Brand Ambassador

Welcome to the Brand Ambassador of the Month programme Web Page

About Brand Ambassador of the Month (BAM)

At its inception, the Brand Ambassador of the Month Award programme was aimed at recognising desired behaviours in real time, particularly during the period of transformation as we transitioned from a Technikon to a University. 

The impact has been far-reaching and based on the testimonies we’ve received, we are convinced that even more has changed in the lives of those that have been exposed to the programme. We believe that this aim has been adequately achieved.

BAM Evolution and Award Categories

In keeping with the evolving needs of the University, the BAM award will now be held three times a year, in May, August and October, during which three categories of awards will be presented to deserving staff members. 

The awards are that of:

1. The Brand Ambassador of the Month: Academic Award to recognise excellence in teaching, research and academia;
2. The Brand Ambassador of the Month: Support Staff Award to recognise Administrative staff who have gone above and beyond in serving as an exceptional support and enabling function; and
3. The Brand Ambassador of the Month: Service Award - recognizes individuals who have delivered /outstanding quality service to clients, customers, staff and students alike. 

This will mean that we will now have 9 contenders contesting for the Grand Prize at the year-end Ultimate Brand Ambassador of the Month Award ceremony, UBAMA. 

This award therefore recognizes extraordinary contributions towards becoming a truly World Class University, next to our Team of the Year Award (TOYA). The TOYA award recognises concerted group and team efforts, to foster a culture of collaboration in the workplace and commitment to the NUST Brand.

 

Criteria for the Brand Ambassador of the Month (BAM)

BAM : ACADEMIC

This award aims to recognise excellence in teaching, research and academia, and staff displaying behaviours in line with the following criteria are eligible for nomination:

This award aims to recognise staff who have gone above and beyond in serving as an exceptional support and enabling function in a manner that embraces diversity, innovation and excellence in service. Staff displaying behaviours in line with the criteria below are eligible for nomination: Enhancing the University's international research profile and impact through key research initiatives, facilitating diversity, social inclusion and equity and providing outstanding mentoring to University colleagues.

• Innovative approaches to teaching and the support of learning that influence, motivate and inspire students to learn.
• Innovation, leadership or scholarship that has influenced and enhanced learning and teaching and/or the student experience.
• The exploration of innovations in assessment and monitoring graduate attributes and graduate outcomes.
• The exploration of models for work-integrated learning and internships.
• The development of curricula and resources to support student equity and diversity.
• Extraordinary contributions to teaching and student learning and the sharing and use of models of online e-learning.
• Initiatives to improve graduate employability.

BAM : SUPPORT SERVICES

This award aims to recognise staff who have gone above and beyond in serving as an exceptional support and enabling function in a manner that embraces diversity, innovation and excellence in service. Staff displaying behaviours in line with the criteria below are eligible for nomination: 

• Initiated/ implemented a new system/s that has contributed to improving the way we do things;
• Initiated/ implemented a system/s that has brought about a reduction in costs;
• Incorporated innovative thinking that has brought about an improvement/s or enhancement of existing systems, procedures and concepts;
• Initiated/ implemented innovative sustainability efforts that have resulted in or brought about a reduction in costs or wastage e.g. electricity, water, paper etc. (Reduce, Re-use, Recycle);
• Initiated/ implemented a new procedure/s and concept/s that have brought about a positive change in individual roles, teams, departments, or the institution at large;

BAM : SERVICE AWARD

This award recognizes individuals who have delivered /outstanding quality service to clients, customers, staff and students alike. Staff displaying extraordinary behaviours that speak to the following qualities:

• Takes ownership of problems and solving customers queries or concerns quickly or innovatively 
• Takes ownership of problems and solving customers queries or concerns quickly or innovatively 
• Displays and maintains a high level of professionalism at all times.
• Takes ownership of problems and solving customers queries or concerns quickly or innovatively 
• Ensure customers receive the necessary guidance and feedback promptly.  
• Demonstrates the highest level of customer service to staff and students. 
• Demonstrates the qualities of professionalism, follow-through, feedback skills, excellence orientation, time management, empathy, listening skills, effective communication techniques, including telephone and e-mail etiquette and the candidate’s ability to deal with interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically, and help develop the sort of social capital required to nurture relationships with customers and peers.  

 

Ultimate Brand Ambassador of the Month Award - UBAMA

• Monthly BAM winners will become automatic nominees for the UBAMA.
• Staff members will be invited to vote for their UBAMA via secret ballot on a date that will be communicated during the month of November.
• The UBAMA contenders will be invited to attend an interview, as part of the selection process.
• The UBAMA will be announced at the end of November each year and will be the deserving recipient of amazing prizes and a luxurious get away.

 

Team of the Year Award (TOYA)

The Team of the Year Award recognises concerted group/team efforts, to foster a culture of collaboration in the workplace and commitment to the NUST Brand.

The Team nomination refers to any team or group at the University and may include departmental teams, committees, clubs etc. The criteria includes the following:

1. How the team has enhanced the image of the institution; 
2. What innovation and efforts the team has made to provide excellent customer service/experience; 
3. How members, processes, and technology together have improved service and overcome challenges presented to the faculty/department/unit/centre; 
4. Exceptional contributions toward efficiency and effectiveness of operation
    Examples that contribute toward efficiency and effectiveness include:
   - Developing new and creative ways to reduce waste or improve operational efficiency
   - Defining processes executed, and aligning them with institutional good practices
   - Improving service to stakeholders (such as students, parents, alumni, employees)
5. Outstanding service to the university community and/or visitors
    Examples of outstanding service include:
    - Contributing to public service and outreach (employee and customer engagement and satisfaction)
    - Delivering exceptional service to University projects or on committees
    - Aligning the faculty/department/unit/centre’s mission and/or vision with those of the institution 
6. Special efforts in promoting workforce diversity
    Examples that contribute to improving sensitivity to and implementation of diversity include:
    - Increasing awareness of and respect for different cultures
    - Being proactive to diversify the workplace
    - Taking action to protect and champion diverse populations
    - Articulate the team’s cohesiveness

Eligibility and Nomination process

Eligibility 

• Administrative staff from job grade 7 to 16; and 
• Academic staff from Tutor/ Junior Lecturer to Professor level

Nomination Process 

• Staff members are encouraged to nominate their BAM in the respective categories by completing the online nomination form.
• The nomination period will stretch from the 1^st to the 20^th of every month.
• Nominations received will be assessed and validated against the set criteria.

To submit your entry for the Team of the Year Award, kindly complete the submission form by following this link. The closing date for submissions for the Team of the Year Award (TOYA) has been set for 20 October 2019.

Prizes and Sponsors

Each Brand Ambassador of the Month will receive a:

• Specially designated and branded parking spot in front of the E-House or at the Library for that particular month;
• An opportunity to attend a short course of their choosing, at no cost, with the Harold Pupkewitz Graduate School of Business (HPGSB);
• Floating trophy; 
• N$1000.00 Cash prize;  
• Feature on the BAM light box; 
• Generous hamper; and 
• Feature on the BAM web page, social media and the various NUST communication platforms.

The TOYA and runner ups will be the recipients of some amazing prizes.