The President's Award for Professional Staff - Guidance for Nominations

The DCU Strategy from 2023 - 2028 Transformation For An Unscripted Future commits to our people – students, staff and wider stakeholder communities – our priority and everything we do is for their benefit.

One of the specific actions associated with this goal was the introduction of an Awards Scheme aimed at recognising the outstanding contributions of all staff members within the DCU Community. In particular, the scheme aims to recognise those contributions that are not targeted by the existing President’s Awards (Research, Engagement and Teaching).

Furthermore, Our DCU Framework and Implementation Plan identified Recognition as one of the five key pillars that will support and focus our efforts to create a vibrant, cohesive staff community and culture.

The Framework and Implementation Plan highlight the importance of being recognised and valued for ‘what we do and how we do it’. 

They also outline the University’s commitment to put incentives and acknowledgements in place to recognise and celebrate staff who make valuable contributions to the University.

1. Outstanding Contribution (Individual Award & Team Award) 

An individual staff member or team whose contributions to the goals of their team, department / faculty are exceptional, have a positive impact on their colleagues and communities and ultimately benefit the whole University Community.

2. Living the DCU Culture and Values (Individual Award &  Team Award) 

An individual staff member or team who embodies DCU’s culture and shows commitment to DCU's values (e.g. Student-Focused, Open, Ambitious, Inclusive, Collegial and Collaborative) as expressed in our strategic plan. Such colleagues may:

• act as ambassadors for the DCU culture and values through their daily work
• establish initiatives that bring the DCU culture and values to life
• volunteer within the DCU Community thus demonstrating some or all the University values and culture

3. Leadership in supporting the University’s Strategic Plan (Individual Award)

An individual who understands their role in supporting the aims and objectives of their team or unit and the culture and values of the University and who, by bringing a sense of ownership, competence and innovation to their work, inspire and collaborate with others to enable them to achieve their potential.

Who is eligible for the award?

All currently employed staff members within the DCU Community are eligible for nomination.

 How to nominate for the award

• Nominees for an award must be made by member(s) of DCU staff using the appropriate nomination form
• Self-nominations by individuals or teams will not be accepted
• The deadline for receipt of nominations is Friday, 20th March 2026.

Each nomination will be evaluated against the relevant criteria having regard to the following:

1. Demonstration

Nominations should clearly demonstrate, by way of examples, why the nominee(s) should be considered to win the award and how they bring to life the criteria e.g. Outstanding Contribution as a Team Member.

2. Impact

Nominations should clearly outline the impact on our DCU community in terms of scale, resources available and longevity.

3. Alignment to the University Strategy

Nominations should clearly articulate how the nominees’ contributions align with our DCU Strategy.

The Staff Recognition Awards Selection Committee will be chaired by the Vice President for People, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (or nominee), with a total of 5 representatives from across the university as nominated by the President. 

The Selection Committee will provide their recommendations to The President for final decision.

Winners will be presented with The President’s Medal at a ceremony to celebrate their achievements on Thursday, 23rd April 2026. 

For any queries, please contact the DCU People Department at staffrecognitionawards@dcu.ie

Please note, all nominees must be currently employed by DCU or a DCU Campus Company