The Rookie of the Year Research Administrator Award honors an individual early in their career that has made an immediate and significant impact in research administration at USC. This award recognizes emerging talent and perseverance, particularly those who have quickly demonstrated initiative, innovation and professionalism, setting a strong foundation for future excellence.

Eligibility:

• A nominee for Rookie of the Year Research Administrator Award must have worked a minimum of 6 months and no more than 2 years in their current position to be eligible. 

Nomination Packet:

• Nominations must be received by 12 p.m. on Friday, September 12 in RedCap.
• Packet will include form to be filled out with the following:
  • Nominee’s: name, department/office, college/division, title, years in current position, email address, supervisor’s name and email address
  • Nominator’s: name, email address, title, department/office, college/division
  • Letters: Nomination Letter plus up to two additional letters of support 

 Prompts for Writing Your Letter of Support:

1. What did the nominee do that was beyond simply doing their job?
2. How did they do it?
3. What were the results and/or impact?

 Keep the following tips in mind:

1. Personal knowledge: Highlight your personal knowledge of the nominee's accomplishments and qualifications. Provide specific examples of their contributions, achievements and impact on their field.
2. Be concise and focused: Keep your examples clear, concise and to the point. Use specifics when possible and avoid overly technical language.
3. Provide evidence: Back up your claims with concrete examples and evidence of the nominee's contributions, such as publications, research, teaching or community involvement. Use data and statistics when applicable.
4. Impact and significance: Describe the broader impact of the nominee's work, including how it has influenced their field, advanced knowledge or contributed to USC's mission.
5. Highlight character and leadership: Mention the nominee's personal qualities, such as integrity, leadership and dedication to their field.

Award Criteria:

1. Significant achievements and contributions 

Despite being early in their career, the nominee has already demonstrated the ability to strengthen research administration. Examples of significant achievements and contributions include:

• Quickly identifying and improving/streamlining processes to enhance efficiency
• Supporting high-profile or complex projects with accuracy and dedication
• Championing best practices and demonstrating an eagerness to learn and apply new knowledge

2. Exemplary service 

The nominee goes beyond expectations, showing initiative and resourcefulness. Examples of exemplary service include:

• Proactively solving problems and anticipating researcher needs
• Tailoring support for researchers in ways that build trust and strengthen collaboration
• Managing challenging or complex grants with professionalism and skill
• Introducing innovative solutions that enhance service delivery

3. Being a team player 

Collaboration is a hallmark of this nominee’s approach, with examples such as:

• Taking initiative to support team goals and fill gaps when needed
• Communicating thoughtfully and effectively with colleagues, researchers and stakeholders
• Acting as a reliable backup for colleagues, showing adaptability and commitment to team success

4. Outstanding commitment and professionalism 

This nominee exemplifies professionalism and dedication to growth. Examples of commitment and professionalism include: 

• Engaging in professional development opportunities, such as the STRIVE Tiered Program and/or STRIVE Mentoring Program, NCURA/NORDP/SRAI events, conferences or other research administration training opportunities
• Demonstrating reliability, ethical standards and a commitment to excellence
• Going above and beyond what is expected of someone new to the profession, setting a high standard for future contributions.

 

Submit a nomination

The Excellence in Research Administration Award honors an individual who demonstrates sustained achievement, professionalism and dedication in advancing research at USC. This award recognizes individuals whose exemplary service and expertise significantly enhance the success of research activities.     

Eligibility:

• A nominee’s packet for the Excellence in Research Administration Award can reflect achievements across their career at USC in Research Administration. To be eligible, the nominee must have been employed at USC for a minimum of two years. 

Nomination Packet:

• Nominations must be received by 12 p.m. on Friday, September 12 in RedCap.
• Packet will include form to be filled out with the following:
  • Nominee’s: name, department/office, college/division, title, years in current position, email address, supervisor’s name and email address
  • Nominator’s: name, email address, title, department/office, college/division
  • Letters: Nomination Letter plus up to two additional letters of support

Prompts for Writing Your Letter of Support:

1. What did the nominee do that was beyond simply doing their job?
2. How did they do it?
3. What were the results and/or impact?

 Keep the following tips in mind:

1. Personal knowledge: Highlight your personal knowledge of the nominee's accomplishments and qualifications. Provide specific examples of their contributions, achievements and impact on their field.
2. Be concise and focused: Keep your examples clear, concise and to the point. Use specifics when possible and avoid overly technical language.
3. Provide evidence: Back up your claims with concrete examples and evidence of the nominee's contributions, such as publications, research, teaching or community involvement. Use data and statistics when applicable.
4. Impact and significance: Describe the broader impact of the nominee's work, including how it has influenced their field, advanced knowledge or contributed to USC's mission.
5. Highlight character and leadership: Mention the nominee's personal qualities, such as integrity, leadership and dedication to their field.

Award Criteria:

1. Significant achievements and contributions

The nominee has consistently strengthened research administration through their expertise and accomplishments.

Examples of significant achievements and contributions may include:

• Developing and implementing streamlined processes that improve efficiency and compliance
• Providing exceptional support for high-profile or complex projects with accuracy and insight
• Championing best practices and serving as a trusted resource for colleagues and researchers

2. Exemplary service 

The nominee goes above and beyond expectations, demonstrating initiative and resourcefulness.

Examples of exemplary service may include:

• Proactively solving problems and anticipating researcher and USC needs
• Tailoring support for researchers
• Managing complex grants and contracts with professionalism and strategic skill
• Introducing innovative solutions that improve systems, processes, or service delivery

3. Being a team player 

Collaboration is a hallmark of this nominee’s approach, with examples such as:

• Taking initiative to support team goals and stepping in to fill critical gaps
• Communicating thoughtfully and effectively with colleagues, researchers, and stakeholders
• Serving as a mentor to early career USC Research Administrators
• Acting as a reliable backup for colleagues, showing adaptability and commitment to team success

4. Outstanding commitment and professionalism 

This nominee exemplifies professionalism and dedication to growth, Examples include:

• Engaging in professional development through STRIVE, NCURA/NORDP/SRAI, or other advanced trainings
• Developing and/or facilitating training(s) for USC Research Administrators
• Demonstrating reliability, ethical standards, and a commitment to continuous improvement
• Setting a high standard of service and professionalism that strengthens the research community

 

Submit a nomination

The Leadership in Research Administration Award honors an individual who demonstrates visionary leadership, mentorship and influence in advancing the field of Research Administration at USC. This award recognizes those who inspire others, foster collaboration and drive lasting institutional impact.    

Eligibility:

• A nominee’s packet for the Leadership in Research Administration Award can reflect achievements across their career at USC in Research Administration. To be eligible, the nominee must have been employed at USC for a minimum of two years. 

 Nomination Packet:

• Nominations must be received by 12 p.m. on Friday, September 12 in RedCap.
• Packet will include form to be filled out with the following:
  • Nominee’s: name, department/office, college/division, title, years in current position, email address, supervisor’s name and email address
  • Nominator’s: name, email address, title, department/office, college/division
  • Letters: Nomination Letter plus up to two additional letters of support 

 Prompts for Writing Your Letter of Support:

1.  What did the nominee do that was beyond simply doing their job?
2. How did they do it?
3. What were the results and/or impact?

Keep the following tips in mind:

1. Personal knowledge: Highlight your personal knowledge of the nominee's accomplishments and qualifications. Provide specific examples of their contributions, achievements and impact on their field.
2. Be concise and focused: Keep your examples clear, concise and to the point. Use specifics when possible and avoid overly technical language.
3. Provide evidence: Back up your claims with concrete examples and evidence of the nominee's contributions, such as publications, research, teaching or community involvement. Use data and statistics when applicable.
4. Impact and significance: Describe the broader impact of the nominee's work, including how it has influenced their field, advanced knowledge or contributed to USC's mission.
5. Highlight character and leadership: Mention the nominee's personal qualities, such as integrity, leadership and dedication to their field.

Award Criteria:

1. Vision and Strategic Contributions 

The nominee demonstrates leadership that shapes the future of research administration at USC.

Examples include:

• Driving the development of innovative policies, systems or strategies that strengthen the research enterprise
• Leading large-scale projects or initiatives that create measurable improvements
• Advocating for best practices and advancing the profession within and beyond their institution

2. Exemplary Service and Influence 

The nominee goes beyond expectations, guiding others and creating positive change.

Examples include:

• Mentoring, coaching and supporting the professional growth of colleagues and staff
• Anticipating challenges and guiding teams through complex issues with integrity and foresight
• Acting as a change agent by fostering innovation, inclusion and collaboration

 3. Inspiring Teamwork and Collaboration 

The nominee builds strong, collaborative relationships across the institution and beyond.

Examples include:

• Leading with inclusivity, respect, and a focus on collective success
• Building cross-departmental partnerships to strengthen research support
• Acting as a role model who motivates colleagues and fosters a culture of teamwork

4. Outstanding Commitment and Professionalism 

This nominee exemplifies professional excellence, vision, and service to the field. 

Examples include:

• Sharing expertise through presentations, the STRIVE mentoring program, and/or professional organizations such as NCURA/NORDP/SRAI
• Advocating for ethical standards and institutional excellence in Research Administration
• Demonstrating dedication to advancing the profession and empowering others to succeed

 

Submit a nomination

The Excellence in Professional Research Staff Award celebrates exceptional technical research staff working in academic units who directly support the hands-on work of faculty researchers. This award honors individuals whose specialized expertise, dedication and innovation enables research excellence and ensures that USC faculty can achieve their research goals.

Eligibility:

• To be eligible, the nominee must be employed in a technical research support staff position at USC for a minimum of one year.
• A nominee’s packet for the Excellence in Professional Research Staff Award can reflect achievements across their career at USC.      

Nomination Packet:

• Nominations must be received by 12 p.m. on Friday, September 12 in RedCap.
• Packet will include form to be filled out with the following:
  • Nominee’s: name, department/office, college/division, title, years in current position, email address, supervisor’s name and email address
  • Nominator’s: name, email address, title, department/office, college/division
  • Letters: Nomination Letter plus up to two additional letters of support 

 Prompts for Writing Your Letter of Support:

1. What did the nominee do that was beyond simply doing their job?
2. How did they do it?
3. What were the results and/or impact?

 Keep the following tips in mind:

1. Personal knowledge: Highlight your personal knowledge of the nominee's accomplishments and qualifications. Provide specific examples of their contributions, achievements impact on their field.
2. Be concise and focused: Keep your examples clear, concise and to the point. Use specifics when possible and avoid overly technical language.
3. Provide evidence: Back up your claims with concrete examples and evidence of the nominee's contributions, such as publications, research, teaching or community involvement. Use data and statistics when applicable.
4. Impact and significance: Describe the broader impact of the nominee's work, including how it has influenced their field, advanced knowledge or contributed to USC's mission.
5. Highlight character and leadership: Mention the nominee's personal qualities, such as integrity, leadership, and dedication to their field.

Award Criteria:

1. Technical Expertise and Innovation

The nominee has consistently strengthened research through their technical expertise and accomplishments.

Examples might include:

• Application of advanced technical knowledge to complex research challenges
• Development or implementation of new methods, tools, or technologies that improve research practices

2. Exemplary Service 

The nominee goes above and beyond expectations, demonstrating initiative and resourcefulness.

Examples might include:

• Going beyond expectations in supporting faculty and research teams
• Delivering accurate, reliable and high-quality technical support that advances USC’s mission

3. Collaboration and Teamwork 

Collaboration is a hallmark of this nominee’s approach, with examples such as:

• Taking initiative to support team goals and stepping in to fill critical gaps
• Communicating thoughtfully and effectively with colleagues, researchers and stakeholders
• Serving as a trusted partner to faculty, students and colleagues
• Sharing expertise through mentorship, training or guidance

4. Professionalism and Dedication

This nominee exemplifies professionalism and dedication to growth by:

• Demonstrating reliability, ethical standards and a commitment to continuous improvement
• Setting a high standard of service and professionalism that strengthens the research community
• Demonstrating reliability, ethical standards, and leadership in technical research support

 

Submit a nomination