Employee Recognition Programs

The California State University (CSU) has announced an opportunity for CSU staff to be recognized through the Trustee Wenda Fong and Mr. Daniel Fetterly Staff Award-- a historic, systemwide initiative celebrating the extraordinary contributions of CSU staff.

This signature, Board-level recognition program highlights the innovation, equity-centered leadership and transformative impact of staff across all 22 CSU campuses. Sonoma State is proud to participate in this inaugural year and to uplift the vital role staff play in advancing our shared mission. Inaugural award recipients will be honored at the May 2026 CSU Board of Trustees meeting, providing a powerful, systemwide moment to celebrate staff excellence and leadership. This program includes three individual awards of $25,000 each and one team award of $25,000, shared among up to five team members.

Award Categories

Affordability Advocate and Driver of Transformative Change
Honors an individual whose efforts have a profound impact on making a CSU education affordable and accessible

• Demonstrates significant, measurable impact on reducing financial barriers and expanding access for students, particularly those with high financial need.
• Implements creative, forward-thinking, or system-level solutions that lead to meaningful change.
• Actively advocates for affordability through leadership, partnership, or influence across departments, institutions or policy spaces.
• Efforts result in lasting practices, policies or programs with potential for long-term sustainability and replication.

Fostering an Inclusive and Equitable Learning Environment
Honors an individual dedicated to student success while promoting equity and inclusion within the university community

• Demonstrates a sustained commitment to equity and inclusion by addressing systemic barriers and advancing inclusive practices.
• Positively influences student learning, engagement, retention or achievement, with particular attention to efforts to remove barriers for students facing systemic barriers to success.
• Creates learning or campus environments where students feel valued, respected, and supported.
• Serves as a leader or role model who influences peers, programs or policies to advance inclusive excellence across the university.

First Generation Belonging and Community
Honors an individual who excels in fostering a sense of belonging and building a supportive campus community for first-generation students.

• Demonstrates a deep understanding of first-generation student experiences and provides intentional support through advocacy, mentoring, or programming.
• Creates inclusive spaces, initiatives, or relationships that promote connection, visibility and belonging for first-generation students.
• Engages consistently and authentically with first-generation students, building trust and supportive relationships.
• Shows clear evidence of positive outcomes or broad influence on first-generation students or campus communities.

Trailblazing Team
Honors a team of no more than five individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in service of students and the CSU mission

• Demonstrates strong collaboration, shared leadership, and effective teamwork in pursuit of student-centered goals.
• Develops and implements innovative approaches that address student needs and advance the CSU mission.
• Achieves meaningful, measurable outcomes that improve student experiences and align with CSU values.
• Creates initiatives or solutions with potential for long-term impact, expansion, or replication beyond the initial effort.

Nomination Criteria, Timeline and Process

• Eligible nominees are current CSU employees in good standing whose accomplishments occurred after January 1, 2025. This includes represented staff, confidential employees and MPPs. Faculty (Bargaining Unit 3) and student employees (Academic Student Employees and Student Assistants) are not eligible for nomination.
• Submissions for each nominee must include feedback or evidence of impact and are limited to five (5) single-spaced pages. Nominees are encouraged to showcase examples of their individuality and excellence.
• A review committee, convened by Human Resources, will evaluate all nominations and advance no more than two nominations per award category to the President for consideration and final submission to the Chancellor’s Office.

Nominations

All nominations must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. Friday, February 6, 2026, using this form: Trustee Wenda Fong and Mr. Daniel Fetterly Staff Award Nomination Form