Requirements & Rewards

Two Ways to Participate

A&S staff members’ jobs vary widely, and so do their reasons for participating in STAR (if they choose to participate at all). To accommodate the diversity of our staff members’ needs and desires, the redesigned STAR program offers two participation levels:

  • Track 1: This track is for those who are interested in STAR for professional enlightenment and want to participate in the program in a nominal way. Track 1 requires the completion of 10 STAR hours.
  • Track 2: This track is geared toward those who are interested in pursuing STAR for career advancement and advanced degree opportunities. Track 2 requires the completion of 20 STAR hours.

Staff may choose whether they want to participate in the program each year and can decide which track they want to follow.

Staff may also choose to skip the STAR program altogether. They can also continue using STAR to keep track of time spent in professional development activities, even if they have no interest in program participation.

Rewards for Participation

Track 1: Those who complete 10 hours in the program will be invited to a lunch (following the completion of the STAR year) to celebrate their achievement and will receive a printable certificate for their records.

Track 2: Those who complete 20 hours of STAR credit can apply for a STAR Scholarship that can be used toward the cost of conferences, certification training, entrance exams, etc. Scholarships will require written proposals submitted by the individuals. Applications will be reviewed by the STAR Scholarship Committee, and scholarship money, provided by the College, will be awarded throughout the year. More details on the scholarship and the committee may be found on the STAR Scholarship page.

Those who participate in and successfully complete Track 2 will automatically receive the benefits given in Track 1.

Important to Know

STAR Has No Connection to Evaluations or Raises

Prior to 2019, the STAR incentive was a small amount added to annual raises. Due to the lack of control that the College has with regard to raise money provided each year by UA and due to everyone’s desire for increased transparency, it was decided that STAR should be separated from the annual evaluation/raise process.

Instead, STAR will be focused on employee education opportunities. Staff may choose whether they want to participate in the program each year and can decide which track they want to follow.

STAR Calendar

STAR calendar runs from January 1 through December 31.

STAR Is Not Mandatory

STAR participation is not, and never has been, required.