Leadership Gala & RSO Awards

Each year, Student Involvement, Associated Students, the Solidarity Network (MOSAIC Cross Cultural Center, Center for Asian Pacific Islander Student Empowerment, Student Health Center Wellness & Health Promotion, A.S. Cesar E. Chavez Community Action Center, PRIDE Resource Center, and Gender Equity Center),and Student Union, Inc. come together to celebrate student leadership on a campus-wide scale with our Recognized Student Organizations (RSO).

Peers and advisors nominate programs and individuals for recognition. This event is meant to celebrate pride in one’s organization! There are 17 different awards accepting nominations this year!

2024 Nominations ARE NOW EXTENDED TO FRIDAY, APRIL 12!

Linked here is the nomination form.

Student Org Awards graphic

List of Student Org Awards

The Student Org Awards are categorized by Organization, Program, Individual, and Operations Awards. Descriptions of each award can be found below:

  1. Academic/Honorary Organization of the Year
  2. Cultural/Religious Organization of the Year
  3. Special Interest Organization of the Year
  4. New Organization of the Year
  5. Contribution to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award
  6. Outstanding Educational Program Award
  7. Outstanding New Program Award
  8. Outstanding Service Program Award
  9. Outstanding Engagement Program Award
  10. Student Organization Member of the Year Award
  11. Student Organization President of the Year Award
  12. Advisor of the Year Award
  13. Collaboration of the Year Award
  14. Executive Board of the Year Award
  15. Marketing of the Year Award
  16. Developing Leaders Award
  17. Excellence in Fundraising Award

Organization Awards

  • Academic/Honorary Organization of the Year: This award will be presented to a Recognized Student Organization in the Academic/Honorary category that exhibits outstanding contributions to the academic majors, initiatives, or atmosphere of
    SJSU and promotes professional and academic support, individual
    excellence, leadership and membership development during the
    current academic year.
  • Cultural/Religious Organization of the Year: This award will be presented to a Recognized Student Organization in the Cultural/Religious category that shows outstanding support for students and the campus community to learn and educate others on a specific culture or underrepresented group, as well as groups that educate and support spiritual and/or religious practices, philosophies, and beliefs.
  • Special Interest Organization of the Year: This award will be presented to a Recognized Student Organization in the Special Interest category that exhibits outstanding contributions to promoting activities, programs, and events around a specialized interest, hobby, or topic area during the current academic year.
  • New Organization of the Year: This award will be presented to a Recognized Student Organization formed within the last two academic years that exhibits outstanding contributions to the SJSU community and demonstrates sustainable and successful leadership practices, event planning and implementation.

Program Awards

A "program" is defined as any intentional organized effort the organization
has hosted for the greater SJSU community.

  • Outstanding Educational Program Award: This award will be presented to a student organization that planned an outstanding educational program during the current academic year. An educational event is described as benefiting its participants in their academic or professional pursuits or creating awareness around a specific topic/subject.
  • Outstanding New Program Award: This award will be presented to a student organization that has planned an outstanding, unique new program or event during the current academic year.
  • Outstanding Service Program Award: This award will be presented to a student organization that planned an outstanding community service, community engagement, or philanthropy program during the current academic year. Both single events and on-going programs are eligible.
  • Outstanding Engagement Program Award: This award will be presented to a student organization that planned an outstanding engagement program during the current academic year. This program engages its participants by fostering community (can be educational or social -- speakers, dance, concerts, talent show, dodgeball tournament, BBQ, banquet, etc.).

Individual Awards

  • Student Organization Member of the Year Award: This will be awarded to a student organization member or officer who has contributed to the organization and the campus through involvement efforts. The recipients of this award must be a currently enrolled, matriculated student in good standing with the University. Student organization presidents are not eligible for this award.
  • Student Organization President of the Year Award: This honor will be awarded to a recognized student organization President who has displayed outstanding leadership skills throughout the current academic year. Recipient must be a currently enrolled, matriculated student in good standing with the University.
  • Advisor of the Year Award: This honor will be awarded to an individual that has demonstrated outstanding service as an advisor of an SJSU recognized student organization.

Operations Awards

    • Collaboration of the Year Award: This award will be presented to student organization(s) that have demonstrated purposeful collaboration in the current academic year.
    • Executive Board of the Year Award: This honor will be awarded to the executive board of a recognized student organization. The board demonstrates excellence in engaging and developing general members, effectively transitions programs and officers and includes the organization's advisor(s) in activities.
    • Marketing of the Year Award: The Marketing of the Year Award is presented to a Student Organization who has demonstrated outstanding efforts in promoting their organization. This can include overall marketing of their organization to highlight the organization overall and attract new membership or marketing of a specific event/opportunity hosted by the organization. Demonstration of excellence for this award can include flyers, posters, communication campaigns, and/or videos produced for the benefit of the organization. 
    • Developing Leaders Award: The Developing Leaders Award is presented to a Recognized Student Organization who has demonstrated outstanding efforts in enhancing leadership capacity within the organization. This includes providing members opportunities to build their leadership skills through multiple avenues (i.e., leadership workshops, mentorship, committee work, etc.)  in order to grow their leaders both in and out of the organization.
    • Excellence in Fundraising Award: The Excellence in Fundraising award is presented to a Recognized Student Organization who has demonstrated excellence and resourcefulness in raising money for their organization or a particular cause. The awardee will be determined not only by the amount of funds raised, but the impact of said fundraising efforts.
    • Contribution to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award: This award will be presented to Recognized Student Organizations that demonstrate a commitment to SJSU’s diverse student body by fostering inclusive opportunities that invite students to participate in activities, events, and endeavors that support a culture of equity and improve student success.