12th Shocker Leadership Awards

The Annual Shocker Leadership Awards is a way to recognize the work of student-led organizations, students, faculty and staff at Wichita State University. Recognized student organizations, university affiliated student groups and individuals may be nominated by a student, faculty member, staff member, or organization for one or more of the awards. One application form must be completed for each award one wishes to apply for and must have all parts to be considered by the selection committee. Nominations for the 2024 Awards will open on Thursday, February 1st and are due Friday, March 1st at 11:59 P.M. To submit a Shocker Leadership Award, please click the application linked below in each award that you want to apply for.

Large Student Organization of the Year

Large Student Organization of the Year (26 or more members) is given to the organization that demonstrates excellence in the fulfillment of its purpose, membership and leadership development, campus life enhancement, community contributions and general involvement in the University community. 

Every applicant applying for the RSO Outstanding Large Organization Award will be asked to create a 15 minute presentation on the topics below. Presentations will take place during the week of March 25 with times assigned at a later date. Organizations are allowed to bring up to four representatives from their RSO to help present.

  • What is your organizations proudest accomplishment this academic year (Fall 2023-Spring 2024)?
  • What was your organizations biggest struggle this academic year (Fall 2023-Spring 2024)?
  • Where do you see your organization in 5 years?
  • What do you hope your organization has accomplished in that time?

The winning student group will also receive a $1,000 sponsored by the Student Government Association. 

Small Student Organization of the Year

Small Student Organization of the Year (25 members or less) is given to the organization that demonstrates excellence in the fulfillment of its purpose, membership and leadership development, campus life enhancement, community contributions and general involvement in the University community.

Every applicant applying for the RSO Outstanding Small Organization Award will be asked to create a 15 minute presentation on the topics below. Presentations will take place during the week of March 25th with dates/times assigned at a later date. Organizations are allowed to bring up to four representatives from their RSO to help present.

  • What is your organizations proudest accomplishment this academic year (Fall 2023-Spring 2024)?
  • What was your organizations biggest struggle this academic year (Fall 2023-Spring 2024)?
  • Where do you see your organization in 5 years?
  • What do you hope your organization has accomplished in that time?

The winning student group will also receive a $500 sponsored by the Student Government Association

New Student Organization of the Year

 New Student Organization of the Year is presented to a recognized student organization or University affiliated student group that has made great strides to establish itself on campus in its first year and has contributed to student engagement on campus.

Every applicant applying for the RSO Outstanding New Organization Award will be asked to create a 15 minute presentation on the topics below. Presentations will take place during the week of March 25th with dates/times assigned at a later date. Organizations are allowed to bring up to four representatives from their RSO to help present.

  • What types of recruitment tools have you used to gain members?
  • What events do you hope to have in the next year?
  • Where do you see your organization in 5 years?
  • What do you hope your organization has accomplished in that time?

The winning student group will also receive a $500 sponsored by the Student Government Association

Commitment to Civic Mindedness

Commitment to Civic Mindedness is presented to an organization for planning and implementing a program or event that made great strides towards reaching WSU’s Metropolitan mission to foster the cultural, economic and social development within the community. The winning group will also receive $250 to use for their organization. 

Commitment to Connectedness

Commitment to Connectedness goes to a group of organizations (two or more) that have successfully worked together to sponsor or host an event or program that has benefited the Wichita State campus community. The winning organizations will also recieve a collective $250. 

 

Commitment Intentional Growth

Commitment to Intentional Growth recognizes a student organization that serves the needs of its members through speakers, workshops, retreats, conferences, and other acts to continually educate its members. The winning organization will receive $250.

 

Commitment to Belonging

Commitment to Belonging goes to an organization who has demonstrated a significant commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence and a want to explore and appreciate the many cultures represented at Wichita State through their actions, deeds, and membership throughout the year.The winning organization will receive $250.

 

New Program of the Year

New Program of the Year is presented to an organization or group that plans and implements a new program that exhibits creativity and originality. The winning student group will also receive $250 towards their organization

Engagement Program of the Year

Engagement Program of the Year is presented to an organization or group that plans and implements a program that facilitates an engaged campus culture where students are empowered to maximize their potential by creating opportunities for personal growth and world-readiness. The winning student group will also receive $250 towards their organization.

 

Program of the Year

Program of the Year is presented to an organization or group for conceiving, planning and implementing an outstanding program that demonstrates at least 3 of the values of the Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership (SEAL) office. The winning student group will also receive $500 towards their organization.

 

RSO President of the Year

RSO President of the Year is presented to a student organization president who has consistently demonstrated passion for their organization and promoted activity on campus and within the community. Nominations should include an explanation of the president’s achievements with the RSO and demonstrate growth and activity on campus. Nominees must has served in the role of President for one full term as set by their organizations constitution. Nominations for this award must come from 1 or more members from the of the RSO President's organization. Self-nominations for this award are not accepted.

The winning student will be awarded $500.

Advisor of the Year

Advisor of the Year goes to an individual faculty or staff member who has displayed an exemplary level of dedication and commitment to the organization they  advise voluntarily (responsibility outside of the individuals job description).