Tips for Writing OTMs
Submit the OTM on time. OTM nominations are due to University of Iowa’s NRHH, via the OTM Database (otms.nrhh.org), on the 5th of every month (4th at 11:59pm CST). Paint a clear picture of the event, individual, or group of individuals in which you are writing about.
Use specific, concrete examples. Avoid saying, “She did a great job!” State exactly what she did. Research information-talk to the person(s) you’re nominating, their peers, coworkers, supervisors, etc. All of these people can provide concrete examples of why this person(s) deserves to be nominated for an OTM. Sometimes getting a couple of quotes or general statements from attendees gives an OTM a little extra pizzazz.
Get to the point. Don’t put so much fluff into the OTM that you never get into the substance of the submission. Look at all the criteria for the OTM and interview the person, if applicable. This will help make the OTM detailed and informative.
Originality and creativity help. Be descriptive, creative, and inventive when writing about people and events. Those reading the nominations probably won’t know anything beyond what you write in the nomination . Write so they can visualize and understand everything-paint a picture so the reader feels they have met the person or attended a program.
Detail something that will make the OTM stand out. Write OTMs immediately following the program for which they are written. It will be easier to remember all of the details and events that occurred. If you are not writing it directly after an event, take some notes to make the OTM writing process easier. Make notes about the people nominated for OTMs-what outstanding details motivated the nomination in the first place.
For programs, OTMs, show the effectiveness the program had. Discuss the needs that sparked the program, the goals developed, the purposes of the program, what makes the program unique, how the students took an active part in the program, etc.
Utilize the word count wisely. Aspire to max out the OTM word count.
Submit correct information on the form. Type the complete address and name of the nominator and nominee on the form in the space provided. This is the name that will be printed on the certificate if you win regionally and/or nationally. Anonymity of the nominator may be maintained by the NSRO.
Define acronyms; they are not always universal! Write out the acronyms the first time, then one can use the acronyms afterwards. For example, write, “Associated Residence Halls (ARH)…”. Then, you can use “ARH” in the rest of the OTM.
Make sure you are using the correct category and form for your nominee. This is a common error people make. To avoid mistakes look at the criteria on the previous pages.
Check your grammar. Presentation is key! Proofread the OTM to make sure you are clearly saying what you want to say. Look out for bad grammar and spelling errors.
Make sure your nomination is MONTH SPECIFIC! It is very important to highlight the outstanding things that the nominee did and how they did it in the month of nomination. Leave out background information that cannot be considered pertinent (ex. All this year, ______) to the month of nomination. Your OTM nomination should start with, “In the month of ,”
Complete description portion. Complete the “blurb” section, which should effectively summarize the OTM in 3 to 4 sentences.
Recognition versus award. Don’t write an OTM to win an award, but rather to recognize someone for a job well done.