Some require nominations for a first step and they may or may not use current evaluations as the basis for awards. Find out who makes the decisions for candidates and award amounts. Make sure your current evaluation is fair. Many campuses are trying to systematically downgrade evaluations to ease the demand for PBSI awards. If you are a Union member, you have the right to have a Union Representative present at the meeting.
Most campuses permit nominations for the awards.
Self assertion is a valuable tool in employment and even if it doesn't pay off in an immediate PBSI, it can help set the stage for other employer-employee discussions like step increases, promotions, and training opportunities. If the program doesn't work, improve it. Bring your concerns to your Union Representatives. They can help change the system by negotiating improvements, fighting abuses, and calling attention to employee needs. But they can't do it alone.