Jumbo Appreciation Awards

The Jumbo Appreciation Awards recognize extraordinary contributions by our staff toward the educational and research mission of school, including our commitments to creating an inclusive environment.

All staff members in the School of Arts and Sciences (including SMFA at Tufts), the AS&E Shared Student Divisions (including Student Life, Student Services, Undergraduate Education, Student Diversity and Inclusion, Admissions, and Tisch Library), and the School of Engineering are eligible for this award. Nominations can be made by anyone–colleagues, faculty, managers, and students.

Nominate a Colleague

Categories to nominate staff include:

  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice (DEIJ) – acknowledges staff who carry out DEIJ work for their unit, department, and/or school
  • Team Player – congratulates someone for always moving the group forward
  • Above & Beyond – recognizes a colleague who goes the extra mile
  • Leader of the Herd – thanks a manager or colleague for expert guidance 
  • Jumbo Ideas – rewards a colleague who thinks outside the box and finds creative solutions
  • **New for 2024** Lunch on Us Team Award – recognizes staff teams/groups achieving a milestone, completing a major project, maintaining positive attitudes during a challenging time, and/or managing multiple deliverables in a limited time

Nomination Process: Submissions via the online nomination form will be accepted on a rolling basis. Selection committees comprised of representatives from A&S and the Shared Student Divisions will select the winners for their respective school/divisions.

Award: Individual winners will receive an elephant figurine as well as a bonus day (i.e. an extra vacation day) to recognize their special contributions. Winning "Lunch on Us" teams will be treated to group lunch. 

The bonus day should be used by June 30, the end of the fiscal year when it was awarded. (Winners in the months of April, May and June can either use their day or roll it over for use the following fiscal year. Use and approval of bonus days follow all the same processes as vacation days.)