E-Insight

May 2006

College Receives First Annual Positive Action Award

The Classified Personnel Council selected the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences as the first recipient of the Positive Action Award.  The award recognizes a group, unit or department that has significantly contributed to State Classified Employees at Colorado State University through systemic change. The focus of the award is on efforts that create a supportive work environment that fosters employees' performance.

The College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is a "very deserving recipient of this award," stated the award notification from the Classified Personnel Council.

The notification also stated, "In a time of budget restraints, increased employee workloads, and management disincentives, the College has moved forward in efforts to communicate with employees and enhance their work environments. Mary Ann Valdez, Assistant to the Dean and Dr. Lori Kogan, Assistant Professor in Clinical Sciences, led an effort to learn more about the concerns of the College's state classified employees by structuring initial and follow up surveys, analyzing the results and communicating them to the College community.

"With the support of Dr. Lance Perryman, Dean of the College, the College is now creating actions to start addressing concerns raised in the survey responses. Work has started on offering increased training opportunities, providing feedback for supervisors and offering employee appreciation activities.

"The 'can do' attitude exemplified by the College clearly earns the CPC Positive Action Award for 2006 and should 'set the standard' for the rest of the University."