« Of The Months (OTMs) »
OTMs are a quick and easy, but meaningful way of giving recognition to people who are doing great things on campus. They are first judged at the campus level then the winners are submitted to the Illinois Residence Hall Association for judging at the state level.
When writing an OTM, write about what the nominee did during the month of nomination that made him/her so great. What did he/she do that was out of the ordinary or above and beyond? For programs, tell us why it was outstanding and important to you and the campus. Be detailed and specific, but not fluffy!
OTMs can easily be submitted by using our new online OTM Submission Form. OTMs are due in on the 8th of each month following the month of nomination. For Example: Nomination for the month of August is due in on the 8th of September. Read below for a detailed descriptions of the different OTM categories, then submit an OTM:
[ Person/ Personal OTM form ]
[ Program/ Event OTM form ]
« OTM Categories »
Advisor:
This category is reserved for advisors of Hall Councils and ARH. The focus of the Advisor OTM should be based on the impact he/she makes in the lives of students. Personal examples are usually the best way to express the intangible contributions of an advisor.
Try to answer the following questions:
- Did the advisor recognize the students he/she advised during the month of nomination?
- How did the advisor impact the students he/she advises during the month of nomination?
- In what ways is the advisor contributing to his/her profession?
- What outstanding accomplishments merit his/her recognition this month?
Community:
This category is designed to recognize the contributions of residential life communities or groups and the impact they have on their students and the rest of campus.
For our purposes, a community is described as any group of two or more people (i.e. wings, halls, floors, complexes, staff, executive boards, hall councils, etc.).
Try to answer the following questions:
- What specific positive contributions did this community make to enhance the lives of the group members or those around it during the month of nomination?
- How did the community interact with other communities during the month of nomination?
- What makes this community different than other communities? (ie: participation, group enthusiasm, etc.)
Executive Board Member:
This category is designed for members of an ARH or a hall Council Executvie Board.
Try to answer the following questions:
- How did the nominee exceed his/her job responsibilities during the month of nomination?
- Has the nominee used the services and resources of your campus?
- What outstanding accomplishments merit his/her recognition this month?
- Has the individual grown as a leader during the month of nomination?
Illinois Communications Coordinator:
The nomination for the ICC OTM needs to display how the individual has gone above and beyond in his or her position. Don’t be afraid to recognize an ICC from a different school!
Try to answer the following questions:
- How did the ICC exceed his/her responsibilities during the month of nomination?
- Did the nominee utilize resources available on campus or through IRHA?
- Does the ICC serve on any committees beyond the campus level?
- What made the ICC outstanding during the month of nomination?
Resident Assistant:
The RA category includes resident advisors and assistant resident advisors. It is limited to undergraduate students.
Try to answer the following questions:
- How well does the nominee work with residents and what impact has he/she had during the month of nomination?
- How has the nominee fulfilled and gone above his/her job responsibility during the month of nomination?
- Did the nominee participate in a hall council or committee?
- What outstanding contributions has the nominee made for the hall he/she works in during the month of nomination?
Spotlight:
This category is for those who do not fall under any other categories. Possible nominees include food service personnel, night security staff, or janitorial staff.
Try to answer the following questions:
- What outstanding contributions did the nominee(s) make to the residence halls during the month of nomination?
Student:
This category is intended for any student leader who does not fit into another category (ICCs, RAs, and executive board members are not eligible for this category).
Try to answer the following questions:
- What outstanding contributions did the nominee make to his/her hall or campus community during the month of nomination?
- What interaction did the nominee have with his/her residence hall council or individual hall during the month of nomination?
- What organizations or activities was he/she involved in during the month of nomination?
- Does the student recognize and motivate others?
Program/ Event OTMs:
- Educational: An educational program serves to educate residents, or members of a specific organization on a given topic (ie: leadership training, alcohol awareness, etc.).
- Community Serivce Program: This type of program revolves around philanthropy or some sort of service for others (ie: campus or neighborhood clean-ups, fundraising for a cause, holiday card making, etc.).
- Social: Social programs are fun events that get residents together to do something fun!
Try to answer the following questions:
- What was the purpose of the program?
- What were the goals of the program and how were they accomplished?
- How can the program be adapted to other campuses?
- Did the program have positive and lasting effects on residents?
- What makes the program unique?
A few extra tips for program OTMs:
- For program OTMs, you should focus on creativity, originality, financial feasibility, and adaptability to other campuses.
- If the nomination is in conjunction with a nationally recognized week or holiday, the nomination needs to display how your campus has approached the program in a new or different way.
- Try to show the reason the topic being programmed around is needed on your campus.
- Keep in mind that these nominations may become a resource and a guide for leaders on other campuses so be detailed!
- If you need further help, please send an E-mail to: otm [at] buarh [dot] org
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