Frequently Asked Questions
Following are a few frequently asked questions about the Bright Ideas program. If you have a question not answered here, please send an email to: Bright Ideas Question?
How do I submit an idea?
On the Bright Ideas home page, click on the “Submit an new Idea!” button and complete the online submission form. You will be asked for your name, phone number and email address and will need to provide information about your idea, and how it will benefit the university.
If you don’t have online access, you can request a paper submission form from Human Resources, from your Human Resources department representative, or at various form kiosks around campus.
Why is Emory sponsoring the Bright Ideas program?
We want our employees to advance and support a culture of innovation. We want everyone to recognize that part of their energy should be around making things better – better working conditions, more efficiency, lower cost, higher quality, streamlined process, better safety, etc. In turn, we want to recognize and reward employees for their innovative ideas.
Will my manager need to review my idea before submission?
No. You can submit ideas without management review.
How do I know if my idea will be implemented?
You will receive notification from the Bright Ideas Committee after your idea has been reviewed. They will let you know if your idea is being sent forward for further review and possible implementation. If the idea ultimately gets implemented, you will be notified as well.
Who is the Bright Ideas Committee and what is the Committee’s role?
The Bright Ideas Committee is comprised of representatives from major campus units. They review all submitted ideas, and recommend ideas that should be forwarded to management for further consideration. They are responsible for communicating with employees who submit ideas, to let them know the status of their idea. They also manage the recognition process for submitted ideas.
What recognition/awards are available?
Just like the broad range of bright ideas expected, recognition will range from departmental and peer recognition to executive recognition and could, in some circumstances, have a monetary award associated.
What is the timeframe for submitting an idea?
You can submit an idea at any time. However, all ideas submitted by April 1 each year are eligible for recognition at Staff Fest in early May.
What kinds of ideas should be submitted?
You can submit any idea that will save time, save money, or improve processes in any area of the university. No idea is too small, or too big!
What if someone else submits an idea similar to mine?
Ideas will be reviewed in the order received, and the credit will be given to the earliest submission. In some circumstances, a shared award could be received if the idea represents collaboration and building on each other’s ideas. In other circumstances, the employee that submits the same idea later will be notified that the idea is already in the Bright Ideas program.
How do I submit an idea if I don’t have online access?
If you don’t have online access, you can request a paper submission form from Human Resources, from your Human Resources department representative, or at various form kiosks around campus.
How can I find out what ideas have already been submitted?
On the Bright Ideas home page, click on the “View Previously Submitted Ideas” button.
What if I have technical problems completing the submission form?
The Bright Ideas web site is part of the University web site, so you should contact the IT HelpDesk at 7-7777.
Do I have to be an Emory University employee to submit an idea?
While we welcome all ideas to make Emory better, only Emory University faculty, staff, or student employees are eligible for an award. The Bright Ideas award program is currently not available to non-employee students.
Can teams submit ideas?
Yes. Ideas can be submitted either by individuals, or by any group of individuals. This may be a work team, department, or a group of employees who work in different areas of the university.
Can my manager submit an idea for me?
You are encouraged to collaborate with others including your manager. If the ideas is yours, you should submit it in case the review committee needs to contact you for more information. If the idea is the result of a team effort, it can be submitted by any of the participating members.
Can I submit an idea anonymously?
No. The review committee may need to contact you for more information on your idea and if you do not provide your contact information they will not be able to recognize your contribution.