WHAT KIND OF PROGRAM IS THIS?

This is a program for you to submit ideas and suggestions that either:

a) produce a cost saving

b) generate new revenue

c) improve the quality of operations here at FAU or throughout the State University System

If your suggestion is implemented, you will receive a cash award.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?

All current University employees (Salaried and OPS) may participate in the program. Eligible employees may submit a proposal on their own, or jointly with one or more other eligible employees.

WHAT KINDS OF IDEAS SHOULD I CONSIDER IF I WANT TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL?

Look for ideas that:

a) improve the efficiency of a department, program or procedure

b) improve services which support the University

c) eliminate waste, unnecessary procedures or duplication of effort

d) save time, money or materials

e) generate new revenue

f) enhance morale or productivity

Hint: Start by concentrating on what you know best - your own work area. (However, you are not limited - you may submit proposals that affect any area of the University). Make sure you get the facts before you complete the proposal form.

WHAT TYPES OF PROPOSALS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE?

Avoid ideas that:

a) relate to personal grievances, or classification and pay issues

b) should be implemented as part of your regular work responsibilities

c) increase fees or fines to students or employees

d) duplicate a previously submitted suggestion

e) offer vague generalizations rather than specific facts

f) have already been implemented or are currently under review

HOW DO I SUBMIT A PROPOSAL?

It's easy! Just complete an "Owl Watch" proposal form, available from the Personnel Services office (Administration Building, Room 237, ext. 7-2554). Insure that the entire form is clearly and completely filled out.

Remember: The more specific information you give, the easier it will be to evaluate your proposal.

HOW ARE PROPOSALS EVALUATED?

Once you have completed the proposal form, make two copies. Keep one copy for yourself and send one copy with the original to the Program Manager, Personnel Services, Admin. 237. A copy of your proposal will then be sent to the appropriate Dean or Director and Vice President. They will evaluate the proposal thoroughly and document their recommendations. The form is then evaluated by the Steering Committee and a final recommendation is sent to the President.

The President will make the final decision regarding acceptance of the proposal and you will be notified of this decision within approximately 60 days after the proposal was initially filed. Employees may appeal the final decision within 30 days of notification.

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY PROPOSAL IF IT IS NOT ACCEPTED FOR IMPLEMENTATION?

Your proposal will be kept on file for one year from the date it was originally received. You will be eligible for an award if your proposal is adopted at any time during this period. After one year, the proposal must be re-submitted in order to be reconsidered.

WHAT TYPES OF CASH AWARDS ARE AVAILABLE?

There are two types of awards provided within this program:

a) Incentive Awards are a cash award equal to 10% of the first year's net savings or net revenues generated from your proposal, less the amortized cost of implementation of your proposal. No single award can be greater than $25,000.

Example: Your proposal results in a projected first year savings of $30,000, and costs $2,000 to implement. The net benefit to the university is $28,000. Your cash award would be a total of $2,800.

Note: Joint proposers would split the award equally.

b) Intangible Awards recognize proposals that result in outstanding contributions to the quality of operations (but do not involve actual cost savings or revenue generation). These awards will be at least $50 but are not to exceed $1000, the amount to be decided by the IEP committee and approved by the President.

CAN ANYONE ELSE SHARE IN THE AWARD?

Yes - that is part of what makes this program so special. If your proposal has been accepted for an Incentive Award, there are two additional components:

a) Organizational Incentives: Employees in the department or work unit that implement the proposal are each eligible for an award of up to 5% of the first year's net savings or revenues.

b) Administrative Incentives: Administrators at the Chairperson, Dean/Director level and above, in the chain of command directly above the proposer, are each eligible for up to 5% of the first year's net savings or revenue.

IS THERE A LIMIT TO HOW MUCH AWARD MONEY I CAN RECEIVE FOR EACH PROPOSAL?

Yes, awards are limited to 10% of the smaller of the first year's estimated savings or $25,000.

IS THERE ANY LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF PROPOSALS THAT I CAN SUBMIT?

No - submit proposals as often as you like - and encourage your co-workers to do the same. There is no limit to the number of awards that you are eligible to receive.

IF I HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROGRAM, WHOM SHOULD I CONTACT?

Call the Program Manager in the Personnel Services office, ext. 7-2554, or stop by the office, Administration Building, Room 237.

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