Research Administrator Appreciation Day (RAAD)

Research administration staff play a vital role in the successful operation of the research enterprise at Washington University. These professionals teach STAR classes, administer research programs, manage purchasing functions, financial reporting, process payroll, regulatory and compliance, research contracts, and technology transfer. They foster positivity, inclusivity, collaborative culture, and are integral to the research mission of the institution.

On September 18, 2023, Research Education and Information will host the first Research Administration Appreciation Day (RAAD). To honor the remarkable contributions of our research administrators, we request nominations for the award categories below.

Outstanding New Professional Award

• This individual has made significant contributions to the institution and profession of research administration within less than two years of experience in the field.

Unsung Hero Award

• This individual is dedicated to executing their job, as well as helping others, filling in where needed, high-quality performance, actively solving problems, and demonstrating dependability, responsibility, and perseverance–all without fanfare.
• This person takes the initiative to solve problems and improve work situations without prompting and is an invaluable team member.

Distinguished Mentor Award

• This individual honors and encourages the accomplishments of the Washington University research administration community by serving as a role model for the pursuit, generation, dissemination, and application of knowledge through professional development, mentorship, and/or peer development.
• They motivate and inspire others to strive for excellence and assist them toward achieving professional goals and achievements.

Distinguished Achievement Award

• The awardee has a minimum of 15 years of research administration service, with a minimum of 10 years at Washington University.
• They have made significant contributions to both their department and the University, leading to success throughout their career.
• They are highly regarded as an outstanding mentor and role model by colleagues, respected by peers, and have a proven ability to enhance morale.
• They demonstrate enthusiasm for and dedication to the research administration community. 
• The awardee takes initiative and exemplifies the core values of the University through their interaction with faculty, staff, students, external entities, and the entire University community.

Super-STAR Award

• This awardee makes a difference in the day-to-day operations of research administration and has truly gone above and beyond “business as usual” in the course of their role.
• This could be in committee work, teaching, developing new processes, assisting with system testing, or training, etc. that has benefited the field of research administration.

Eligibility for all awards:

• The nominee must be an employee of the University at both the time the nomination is received and during the award ceremony.
• The nominee fosters and promotes a positive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Nomination Procedures

Letters of nomination/support should illustrate the nominee’s contribution to the success or enhancement of a university or departmental process or program in the field of research administration. It should make clear to someone outside the nominee’s unit why the nominee’s work is outstanding.

The most effective letters will come from someone familiar with the nominee’s work and will contain a detailed description of how the person meets the award criteria. Nominations are accepted from various sources, including supervisors, faculty, trainees, senior administrators, colleagues, and departmental representatives who work alongside the nominee.

To nominate an individual, please complete the form at the link below. Support materials noted below must be uploaded in PDF format.

• Letter of nomination (required)
• Additional Letter(s) of support (optional)

AWARD NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

Shine a light on your Research Administrator and send in a recognition statement to show your appreciation for their contributions! (Ex: “I am grateful to my research assistant for all of their behind-the-scenes work to keep me on track and everything in order!”)

All statements of recognition must be received no later than 5 p.m. on September 1, 2023.

Each department is invited to participate in the RAAD T-Shirt Design Contest, where departments design their own t-shirts to wear the day of the event. To participate:

1. Design your t-shirt through one of WashU’s licensed suppliers.
2. Design Rules:
   • Your department name must be visible. If you use the WashU logo or the university name in your design, it must be approved through University Marketing & Communications.
3. Send a screenshot of your design to rei@wusm.wustl.edu by August 4, 2023. T-shirts designs will be judged by Research Education & Information (REI) based on the following criteria:
   • Originality and innovation
   • Eye appeal, color and layout
4. Order your t-shirts and plan to distribute them to your team ahead of the event so that they can be worn during RAAD.
5. During the event, we will ask each team to stand up and show-off your design. Afterwards, the winner and prize will be announced!
6. For more information and to sign-up, please view the T-Shirt Contest flyer.

Visit the RAAD Vendor Fair to discover resources and services available to the WashU research community. There you can meet and network with these organizations and WashU offices:

• Becker Library
• CAPS – School of Continuing & Professional Studies
• Center for Clinical Studies
• HR – Employee Wellness
• HR – MyWay to Health
• HR – Child & Family Care
• Learn@Work
• NCURA
• Office of Institutional Equity
• Protective Services
• Research Development Office
• Research Education & Information
• University Libraries
• WashU IT
• Workday

& more!