Five time-saving tips to build a bullet-proof U Make a Difference nomination

Christopher Simon, a U Make a Difference Award winner from 2018, says his grandma had an old saying that always sticks with him when it comes to recognition — “your mouth can say anything.” This, he says, comes to mind when thinking of the level of recognition U Make a Difference awards provide.

“Until it’s on a piece of paper, it’s just words,” Simon says. “I take my hat off to people for being mature or recognizing things and people of value.”

This is why Simon says the he was touched when he realized many of his students were in the process of nominating him for the U Make a Difference for Innovation and Curiosity.

“If you don’t nominate someone you think deserves an award, who will?” he says. “We have the tools — the university has gone to this level for recognition and made it easy for us to recognize each other.”

Though Simon says he doesn't usually love the limelight, he says give the U Make a Difference nomination process a lot of value because "people should be recognized for going the extra mile."

Follow these five rules to successfully nominate deserving colleagues and professors like Simon for the 2019 U Make a Difference Awards.

1. Recruit multiple nominators

The average U Make a Difference Award winner has three or more nominators listed on the application, which means multiple letters of support making the case for your nominee. Diverse voices with different perspectives provide a clear, well-rounded picture of your nominee.

Simon alone had over 10 nominators — all students and post-doctoral fellows — writing personal letters of support, which captured many important stories, anecdotes and details that one person alone couldn’t provide.

2. Longer isn’t always better

When writing your nomination letter, think “short story” — not “novel.” A one-to-three page nomination letter with several concrete examples is a better choice than a long, meandering letter with few examples.

In Simon’s nomination package, each letter of support was no more than two pages and full of colourful stories, examples and reasons why Simon deserved the award. With over 60 nominations submitted last year, being bright, clear and concise can make a package stand out among the rest.

3. It’s not all about business

Though a colleague’s professional aptitudes are an important factor to the difference they make in the workplace, don’t forget to reflect their involvement with their extracurricular activities — like being a member of a committee or campus group that is not a part of their regular duties.

Don’t be afraid to include concrete, personal examples. At work, many of those who make a difference have touched us personally in some way. Competence is important, but personal impact and contributions can make the difference in a nomination package.

4. Details, details, details

When writing a letter of support, generalities are not your friend. It’s important to link concrete examples and activities to the specific award criteria for the category you chose to nominate in:

• Innovation and Curiosity
• Collaboration and Communication
• Positive Work Environment and Community

Before submitting the finished package, the primary nominator should do a quick review to ensure each letter provides different examples that are all linked specifically to the criteria.

5. Review these helpful resources

• Evaluation rubrics
• Letter writing tips
• Nomination letter templates

Nominations opened Feb. 12 and close Mar. 15. Nominate a colleague or group today.

Recognition is one of the 13 factors illustrated in the National Standard. The University of Calgary is a recipient of the Excellence Canada Mental Health at Work Silver Level Certification in this area. Visit WellBeing and WorkLife to learn more about the implementation of the National Standard at the University of Calgary and to learn about existing programs and resources that support each of the 13 Factors.