Award Review Outcomes

How it Works

As an authorized STAR Awards reviewer, your role is to evaluate each nomination consistently, objectively, and respectfully.

Possible Review Outcomes

• Approve: The nomination is complete, accurate, eligible, and supported by sufficient information.
• Return for Correction: The nomination may qualify, but more information or corrections are needed.
• Reject: The nomination does not meet STAR Awards Program requirements.

Outcome 1: Approve

Approve a nomination when it meets all program requirements.

• Nominee and nominator information is correct.
• The award category and recognition level are appropriate.
• The nomination includes a specific contribution or accomplishment.
• The contribution exceeds routine job expectations.
• Required approvals and documentation are complete.

Example comment: “Approved. The nomination provides a specific example of outstanding customer service and clearly demonstrates how the colleague exceeded normal performance expectations.”

Outcome 2: Return for Correction

Return a nomination when it may qualify but cannot be approved as submitted.

• Required fields are incomplete.
• Employee information is incorrect.
• The award category may not match the accomplishment.
• The nomination is too general or lacks a specific example.
• Supporting documentation or required approval is missing.
• The requested award level needs additional justification.

Reviewer action: Clearly explain what the nominator must correct or provide before resubmitting.

Outcome 3: Reject

Reject a nomination when it does not meet STAR Awards Program requirements and cannot be corrected through resubmission.

• The nominee is not eligible.
• The contribution does not exceed normal job expectations.
• The nomination does not align with program criteria.
• The requested recognition is not supported by the facts provided.

Use clear, professional, and respectful language when explaining the decision.

Reviewer Decision Check

Before selecting an outcome, ask:

• Is the nominee eligible?
• Is the award category appropriate?
• Is the accomplishment specific and clearly described?
• Does the contribution exceed routine responsibilities?
• Are all facts, approvals, and documents complete?
• Is the requested award level supported?

Key Reminder

Approval confirms that a nomination meets program requirements. Reviewers may not change award values, eligibility rules, or approval requirements unless Macy’s policy permits it.

Do not share nomination information outside the authorized review process.