Classified Recognition - Award Criteria
At the Classified Recogntion Ceremony, we want to recognize individuals and teams that embody our core values, which include Respect, Diversity, Compassion, Collaboration, Innovation, Inspiration, Challenge, Openness, Work Ethic, Problem Solving, Communication, and a Desire to Exceed Expectations. Below you will find details regarding the four awards that will presented at the Classified Recognition Ceremony, along with the criteria used to select the winners.

Employee of the Year Award
This award recognizes an employee who exemplifies dedication to making a significant impact on Mines by representing all our values through these traits:
- Respect: Treats all with consideration, kindness, and professionalism.
- Diversity: Fosters an inclusive environment where all individuals feel heard, valued, and respected. Actively seeks diverse perspectives to better the workplace environment and believes in an equitable and accessible workplace for all stakeholders.
- Compassion: Supports their colleagues by expressing genuine concern and offering assistance. Uses an empathetic perspective, understanding, and care for others, especially during challenging times.
- Collaboration: Believes in and values a collaborative and cohesive environment in which all contributors are appreciated. Understands the importance of working as a team and can show humility to accept different perspectives.
- Innovation: Introduces new ideas or processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness in their role. Values creativity and experimentation to foster a culture of innovation.
- Inspiration: Serves as a role model for others to lead by example. Positively motivates and influences others through their actions and attitude.
- Challenge: Actively seeks opportunity for growth by embracing challenges and utilizing setbacks as learning opportunities.
- Openness: Obtains the ability to be honest, trustworthy, and reliable to managers, supervisors, colleagues, and/or students by showing the highest level of integrity through completion of daily tasks. Shows a dedication to speak up when necessary and takes initiative to prioritize an effective communication channel that fosters openness and honesty.
Unsung Hero Award
This award recognizes an employee who consistently contributes to a team’s success via the following traits:
- Exhibits a strong and consistent work ethic to ensure tasks are completed successfully.
- Goes above and beyond to contribute to the overall mission and goals of Mines.
- Adept at solving problems to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their team.
- Builds collaborative connections with staff, faculty, and/or students across campus.
- Contributes a lasting positive impact on Mines and its culture.
Exceptional Service Award
This award recognizes an employee who demonstrates the highest level of service excellence in the following ways:
- Exhibits a commitment to service by continuously improving and contributing to faculty, staff, and/or student satisfaction.
- Shows a continuous desire to exceed expectations of faculty, staff, and/or students.
- Not only values and encourages personal and professional development for self but is also a key motivator for peers to achieve their highest potential and growth.
- Prioritizes both internal and external constituents by fostering a healthy work environment in which all members can communicate, facilitate, and coordinate.
- Demonstrates excellence in resolving conflicts and/or challenges.
Mines Climbs Together Award
This award recognizes a team of employees who have produced outstanding collective achievements through collaboration and teamwork via the following traits:
- Demonstrates strong communication skills within the team where ideas and feedback are freely exchanged and valued.
- Prioritizes a positive and uplifting atmosphere where all members feel valued and supported.
- Recognizes and celebrates each other’s achievements, whether big or small.
- Adaptable to change and navigates challenges together.
- Fosters a collaborative environment where each member’s strengths and expertise are leveraged to achieve a common goal.
- Places a heavy focus on personal and professional growth, while supporting each other in all phases of the career cycle.