The SASSIE Awards

SA Staff

The Student Affairs Staff Service, Innovation and Excellence (SASSIE) Awards honor the hard work and commitment of individuals and units throughout the Division of Student Affairs and our campus partners.  

This special program allows us to recognize outstanding contributions, appreciate individuals for exceptional service and encourage innovation and excellence.      

The 2025 SASSIE Awards will be presented on April 17 from 9-10:30 a.m. in the UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom. 

Award nominations are now closed. 

Award Information

  
Innovation and Effectiveness Award

This award celebrates one individual or unit with the following criteria:    

  • Demonstrated innovation in creating, developing or enhancing a tool, strategy, program, process or service that improves efficiency and focuses on building an effective student-ready campus.
  • Proven ability to be creative with resources (time, money, technology, people, etc.), resulting in efficiencies, improved customer service or otherwise enhanced operations. 
  • Successful implementation of solutions, strategies and practices that truly make a difference in student success and campus effectiveness.   

All current Student Affairs staff are eligible for this award. Self-nominations are not accepted.    

  
Better Together Award

This is one award celebrating two or more departments, units or individuals with the following criteria:

  • Highlights a program, project or other initiative that involves sharing resources delivering knowledge, teaching new skills and inspiring growth in our students and/or staff.   
  • Departments or individuals who have displayed sustained cooperation and collaboration by creating learning experiences that are inclusive, adaptable and tailored to meet the needs of students or staff.    

All current Student Affairs staff are eligible for this award. Self-nominations are accepted only for units or groups. 

 
Education Award

This award celebrates one individual or unit with the following criteria:

  • Delivering knowledge, teaching new skills and inspiring growth in our students and our staff.  
  • Creating or improving learning experiences that are inclusive, adaptable and tailored to meet the needs of all our students. 
  • Educating students and staff on topics and issues that enhance or go beyond what is taught in the academic space.  

All current Student Affairs staff are eligible for this award. Self-nominations are accepted only for units or groups. 

  
Leadership in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Award

This award celebrates one individual with the following criteria: 

  • Demonstrates leadership and courage while initiating, creating and/or supporting a more equitable and just learning and/or work environment for students and/or staff.   
  • Has a clear record of fostering an open, positive and inclusive campus community.   
  • Maintains a sense of passion and commitment for diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice.    

All current Student Affairs staff are eligible for this award. Self-nominations are not accepted.  

  
Partnership and Engagement Award

This is an award that celebrates an external department, unit or individual driving student success and building a sense of belonging. Nominee criteria range from creating dynamic co-curricular activities to meaningful interactions with students.   

All current Student Affairs partners are eligible for this award. Self-nominations are accepted only for units or groups. 

  
Heart of CU Award

This award celebrates three essential frontline service employees with the following criteria:

  • Consistently provides excellent service within or beyond their role.   
  • Goes above and beyond to support their colleagues and/or unit.    

All current essential frontline service employees are eligible for this award (i.e., campus dining attendants, custodial staff, facilities and maintenance staff, grounds workers, etc.). Self-nominations are not accepted.    

  
Empower, Impact and Inspire Award

This award celebrates one individual with the following criteria:

  • Shows courage by stepping out of their comfort zone to pursue positive change.
  • Provides resources, support and encouragement that students or staff need to take charge of their own journeys.  
  • Fosters connection and collaboration with others through mentorship with students or staff.   
  • Inspires others to discover and achieve their aspirations.    

All Student Affairs staff are eligible for this award. Self-nominations are not accepted.  

  
Extraordinary Experience Award:Project/ Program of the Year Award

This award celebrates one program, project and/or initiative sponsored by a Division of Student Affairs department that enriches opportunities and experiences for our students and/or staff, in addition to the following criteria: 

  • Commitment to the holistic student and staff experience, focusing on learning, exploration, and building the skills needed for a successful future.  
  • Creating memorable and enriching opportunities for our students and/or staff leading to a transformative and successful journey throughout their time at CU Boulder.  

All Student Affairs staff are eligible for this award. Self-nominations are accepted only for units or groups.  

  
Student Spotlight Award

This award celebrates two student staff members who consistently demonstrate exceptional work and contribute positively to their work environment.    

Undergraduate and graduate student employees within the division are eligible for this award. Self-nominations are not accepted.   

  
Star Award

This award celebrates one individual with the following criteria:

  • Expresses enthusiasm for their role and the broader impact that Student Affairs has on the university, community and beyond.   
  • Provides consistent, exceptional service and a willingness to go above and beyond.   
  • Contributes to a positive work environment for all.   

All Student Affairs staff are eligible for this award. Self-nominations are not accepted. 

  
Notable Newcomer Award (New Employee of the Year)

This award celebrates one individual with the following criteria:

  • Displays dedication, reliability and integrity in their work and interactions with others.   
  • Demonstrates a learner’s mindset, positive attitude and spirit of cooperation.     

Nominees must be in their first two years of service at the university and employed within the Division of Student Affairs beginning in January 2023 or later. Self-nominations are not accepted.