The service award program recognizes employees who have completed certain total years of service with the state. In recognition of their completed service, employees receive a certificate or plaque, and a gift Retirement awards are given to those employees who have a minimum of fifteen years of service and who have not been previously recognized for a retirement by the state. An employee may not receive cash as part of the service award.
Some agencies allow employees to select a gift from a special catalog or business establishment.
Other agencies provide gift certificates. Either approach is acceptable. Agencies should interpret retirement as meaning accepting a retirement benefit from a North Dakota state retirement program.