ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS

NWU Staff

NWU Students

NUMBER OF AWARDS AVAILABLE

1 x staff award

1 x student award

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Minimum requirements

Relationship with the NWU:

1. A staff recipient must be a permanent staff member, or a temporary staff member with a contract appointment duration of at least 24-months.
2. A student recipient must be a full-time student, registered for a programme leading to a qualification.

Recognised social media platforms:

The following social media platforms are recognised for these awards:

1. Facebook.
2. Instagram.
3. LinkedIn.
4. Tik-Tok.
5. X (formerly Twitter).

Portfolio of evidence:

The following minimum requirements must be met by a nominee to be eligible for consideration:

1. The social media coverage must have occurred during the period: 01 January – 31 December 2025.
2. A minimum total audience of 5 000 users must have been reached, with this being inclusive of the cumulative audience of all the social media platforms used by the nominee.
3. The demographical composition of the audience must be representative of the wider University community, including both internal and external stakeholders.
4. The nominee must provide proof of social media engagement and statistics on their posts and interactions that confirm the social media coverage and exposure, including: 
   1. Copies of the original post.
   2. Copies of the comments and interactions on social media related to the posts.
   3. Statistical overview of the number social media users who engaged with the post(s).
   4. The exact role the individual played in the entry as well as the impact thereof.

Discretionary considerations of the adjudication panel:

1. Social media content must have been well crafted and responsible.
2. Social media content must have been accurate, balanced, and fair.
3. Extent to which it supports the university’s strategy and values.
4. Whether the content fostered meaningful conversations that benefitted the NWU.
5. The recipient’s social media profile should be consistently irreproachable.

ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS

NWU Staff

NWU Students

NUMBER OF AWARDS AVAILABLE

1 x staff award

1 x student award

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Minimum requirements

Relationship with the NWU:

1. A staff recipient must be a permanent staff member, or a temporary staff with a contract appointment duration of at least 24-months.
2. A student recipient must be a full-time student, registered for a programme leading to a qualification.

Recognised traditional media platforms:

The following traditional media platforms are recognised for these awards:

1. Print and digital media including newspapers, magazines, and online news platforms.
2. Broadcasting media including, radio, television, podcasts, broadcasting interviews, etc.

Portfolio of evidence:

The following minimum requirements must be met by a nominee to be eligible for consideration:

1.  The traditional media coverage must have occurred during the period: 01 January – 31 December 2025.
2. A minimum total of 200 media mentions across print, digital and broadcasting media must have occurred.
3. The nominee must provide proof of traditional media coverage and exposure, including:
   1. Copies of the original articles, posts, interviews, etc.
   2. Statistical overview of the number readers, listeners or viewers who were reached through each traditional media engagement.
   3. The exact role the individual played in the entry as well as the impact thereof.

Discretionary considerations of the adjudication panel:

1. Traditional media content must have been well crafted and responsible.
2. Traditional media content must have been accurate, balanced, and fair.
3. Extent to which it supports the university’s strategy and values.
4. Whether the content fostered meaningful conversations that benefitted the NWU.

ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS

NWU Staff

NWU Students

NUMBER OF AWARDS AVAILABLE

1 x staff award

1 x student award

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Minimum requirements

Relationship with the NWU:

1. A staff recipient must be a permanent staff member, or a temporary staff member with a contract appointment duration of at least 24-months.
2. A student recipient must be a full-time student, registered for a programme leading to a qualification. 

Recognised media exposure:

The following media platforms are recognised for these awards:

1. Print and digital media including newspapers, magazine, and online news platforms.
2. Broadcasting media including, radio, television, podcasts, broadcasting interviews, etc. 

Portfolio of evidence:

The following minimum requirements must be met by a nominee to be eligible for consideration:

1. The media coverage, and subsequent upsurge, must have occurred during a period of 07-14 days, falling within the period of 01 January – 31 December 2024.
2. A minimum of 10 media coverage instances must have occurred.
3. The media upsurge must be related to the staff and/or student member’s work and/or contribution to the University, including research breakthroughs, impactful projects, initiatives, events, value-driven projects linked to University functions, etc.
4. Level of exposure in media including university, local, regional, national, and international level. v. The nominee must provide proof of media coverage and exposure, including
   1. Copies of the original articles, posts, interviews, etc.
   2. Statistical overview of the number of readers, listeners, and viewers who were reached through the upsurge in media coverage.
   3. The exact role the individual played in the entry as well as the impact thereof.

Discretionary considerations of the adjudication panel:

1.  Media content must have been well crafted and responsible.
2. Media content must have been accurate, balanced, and fair.
3. Extent to which it supports the university’s strategy and values.
4. Whether the content fostered meaningful conversations that benefitted the NWU.
5. The recipient’s public media profile should be consistently irreproachable.

ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS

NWU Staff

NWU Students

NUMBER OF AWARDS AVAILABLE

1 x staff award

1 x student award

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Minimum requirements

Relationship with the NWU:

1. A staff recipient must be a permanent staff member, or a temporary staff member with a contract appointment duration of at least 24-months.
2. A student recipient must be a full-time student, registered for a programme leading to a qualification.

Recognised disciplines and themes:

The following social rights responsibility and awareness disciplines and themes are recognised for this award:

1. Gender-based violence.
2. Social engagement and social welfare.
3. Psycho-social support and awareness.
4. Disability rights.
5. Primary healthcare.

Portfolio of evidence:

The following minimum requirements must be met by a nominee to be eligible for consideration:

1. The social rights responsibility and awareness initiative must have occurred or continued occurring during the period of 01 January – 31 December 2024.
2. A project plan and report describing the social rights responsibility and awareness must be provided with the nomination. 
3. A clearly defined target audience and/or recipient group must be provided.
4. Proof of the operational nature and/or execution of the initiative must be provided, including photos, videos, reports, survey data, media coverage, etc.
5. The impact value and linkage with the university strategy and values must be clearly described.
6. The exact role the individual played in the entry as well as the impact thereof.

Discretionary considerations of the adjudication panel:

The contribution of the nominee related to social rights responsibility and awareness should:

1. Have made a clear impact on the student and staff community, and/or the local communities of the NWU.
2. Be focussed on creating awareness and/or education on related matters.
3. Have a clearly defined impact on group and/or recipients.
4. Support the strategic objectives of the university, with a focus on enabling an ethic of care.

ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS

NWU Staff – specifically frontline staff peromnes 8-18) 

NUMBER OF AWARDS AVAILABLE

10 x staff awards across the three campuses

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Minimum requirements

Relationship with the NWU:

1.  A staff recipient must be a permanent support staff member, or a temporary support staff member with a contract appointment duration of at least 24-months.
2. The staff member must be appointed on a peromnes 8-18 level, functioning as frontline staff.
3. For the purposes of this award, frontline staff is regarded as client or student facing staff who engage directly with staff and students on a daily basis as part of the execution of their work. This can include but is not limited to the following departments:

• Campus Protection Services.
• Campus Health Care Centre.
• Student Counselling and Development.
• Facilities management and maintenance.
• Client facing staff at call centres, receptions, secretaries, etc.
• General workers. · Residence, Catering and Fleet Services.
• Student Finances and Financial Services.
• Student Academic Lifecycle Administration (SALA) (including front and back office staff, and graduation).
• Student Life and Sport staff.

Examples of staff

conduct qualifying for

the award

**Note, staff are not expected to demonstrate all values but must demonstrate the majority.

1. Service excellence
   • Consistently delivers high-quality work.
   • Maintains reliability, punctuality, and accountability.
   • Goes beyond minimum job requirement, i.e., frequently goes the extra mile.
2. Care and people impact
   • Treats students, staff, and visitors with respect and dignity.
   • Demonstrates helpfulness, empathy, and professionalism.
   • Contributes positively to campus climate and morale.
3. Initiative and ownership
   • Proactively identifies problems and solutions.
   • Shows pride in work and takes responsibility without prompting.
   • Suggests improvements that enhance efficiency or safety.
4. Teamwork & Values Alignment • Works collaboratively with colleagues.
   • Embodies NWU values (Excellence, Caring & Inclusive, Ethics, Responsibility).
   • Acts as a role model within the team.
5. Contribution to broader campus life
   • Assists during peak periods or emergencies.
   • Supports events or special projects.

Nomination process and requirements 

1. Staff conduct considered as part of this award must have occurred or continued occurring during the period of 01 January – 31 December 2025.
2. Line managers (including supervisors and head of departments) must submit nominations for staff within their department who are eligible to receive the award,
3. Each nomination must be accompanied by a written motivation (300-500 words), describing the nominees conduct and alignment to the above examples.
4. Where relevant, examples may be provided by the nominator, but should not include the staff member’s performance rating outcome or process.
5. These examples must demonstrate the operational nature and/or execution of the nominees conduct, and may include photos, videos, reports, survey data, media coverage, etc.
6. The conduct of the nominated staff member must be continuous, and not once off acts.
7. The line manager must indicate whether the staff member has a ongoing disciplinary action against them, and whether the nominees attendance record is acceptable. 

Discretionary considerations of the adjudication panel:

1. The adjudication panel must consider the nomination and supporting documentation for each nominee and satisfy itself with the above requirements and examples.
2. Staff members who have an active disciplinary case against them are disqualified from receiving this award. 

ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS

NWU Staff teams

NWU Student teams

NUMBER OF AWARDS AVAILABLE

Maximum of 3 x staff awards (Mahikeng, Vanderbijlpark and Potchefstroom Campuses)

Maximum of 3 x contact student awards (Mahikeng, Vanderbijlpark and Potchefstroom Campuses)

A maximum of six awards may be issued for this category. Awards as issued to a team as a whole. 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Minimum requirements

Relationship with the NWU:

1.  A staff recipient must be a permanent staff member, or a temporary staff member with a contract appointment duration of at least 24-months.

2. A nomination for a team of staff members requires a minimum of 5 staff members, with at least two-thirds of the team adhering to requirements i above.

3. A student recipient must be a full-time contact student, registered for a programme leading to a qualification.

4. A nomination for a team of student members requires a minimum of 5 members, with all members required to adhere to requirement iii above.

5. Mixed teams may be entered, provided that the team comprises at least 5 members, with at least two thirds of staff team members adhering to requirements i above, and all student team members adhering to requirements iii above.

6. Only staff who form part of the support staff cohort may be nominated for this category.

Period under consideration

01 January – 31 December 2025

Limitations on nominees

This award may NOT be awarded to:

1. A member of the University Management Committee.
2. A member of Senior Management, including appointments ranging from Peromnes levels 4-7.
3. Members who form part of the academic staff cohort. 

Discretionary considerations of the adjudication panel:

For the purposes of this award, the seven NWU values are understood as observable patterns of behaviour demonstrated consistently over time in everyday work and interactions, rather than isolated actions or formal initiatives. Nominees must demonstrate consistent alignment with NWU Values through observable behaviours.

Behavioural themes may include (but are not limited to):

Service and care

• Consistent commitment to quality service and positive staff or student experiences.
• Demonstrating care, responsiveness, and willingness to assist beyond minimum expectations.

Integrity and professionalism

• Ethical, respectful, and accountable conduct.
• Reliability, sound judgement and adherence to standards in daily work.

Collaboration and respect

• Constructive teamwork and positive working relationships.
• Inclusive and respectful engagement with colleagues and stakeholders.

Accountability and reliability

• Taking ownership for work and follow-through.
• Dependability and consistency over time.

These behaviours should reflect how work, tasks and responsibilities are carried out, not only in what is achieved, but through routine, behind-the-scenes, or operational activities that contribute positively to the University’s culture and environment.

Team nominations:

Where a team is nominated, the focus of the award is on sustained collective behaviour i.e., how the team works together, demonstrates shared values, and contributes to a positive service and work environment rather than on individual contributions or formal outputs. 

This award is not intended to:

• Recognise job level, seniority, or role scope
• Replace or form part of performance management, remuneration, or reward processes
• Recognise formal projects, initiatives, or once-off achievements

The NWU Values in Action Award recognises sustained values-based behaviour in everyday work and operates independently of formal People & Culture policies and performance management processes. 

To be eligible for consideration, the nomination must include:

i. Evidence that the demonstrated behaviours occurred during the period 01 January – 31 December 2025.

ii. A short motivation describing:

a. How the nominee/s lives the NWU values in their daily work and conduct.

b. Specific examples of behaviours or actions observed.

c. The positive impact on colleagues, students, or the university environment.

iii. Supporting evidence, which may include:

a. Written testimonials from supervisors, peers, or service recipients.

b. Brief examples of commendations, emails, or feedback.

c. Simple narrative evidence (formal project documentation is not required).

iv. For team nominations, evidence should demonstrate consistent values-based behaviour exhibited collectively by the team over time, supported by examples and feedback from relevant stakeholders.

ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS

NWU Staff with an uninterrupted service period with the NWU since 2014. 

NUMBER OF AWARDS AVAILABLE

1 x staff award

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Minimum requirements

Relationship with the NWU:

1. A staff recipient must be a permanent staff member, or a temporary staff member with a contract appointment duration of at least 24-months.

2. Movements between environments within the University, i.e. Teaching-learning, Research-innovation, and support departments, are permissible. 

Period under consideration

01 January – 31 December 2025

Discretionary considerations of the adjudication panel:

The recipient of the award must have demonstrated their commitment towards the improvement and growth of the NWU over the past decade. 
The contribution made by the recipient, must on a balance have:
i. Made an extraordinary contribution to the University, its staff, students, and community; and
ii. Advanced the strategic objectives and values of the University at the various stages of its existence.
In addition, the panel must consider:
iii. The existing and continuous track record of the nominee in continuously contributing to the University, its staff, students, and community.
iv. The continued commitment to consistently deliver quality service and experiences to staff and/or students.
v. The ability of the nominee to inspire others and act as change a change agent towards the achievement of the NWU’s objectives, goals, and values-driven behaviour.
vi. Promotion of the specific initiative(s) and the values within the NWU to both internal and external stakeholders.

ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS

NWU Staff forming part of the senior management cohort appointed on a peromnes level 1-5.

NUMBER OF AWARDS AVAILABLE

1 x staff award

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Minimum requirements

Relationship with the NWU:

1. The staff recipient must be a permanent staff member, or a temporary staff member with a contract appointment duration of at least 24-months, appointed on a Peromnes level 1-5.

Period under consideration

01 January – 31 December 2024

Specific nomination and selection process for this award

1. Nominations for this category are put forward by members of the senior management staff appointed on a peromnes level 01-05.
2. The Adjudication panel reviews all nominations received and provides a recommendation to the Vice-Chancellor on the top three recipient candidates for the award.
3. Based on the advice of the adjudication panel, the Vice-Chancellor makes a final decision of the award recipient.

Minimum requirements of the award

The work and involvement of the recipient whether still ongoing or concluded must:

i. Have occurred during the period of time under consideration.
ii. Be related to the purpose of their appointment with the University.
iii. Have made a considerable impact towards the achievement of the University strategy, strategic objectives, and/or values.

Discretionary considerations of the adjudication panel:

In addition to the minimum requirements, the panel must consider:

1. The existing and continuous track record of the nominee in continuously contributing to the university, its staff, students, and community.
2. The continued commitment to consistently deliver quality service and experiences to staff and/or students.
3. The ability of the nominee to inspire others and act as change a change agent towards the achievement of the NWU’s objectives, goals, and values-driven behaviour.
4. Promotion of the specific initiative(s) and the values within the NWU to both internal and external stakeholders.