The G.I.F.T. Program Helps Make It Real!
Tiffin University’s G.I.F.T. (Great Ideas for Tiffin) Program has been established through the Human Resources Department as a way for faculty and staff members to provide your ideas aimed at improving our institutional operations and services. The program has also been designed to provide recognition to employees who submit beneficial suggestions. In short, we need your great ideas. You help make it real!
Eligibility
All employees of Tiffin University are eligible to submit ideas for the G.I.F.T. Program.
Administrative Procedures
The Human Resources Director is responsible for the administration of the G.I.F.T. Program. A five-person committee appointed by the President will review and evaluate all submitted ideas and determine the suggestions eligible for cash awards. This committee will make recommendations for implementation of suggestions to the President and Vice President for Administration and Finance.
The Program Outline: What is a “Suggestion?”
A suggestion is a written original idea submitted by an employee to the Human Resources Office that clearly suggests a specific method to do any job or procedure better, quicker, easier, safer, or at less cost.
How do I submit a suggestion?
All suggestions must be completed on a G.I.F.T. Program Submittal Form. Submittal forms are available from the Human Resources Office. Submit your completed entries in person to Human Resources, or by email to hallla@tiffin.edu.
Once I have signed and submitted my suggestion, what rights do I retain to the idea?
The individual who submits an idea retains the rights to any award during the period the idea is being evaluated, plus an additional 12-month period from the date of notification that the suggestion was rejected. To extend the eligibility period beyond 12 months, you must complete and forward a new submittal form. The completed form must identify the former suggestion by number and request an extension of the submitted idea.
What happens to my suggestion after it has been submitted?
As soon as the Human Resources Office receives your completed G.I.F.T. Program Submittal Form, it is date-stamped and given a number. This number is for use in locating your suggestion when an inquiry is made. Upon receipt of your suggestion, you will be sent a letter of acknowledgement, along with a coupon for breakfast or lunch in the Cole Dining Hall.
The committee evaluates each suggestion submitted on a quarterly basis (7/1, 10/1, 1/1, & 4/1). The deadline for submission is the 30th of the month prior to the end of the quarter.
When will I hear whether the suggestion has been adopted or rejected?
You will receive written verification within 15 days of the end of the quarter. If evaluation or implementation of the suggestion is a complex process, it may take longer than 15 days to receive your answer. When this is the case, you will be kept advised of the status of your suggestion.
What happens if I submit a suggestion that is not adopted?
After final determination by the committee that a suggestion is ineligible for an award, a letter is sent to you giving a full explanation.
Who is eligible to receive cash awards under the program?
Any employee whose submitted suggestion is approved by the committee is eligible.
What ideas pay off?
Successful suggestions must contain a constructive idea. Suggestions that clearly outline a problem and its causes and indicate corrective action are those that may succeed in paying off for both you and the University.
What type of suggestion is eligible for cash awards?
Award-winning suggestions are those which after implementation
- Result in increased productivity
- Result in identifiable cost savings
- Combine operations without sacrificing quality
- Reduce the cost of materials or supplies
- Simplify, reduce or eliminate paperwork
- Result in better, more efficient service to students or employees of TU
What kind of awards can I win?
- Free breakfast or lunch at Cole Dining Hall for all accepted entries
- You will be entered into the Grand Prize drawing for all accepted entries
- $50.00 for every idea that’s implemented
- $100.00 for the best idea of the quarter
- $500.00 for the best idea of the year
When and how do I receive my award?
The President will present awards of $50.00 or greater to recipients during the year. The “Best Idea of the Year” presentation and the grand prize drawing will be at the September Tiffin University Community Meeting.
How do I get started?
The best place to look for suggestions is right in your own department. There are always better ways of doing things.
Who can I contact for additional information?
Lori Hall in Human Resources at ext. 3433.
If you have any questions or need more information, just call us in Human Resources at (419) 448-3370 or (800) 968-6446, ext 3370.
At Tiffin University, It’s All Relevant