SUNY University-Wide Human Resources Manual
Orientation - Suggestion Programs

last updated: Thursday, July 1, 2004

SUNY and its campuses welcome any suggestions that employees make to promote economy or efficiency of operations. Most, if not all, campuses have their own formal suggestion programs. Contact your campus Human Resources Office for information about the existence of local suggestion programs.

In addition to campus based suggestion programs, there is a New York State Employee Suggestion Program administered by the Department of Civil Service. It exists to encourage suggestions and recognize employees for suggestions that are accepted and implemented.

Suggestions under the NYS program should be sent to:
State Employee Suggestion Program
New York State Department of Civil Service
State Office Building Campus
Albany, New York 12230

Although a letter outlining the suggestion and how it will save money or improve state operations is acceptable by the Department of Civil Service, it is helpful to use a form designed for this purpose. The form is available in the campus Human Resources Office or from the link under "Form(s)" at the end of this section.

The Civil Service Commission will act upon suggestions after evaluation by persons who are in a position to know whether the idea is sound and practical. In many cases, a cash award based upon some percentage of the cost savings resulting from the implementation is rewarded for such cost-savings suggestions. Certificates of merit and/or gifts are almost always issued for worthwhile ideas even if the suggestion does not achieve a cash award. SUNY and its campuses encourage employees to assist us in our continuous improvement efforts by participating in this program as well as any local suggestion programs.

Reference(s):

Civil Service Law (Article IX - Merit Awards for State Employees)
http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?cl=18&a=27

Employee Suggestion Program (NYS Department of Civil Service)
http://www.cs.state.ny.us/esp/home.htm

Form(s):

Suggestion Submission Form (NYS Department of Civil Service)
http://www.cs.state.ny.us/esp/submitting.htm