Missouri Western State University
Student Affairs Outstanding Student Leadership Awards

Background
Beginning in the spring of 2009, the Division of Student Affairs will begin a new tradition of recognizing the contributions of students who make significant contributions to student life at the University. The Outstanding Student Leadership Awards will recognize student contributions to the mission of the University and in particular contributions to co-curricular activities and functions. Students are nominated by staff from the division and throughout the university and are selected by a committee representing the many campus constituents. Awards are presented at a program held each year in April.

Click here to go to the Nomination Form!

Outstanding Contribution to Community Service
Awardees in this category have demonstrated a true concern for the welfare of others through their contributions to the community.

Requirements:

• Undergraduate or graduate student with minimum GPA 2.5
• Has been a part of or made significant contributions in the area of community service
• Must not be on academic or non-academic probation

Outstanding Contribution to Peer Education
Awardees in this category have made significant contributions to the education of their peers through serving as Registration Leaders, Griffon Edge Leaders, Resident Assistants, Student Security Assistants, Programming Interns and/or in other student assistant roles.

Requirements:

• Undergraduate or graduate student with minimum GPA 2.5
• Has been a part of or made significant contributions in the area of peer education or providing student services
• Must not be on academic or non-academic probation

Outstanding Contribution to Non-Traditional Student Services
Awardees in this category have made significant contributions to the university through serving the Non-Traditional Student population.

Requirements:

• Undergraduate or graduate student with minimum GPA 2.5
• Has been involved in or is a member of the Non-traditional Student Organization
• Must not be on academic or non-academic probation

Outstanding Contribution to Student Governance
Awardees in this category have made outstanding contributions to student governance through participation in the Student Government Association (Executive Branch, Senate, Residence Council or Western Activities Council).

Requirements:

• Undergraduate or graduate student with minimum GPA 2.5
• Is a member in good standing of one of the branches of the Student Government Association
• Must not be on academic or non-academic probation

Outstanding Contribution to Student Clubs and Organization Leadership
Awardees in this category have made outstanding contributions through participation in and leadership of a student club or organization. This includes but is not limited to students who make significant contributions to Greek Life on campus.

Requirements:

• Undergraduate or graduate student with minimum GPA 2.5
• Has been a part of or made significant contributions to a Student Club or Organization
• Must not be on academic or non-academic probation

Outstanding Contribution to Disability Services
Awardees in this category have made outstanding contributions through participation in and volunteering with issues concerning students with disabilities.

Requirements:

• Undergraduate or graduate student with minimum GPA 2.5
• Has been a part of or made significant contributions in the area of Disability Services
• Must not be on academic or non-academic probation

Outstanding Contribution to the Promotion and Celebration of Diversity
Awardees in this category have made outstanding contributions through promoting understanding and celebrating ethnic heritage and cross-cultural communication through events, advocacy and action.

Requirements:

• Undergraduate or graduate student with minimum GPA 2.5
• Has been a part of or made significant contributions in the area of Promotion and Celebration of Diversity.

Class Awards
The class awards will be distributed to outstanding students who are nominated and awardees in the above categories. Once all the above awardees in the above categories are determined, the review committee will review each awardee by class standing. After review the committee may select one student for each class standing category (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior and Graduate) to receive a class award denoting exceptional contributions as a student leader to the university.

Requirements:

• Undergraduate or graduate student with minimum GPA 2.5
• Has been a part of or made significant contributions in the area of student life in a way that stands out among other awardees in the awardees class.
• Must not be on academic or non-academic probation

President’s Award for Student Leadership
The President’s Award for Student Leadership is the top leadership award that may be presented to a student at the University. Awardees are typically graduating seniors who throughout their time as a student have demonstrated responsible and unselfish use of talent and leadership through their involvement in campus life. All nominations for this award will be reviewed by the review committee. Following review, the committee will forward a recommendation to the President of the University. The President will make a final decision as to who will actually receive the award.

Requirements:

• Undergraduate or graduate student with minimum GPA 3.0
• Has been a part of or made significant contributions to student life over the course of several semesters
• Must not be on academic or non-academic probation

The Spirit of Missouri Western Award
The Spirit of Missouri Western Award is presented to a student club or organization that has made a significant and outstanding contribution to the University through service, leadership, programming, spirit, campus involvement and achievement.