The Volunteer Spirit Award is the highest honor given to a staff member at the university. Its significance is similar to the Torchbearer for undergraduates and the Macebearer for faculty. It is open to all exempt and non-exempt employees, and its purpose is to recognize someone who has gone above and beyond what is expected of them in their professional role. Candidates should exemplify the Volunteer spirit by having the courage to act and give of themselves in extraordinary ways.
Candidates must be in good standing at the university and not be in current disciplinary action. The nomination committee will depend solely on the nomination materials, so any supporting letters should state clearly how the nominee meets the specific criteria for the award.