Frequently Asked Questions
Following are answers to the most frequently asked questions concerning the Staff Service Awards program at The University of Texas at Austin. If you have a question about the program that is not addressed here, please contact the Staff Awards Team.
What are Staff Service Awards?
Staff Service Awards are presented to employees in recognition of length of service to the University. An employee receives their first service award for ten (10) years of eligible service. Thereafter, the employee receives service awards in five-year intervals as eligible service accrues. Employees receive a certificate and lapel pin to recognize their service from Human Resources.
How will I receive my certificate and lapel pin?
Your Service Award certificate and lapel pin will be mailed to your home address as listed in Workday by the end of June. Please make sure your home address is accurate in Workday. Some departments have chosen to frame certificates and in that case your certificate and pin will be presented to you by your department.
How can I see a record of my eligible Staff Service Awards time in Workday?
HR Partners, HR Executives, HR Assistants, or HR Associates can view information regarding eligibility for a University of Texas at Austin Staff Service Award for the current fiscal year for workers they support by visiting Workday, searching "Upcoming Staff Service Award Recipients - RPT1024" and clicking on the report to run it. The information shown is calculated from award-eligible service only, and therefore may not be a reflection of total State Service.
Why is there a difference between my State Service time and my Staff Service Award time?
Staff Service Awards time is calculated differently than State Service time. It is a very common occurrence to have a difference. The difference is often due to time in a student position or an under 50% appointment, both count towards State Service but not Staff Service Award time.
Why is there a difference between my Retirement Service time and my Staff Service Award time?
Staff Service Awards time is calculated differently than Retirement time. It is a very common occurrence to have a difference.
What if I feel I should be receiving an award and don't see my name on the Staff Service Awards recipients list?
Work with your HR Contact in your department and that person may contact the Staff Awards Team if any changes need to be made.
How are Staff Service Awards, State Service, and Retirement Service times calculated?
Please see the following Service Comparison table.
| Type of Service | Who is Eligible | What Service is Eligible | Service Calculation Method | Information Contact | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Service |
All employees, including faculty, staff and student employees regardless of the percent time appointed. |
Includes service with all Texas state agencies and institutions of higher education. |
Actual months and days appointed. |
Determines annual leave accrual, refer to Annual Leave Policy. Determines rate of longevity pay, refer to Longevity Pay Policy. |
|
| Staff Service Awards |
Classified and Administrative and Professional (A&P) staff appointed at least 20 hours per week in an eligible position. Current Faculty members who hold an active staff job title of at least 20 hours or more per week and have accumulated at least 10 years of staff service time. |
Service with any University of Texas component prior to 9-1-01 is included. Only University of Texas at Austin service is included if earned 9-1-01 or later. |
One month of service is given for each month or fraction of a month of an active appointment in an eligible title. Eligible service is computed through May 31 of the award year. Time in student titles do not count towards Service Award time. |
University-wide recognition through the annual Service Awards Program. |
|
| Retirement Service |
Benefits eligible employees. |
Only service in a benefit eligible position for which a contribution to a retirement system was made. Contact the specific retirement system for details. |
Dependent upon participation in Teacher Retirement System or Optional Retirement Program. |
Teacher Retirement System of Texas OR |
Access to retirement programs available through the Teacher Retirement System or the Optional Retirement Program. Retiree insurance eligibility for employee and eligible dependents. |
If you have a question about State Service or retirement service that does not relate to Staff Service Awards, please email the Human Resource Service Center (HRSC).