President's Award for Leadership
Criteria & Categories

Nominees for the WSU President's Awards for Leadership are reviewed within the framework of the Social Change Model of Leadership Development. In this model, leadership is viewed as a process rather than a position. The values of equity, social justice, self-knowledge, personal empowerment, collaboration, citizenship, and service are explicitly promoted.

Student Nominations

Students will be notified of their nomination and are required to submit a separate application, including two letters of recommendation and answers to essay questions that address the following criteria:

• Significant position(s) or engagement experiences that best illustrate the contributions the student has made to WSU and/or the community.
• The values, beliefs, and actions that have guided the student's own leadership journey.
• Experiences collaborating with others to achieve common goals, motivate others, and resolve conflict.
• How these experiences have led to positive change.

These applications, along with nomination information, are scored on a 20-point scale. Scoring is as follows:

• Two letters of recommendation - 5 points
• Record of activities - Up to 5 points total
• Three essay questions - Up to 10 points total
• Maximum Point Total - 20

Nominating Other Categories

A completed nomination form is required to nominate a Registered Student Organization, Community Organization, Faculty, or Staff member. Nominees in this category do not have to fill out a separate application to be considered for the award. While it is not required, we encourage all who nominate to also submit a letter of support for the organization or member of the WSU community they are nominating. Learn more about award category details.

Nomination Categories

Nominations for the WSU President's Awards for Leadership are divided into the following categories.

Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Undergraduate and graduate students advance leadership and engagement at WSU. Recipients demonstrate exceptional leadership and service to students, WSU and/or the community.

Faculty and Staff

Faculty and staff who excel in their personal commitment to leadership and engagement at WSU. Candidates challenge and work with students to support their development into active global citizens, and collaborate with others on campus or in the community to promote engagement.

Registered Student Organizations (RSOs)

Student Organizations that collaborate with other groups to achieve common goals. These groups empower, motivate, resolve conflict, and partner with other leaders and organizations while being able to demonstrate positive change for the organization and/or the larger community. Significant event(s) or experiences that illustrate the contributions each organization has made are also considered.

Community Organizations

WSU community organizations that enhance students' self-awareness, congruence with their values, and commitment to civic issues. Community organizations that empower and motivate students to collaborate with others, resolve conflict, achieve common goals. These organizations help students become active global citizens who promote positive social change within the community.