Employees invited to comment on changes to Staff Policy 34 and proposed STAR Plan
January 9, 2012 •
In order to provide direction and authority for the oversight, development, review, approval, and administration of incentive awards and recognition awards for Managers & Senior Professionals (MSP) and Professional & Support Staff (PSS) employees, the University is proposing to revise Staff Policy 34, “Incentive and Recognition Award Plans–Managers & Senior Professionals and Professional & Support Staff.”
The University also proposes implementation of the Staff Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Plan, which will be governed by Staff Policy 34. UC Office of the President is among the UC locations that expect to implement the STAR Plan, pending employee comment.
Proposed revisions to Staff Policy 34, a fact sheet and Q&A, and details of the proposed STAR plan are posted for review at: http://atyourservice.ucop.edu/employees/policies_employee_labor_relations/proposed_policies/prop_staff_policies.html
Revised Policy on Incentive and Recognition Award Plans–Managers & Senior Professional and Professional & Support Staff
The University is proposing to revise Staff Policy 34, “Incentive and Recognition Award Plans–Managers & Senior Professionals and Professional & Support Staff.”
Incentive awards are cash awards that are intended to motivate individuals or teams to produce results that have been pre-defined and communicated to the participants in advance in accordance with an incentive award plan, and to reward them for achieving the stated performance objectives. An incentive award plan’s performance objectives must require participants to stretch their performance beyond their normal duties and responsibilities so that they are rewarded for the achievement of stretch objectives. The incentive award is determined by a formula based on weightings of the objectives, degree of accomplishment, and other factors.
Recognition awards are discretionary cash awards that are intended to recognize and reward excellence in University service, significant achievements and contributions, and outstanding individual and team performance. Eligibility criteria, performance standards, award limits, and other elements governing recognition awards are to be included in a recognition award plan. The amount of a recognition award is determined by the manager, at his or her discretion, subject to local guidelines.
The revised policy requires that incentive awards and recognition awards be governed by plans that are documented and approved prior to implementation. The policy also sets forth:
- the elements that must be included in the plans;
- the requirements for oversight, review and approval of the plans;
- the requirements for administration of the plans; and
- the conditions for the plans.
The revised policy would replace Personnel Policies for Staff Members 34 (Incentive Awards), dated July 1, 1996.
Proposed Staff Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Plan
In order to provide direction and authority for the oversight, approval, and administration of all University cash recognition awards for MSP and PSS employees, the University is proposing to implement the “Staff Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Plan,” which will be governed by the above-described policy on “Incentive and Recognition Award Plans–Managers & Senior Professionals and Professional & Support Staff.”
The proposed STAR Plan sets forth the plan’s purpose; oversight; approval requirements; eligibility criteria; performance standards; award limits and restrictions; and administrative provisions, requirements and procedures.
Employees who wish to provide comments on the revised policy and/or the proposed STAR Plan may submit them to Michael Lum (Michael.Lum@ucop.edu) by Monday, Feb. 6, 2012.
