Alice Laubach, who works in customer service in the University Registrar's Office, was recently named Old Dominion University's August Employee of the Month.

She first joined the University in March of 2014. In the spring of 2015, it was decided to implement a new option for recent graduates to pick-up their diplomas. Laubach jumped right in to work on the large project that required optimism, dedication, and team-work. She proved to be instrumental in making the program a success.

According to Laubach's supervisor, Laura Vann: "Alice created an email that announced the pick-up option to students. This email was the most viewed in recent history, with an open rate of over 90%. Alice ran reports daily to track when degrees were conferred, when diplomas were printed, and when diplomas were picked up. (Alice) updated this information in Banner so that any University administrator could easily check the diploma status. Alice organized the diplomas intuitively so they could easily be distributed as students came to the office. (Alice) worked the counter, assisting the vast majority of students. (Alice) checked with the student to ensure names were spelled correctly and that the diploma met the expectations of the student."

A total of 619 recent graduates were able to pick up their diplomas in person, largely thanks to Laubach, and the program helped to save the University over $2,500.

DETAILS ABOUT THE EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH PROCESS

The University Employee of the Month Selection Committee encourages employees to nominate their outstanding, "go the extra mile" colleagues and employees. This program is designed to acknowledge and reward employees whose accomplishments and/or demeanor exemplify excellence, quality service and commitment to ODU. Classified and AP faculty employees receive a framed certificate from the president, $175 and one day of leave. Hourly winners get $250, since they are not eligible to receive recognition leave.

Note: The selection committee needs specific examples that relate to each applicable criterion in order to select a nominee for the award. Nominations remain active for six months from date of submission and nominators may submit additional documentation to support a nominee during the active six months.

The criteria used to nominate an employee include the following:

• An outstanding accomplishment that benefited the department/students.
• Extraordinary service to internal and/or external customers.
• Inspiring initiative/leadership.
• Enthusiasm/energy given to assigned work.
• Teamwork.
• Exemplary efforts to nurture a climate of care, concern and civility.
• Creative innovations to service, process or work tools.

For more information contact Tony Belk at jbelk@odu.edu or 683-3046, or visit ODU's Employee of the Month website.