Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of ideas should I consider if I want to submit a suggestion?
A: The University is seeking suggestions which detail how UK might save money, generate income, or make improvements in internal operations. Start by concentrating on problems within your own area of work or expertise. Of course you may submit suggestions that affect any part of the University. You suggestion will be of more value if you have data and facts to support the suggestion.
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Q: What types of suggestions should I avoid?
A: Avoid suggestions that:
- present only a "rough" idea. Take the time to investigate whether your suggestion is feasible and check your facts.
- should be implemented as part of your regular work responsibilities without higher level authority
- offer vague generalizations rather than specific recommendations; or those that do not include a solution or plan for improvement
- have already been suggested as the result of an audit, study, survey, or research
- involve routine requests for maintenance, supplies, or services that could be processed through established channels
- propose following established UK procedures which are not being followed
- are currently under review
- relate to personal complaints, grievances, classification, compensation, or pay issues
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Q: How do I submit a suggestion?
A: It's easy! Just complete the "Make The Difference" on-line form. Paper copies of the suggestion form are available. Click here for locations of paper copies
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Q: How are suggestions evaluated?
A:
- Upon receipt, all suggestions are reviewed for eligibility by the Program Administrator and assigned a tracking number.
- Submitters will be notified that their suggestion was received and referred for evaluation or classified as ineligible.
- Evaluators will review the suggestion and consider its feasibility. Typically this process is completed within 30 to 60 days. If more time to evaluate the suggestion is needed, evaluators will advise the Program Administrator, who will advise the suggester that the proposal is under consideration for an additional 30 to 60 days.
- If the suggestion is to be implemented, the department will provide the Program Administrator with an implementation plan. If the suggestion will not be implemented, the department will provide the Program Administrator with an explanation as to why the suggestion cannot be implemented.
- In either case, the Program Administrator will contact the suggester with the results after receipt of the evaluation by the department.
- The Program Administrator will obtain a report from the department on the results of the implementation.
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Q: What if my suggestion is declined, but I discover new information that might change the evaluator's decision?
A: If you have new information, you are welcome to resubmit the suggestion.
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Q: Is there any limit to the number of suggestions I can submit?
A: No -- submit suggestions as often as you like and encourage your co-workers to do the same. There is no limit to the number of awards that you are eligible to receive if your ideas are implemented. Please- one suggestion per form!
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Q: What does it mean to have a suggestion "adopted?"
A: Adoption is the term we use to define an acceptable suggestion which is capable of being implemented and will in fact be implemented by a University of Kentucky department. Only adopted suggestions are eligible for cash awards.
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Q: What types of suggestions are most often adopted?
A: UK's program is new and no information is currently available about our program's success. However, literature on the subject does list some interesting findings. Suggestions which have the highest rate of implementation tend to come from employees who are actually experiencing the problem and make the suggestion(s) within their field of expertise. Suggestions submitted by people outside the actual situation are often unaware of hidden costs, safety or procedural requirements or other conditions that prevent implementation. Suggestions that do not cost much money and are easy to implement are often successful. Many suggestions are not successful because they are not specific enough. For example, "The spectrometer is broken. I suggest you fix it." is not sufficient.
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Q: I am a STEPS employee; am I eligible to participate?
A: Yes. If you are in an active UK employment status at the time you submit the suggestion, you are eligible.
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Q: What if my suggestion is denied because the department does not have enough money to implement the idea, but 9 months later the department finds the money and then implements my idea?
A: Eligible suggestions submitted in this program will have an "equity period" of 12 months. That means that the suggestion remains qualified for an award if subsequent use is made of or action taken as a result of the suggestion within 12 months of being notified that the suggestion was declined.
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Q: If my suggestion is declined, will I be told why?
A: Yes. The evaluator's comments explaining why the suggestion was declined will be provided to you.
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Q: What if I disagree with the evaluator's decision?
A: The evaluator's decision is final.
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Q: How will I know if my suggestion will be implemented?
A: You will be notified by the Program Administrator as soon as the suggestion has been adopted. Periodically, suggestions to be implemented will be published on this web site. Winners will be contacted by the Program Administrator and will be presented with their cash awards quarterly. Suggesters will also be recognized at a celebration held annually.
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Q: If I have any questions about the program, whom should I contact?
A: Contact the Program Administrator at Alison.Preston@uky.edu or 859-257-9487
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Q: Are evaluators given the name of the suggester? What if I wish to remain anonymous?
A: We usually provide the suggester name and contact information to the evaluator. Suggestions often contain complex information, and evaluators are encouraged to contact and work with the suggesters for clarification. Sometimes those discussions stimulate new ideas and workable solutions. We want to encourage teamwork and collaboration. We realize, however, that some situations may warrant anonymity. The suggester should advise Make The Difference staff accordingly when submitting their suggestion. We cannot guarantee anonymity, but we will serve as an intermediary between the suggester and the evaluator.
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