Office of Human Resources - Employee Recognition

President's Medal for Social Embeddedness

Eligibility
The President's Medal for Social Embeddedness recognizes ASU employees who have worked as departmental, interdepartmental, or transdisciplinary teams that have demonstrated excellence in embedding ASU in the social and cultural fabric of our surrounding communities. Social Embeddedness at ASU is a university-wide, interactive, and mutually-supportive partnership with the communities of Arizona. Essentially, social embeddedness means that both the community and the university benefit from and rely upon each other. At ASU, this vision involves the ongoing integration of five innovate and distinct, yet interrelated, actions:

  • Community Capacity Building - enabling community-based organizations and institutions to become strong and effective by providing support, training, and access to resources and information.
  • Teaching and Learning - involving faculty, staff, and students in solving problems facing communities.
  • Economic Development - responding to the needs of the university and the needs of communities as ASU pursues its role as an economic engine.
  • Social Development - enhancing the well-being of the diverse people and communities of Arizona, by working closely with public and private institutions.
  • Research - advancing relevant inquiry by valuing community input, knowledge, and needs.

Only programs or projects that have been implemented since August 1, 2002 and have demonstrated positive results will be considered for the award. The project must be institutional work done in the name of Arizona State University rather than individual or group community service.

Employees may be classified or administrative staff, academic or service professionals, or faculty. A team may be comprised of any group of ASU employees and include members from the community who partnered with ASU on this project.

Selection Process
Recipients of the President's Medal for Social Embeddedness will be determined by a review group appointed by the President. There may be multiple recipients of this award.

Award Criteria (See Evaluation Rubric on page 5)

  • Community Impact - considers the value and relevance of the project to the needs of the community. Fosters diversity of thought, culture, and expression.
  • University Impact - the project has furthered the university's goals of social engagement. Fosters an environment in which the resources of the university are matched with the needs of the community. Sets an example of what it means to be an open and inclusive community.
  • Measurable Results - Specific details, data, and observations derived from the project that document positive measurable results.Data should be collected and presented which represents how effective the project was at accomplishing its goals.

Supporting Materials
The following will be considered a complete application packet. Failure to submit this application and a complete packet will lead to disqualification.

  1. A complete application, including a contact person(s) and the roster (pages 3-4).
  2. A short abstract (180 words or less) summarizing the scope of the program/project on a separate page. This abstract will be used for promotional purposes and will not be counted toward the 7-page limitation.
  3. A letter (limited to 750 words) of collaboration from the community members/groups most impacted by your project, supporting your application, stating the impact of the project, and how it has shaped their understanding, perspective, and sense of connectedness to ASU. This letter will not be counted toward the 7-page limitation.
  4. Documentation limited to:
    - seven (7) pages or less
    - single spaced
    - 10 font or larger
    - graphs and charts are accepted as part of the page limitation.
  5. The documentation should contain a complete description of the project/program, including:
    - What is the specific community need/issue, and how was it identified?
    - Who did you work with in the community - what individuals, groups, businesses, educational institutions, organizations, or associations were central to your work and what role did they play?
    - How did you implement the project? What methods did you employ?
    - Results: How has your project impacted the community and how has it furthered the role of ASU in the community? Show a clear link between this project and ASU's design imperative of social embeddedness (e.g. how has this project built an interactive and mutually supportive partnership with ASU and the community?).

Writer's Briefing
A Writer's Briefing will be held for those interested in submitting an application. Tips on effectively organizing and writing applications will be provided. To register, contact Linda Uhley at least three days prior to the session at 480.965.5089 or linda.uhley@asu.edu. December 5, 2007, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at ASU at the Tempe campus

Important Dates

  • January 17, 2008 - Application due
  • March 26, 2008 - Award recipients notified
  • April 2008 - President's Recognition Reception

Submission Information
Submit twelve (12) copies of the application, supporting documentation, and abstract before 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 17, 2008 to:

President's Medal for Social Embeddedness
ATTN: Linda Uhley
Office of Human Resources
Mail Code 5612

Questions
Contact Linda Uhley at 480.965.5089 or e-mail linda.uhley@asu.edu.

President's Recognition Reception
Recipients of this year's President's Award for Innovation, President's Medal for Social Embeddedness, and Top Multiple SUN Award designation will be honored at a private award ceremony and dessert reception hosted by the President's Office.