The Staff Excellence Fund (SEF) is part of the total compensation package for UݮƵ staff. $250,000 is allocated annually to fund the following initiatives:
- High‐Quality Speakers.The fund sponsors speakers and events coordinated by Organizational & Human Development on topics relating to staff training and development, both within and independent of the annual staff conference. Estimated cost: $65,000/year.
- Service Recognition.This fund contributes to the university’s annual Years of Service Reception for USG Staff at their at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 year milestones. Estimated cost: $50,000/year.
- Engagement and Leadership Development.$50,000/year is allocated to activities, programs and services to enhance employee engagement and foster leadership development.
- Healthy Workplace Initiatives.$85,000/year is allocated for healthy workplace initiatives.
UWSA's role
In order to give staff input into allocating some of these funds, the UWSA is tasked with leading theStaff Excellence Fund Committee, whichsolicits and reviews applications from across UW—including from members like you—for initiatives in theHealthy Workplaceand the Engagement and Leadership Developmentٱǰ.
The committee then passes on applications for approval at theProvost’s Advisory Committee on Staff Compensation (PACSC).
Application instructions
You can submit an SEF application at any time and it will be typically be reviewed by the SEF Committee within a month. The committee will often ask applicants for more information or offer suggestions for improving applications before they are sent to PACSC for approval, so please submit your application well in advance of your proposed project dates.
SEF guidelines
The SEF Committee and PACSC apply the following guidelines when considering proposals:
- The proposal cannotcreate a tax benefit for staff.
- The proposal can't be used for construction or capital infrastructure.
- The project must be implemented quickly and have a duration of no more than two years.
- Projects may be resubmitted to be considered for funding beyond the initial two years.
- Funds can't be used for proposals currently funded or organized by the University, or forongoing costs.
- Projects must benefit many staff members.
- Funds over $5,000 must be vetted by Procurement Services.
- Funds can’t be used to remunerate UW staff, even if they act in the capacity of their own personal business within a project.
VR for Workplace Wellness
The Conflict Management and Human Rights Office (CMAHRO), with support from the SEF, has arranged for three Meta Quest 2 head-mounted displays (HMDs) in each of the Dana Porter and Davis Center libraries, preloaded with Nature Treks VR and OvationVR.
Nature Treks VR
Research has repeatedly demonstrated that spending time in nature can positively impact our personal wellbeing. While we don’t always have easy access to natural spaces, recent research is demonstrating that even encountering nature using immersive virtual reality can have similar positive effects!
Ovation VR
uses AI to create realistic speaking scenarios tailored to the needs of the user: one-on-one conversations, small group discussion, or presentation in large auditoriums. This allows staff to practice in a safe, controlled environment, gradually building confidence and reducing anxiety.
Ways to Play: Fitness and wellness programming
Since fall 2022, SEF funding has allowed Warrior Recreation to offer daily fitness opportunities to staff, including staff workouts, rock climbing, archery, table tennis, yoga, nidra meditation, kickboxing, skating, and more. Sign up for a free SEF Staff Membership and register for classes on the .
Board Foundations workshops
ճworkshop series helps staff build the skills & confidence needed to volunteer on a non-profit board of directors. Participation in a UW Staff Board Foundations workshop isfreefor all UW staff.
New to board governance? Sign up forMay 14orSeptember 22.
If you’ve taken previous workshops or have board experience, twonewworkshops are availableMay 26andOctober 22that delve deeper intoandStrategic Planning (registration opening soon).
If you’re thinking about running for the UWSA board—or any other board—this year or in the future, we highly recommend this series!