The College of Southern Maryland received two awards June 13 from the Alliance for Workplace Excellence (AWE), which recognizes the Washington, D.C. area’s best places to work.

CSM is one of 67 organizations receiving the Workplace Excellence Award this year and one of 38 organizations receiving the Health and Wellness Trailblazers Award.

“This honor validates the efforts of the College of Southern Maryland to become an employer of choice,” said CSM President Dr. Brad Gottfried. “I believe that the college has become a leader in higher education in implementing employee-focused programs that ensure the highest quality services to our students and other patrons.”

Among the human resources improvements recognized is the college’s voluntary Promotion-in-Place program. The program assists employees in advancing upward—through lines of progression—in their current position through training, professional development and community service activities that enhance their skills, knowledge and abilities. Employees submit applications that include details on their service to the college, continual professional development activities and their performance at a minimum of a commendable level. This spring 24 employees were approved to receive a promotion to the next level in their line of progression.

CSM is also recognized for creating a green work environment through eco-friendly efforts, including the installation of automatic light timers and automatic water faucets, and shortened workdays on Code Green Fridays.

For personal wellness, CSM increased tenfold the amount of supplemental life insurance employees can purchase and have added spouse and child life insurance. Based on employee feedback, the college has initiated a program of paid time off for exercise. Employees may take up to one paid hour per week in two 30-minute increments to exercise. Additionally, employees are not charged for use of the college’s fitness center or to participate in fitness challenges and programs designed for them.

This spring employees participated in training for and participating in the Warrior Dash held at Budds Creek in Mechanicsville. As well as physical health improvements, employees who participated enjoye