaching excellence in open education by meeting three (3)or more of the following during the past year (January through December):
▪ Improves teaching efficiency and effectiveness through using, augmenting, and evolving OER course materials aligned to course learning outcomes.
▪ Develops Open Educational Resources (OER) to share with colleagues, enhance student-learning opportunities, and reduce barriers to education.
▪ Uses Open Educational Practices (OEP) for learning, teaching, and assessment while challenging, supporting, and inspiring students to do their best work.
▪ Demonstrates creativity and passion in delivering educational experiences that expand student reach and influence beyond the classroom by providing opportunities for students to collaborate and openly share their work with the wider community.
▪ Displays creative and competent use of educational technology to enhance learning experiences with OER and OEP
▪ Demonstrates knowledge of and passion for open education and the benefits it brings to learning and teaching while contributing to the ongoing work to make the global open education movement inclusive and fair.
▪ Works collaboratively with BCIT colleagues and students on open education initiatives, aimed at integrating Open Educational Practices into teaching and learning.
▪ Acts as a valuable resource for students, colleagues, and BCIT by sharing open education knowledge and promoting and encouraging the development and use of OER and OEP.
▪ Participates beyond BCIT in open education initiatives such as sharing OER, contributing to OE committees/communities of practice, and pursuing or providing PD opportunities in open education

Team Collaboration
This award recognizes cross-functional groups, task teams or committees who met three (3)or more of the following criteria during the past year (January through December):
▪ Participated in collaborative problem-solving;
▪ Used collaboration, consultation and synergy to build relationships within teams and outside of the team;
▪ Used interpersonal skills to build relationships that develop/maintain an environment of consultation;
▪ Embraced change as an opportunity for growth and innovation;
▪ Planned and implemented strategies that were in the best interests of the organization;
▪ Took a proactive and innovative approach toward finding long-lasting solutions to business challenges;
▪ Demonstrated a high degree of financial responsibility coupled with sound judgment.

Unsung Hero
This award is for teams or individuals who met three (3)or more of the following criteria during the past year (January through December):
▪ Consistently goes above and beyond without fanfare;
▪ Fills in when and wherever needed and always performs at a high level;
▪ Takes initiative to solve problems and improve work situations without being prompted;
▪ Demonstrates reliability, perseverance, and focus on results;
▪ Shows perseverance in dealing with matters of uncertainty, able to deal with stress effectively;
▪ Helps others by sharing knowledge of Institute practices and resources or job-related skills;
▪ Encourages and supports the continuous learning of others.

Wellbeing Champion Award
This award is for teams or individuals who met three (3)or more of the following criteria during the past year (January through December):
▪ Speaks candidly, listens actively, and responds empathetically;
▪ Promotes and participates in morale-boosting actions and activities;
▪ Promotes the application of best practices;
▪ Consistently provides timely recognition of the effort and successes of others;
▪ Encourages and supports employee growth and development;
▪ Help employees develop necessary skills to make healthy choices e.g. promote challenges, contests, workshops, healthy practices etc.