Wichita State University
Shocker Leadership Awards
Shocker Leadership Awards
The Annual Shocker Leadership Awards recognizes the hard work of student-led organizations, student leaders, faculty and staff at Wichita State University. RSO's, 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.
Recipients of the 2025 awards will be announced at the 13th Annual Shocker Leadership Awards Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. in the RSC Beggs Ballroom on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
Award Descriptions & Forms
Shocker Leadership Awards recognizes the unwavering work of individuals and their respective organizations through a series of awards that are presented annually. Below are the descriptions, eligibility, and links to apply.
Nominations and/or Applications are available through midnight on Friday, March 7, 2025.
Individual Awards
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.
The winning student will be awarded $500.
Eligibility
- Student is currently enrolled at Wichita State University and is an active member of a WSU affiliated organization and/or student group
- Student must have served in the role of President for one full term as set by their organizations constitution
- A President may not nominate their self
- A student may not receive the award two years in a row
To Nominate a Student for RSO President of the Year
Please include a short essay (no more than one page, double-spaced, typed) stating why your organization's president should be the RSO President of the Year. Include evidence of the following criteria:
- Student supported the growth and development of the organization/group and its members
- Student demonstrated enthusiasm and respect for the student organization/group
- Student actively promoted activity on campus and within the community
- Student pushed the organization/group in reaching its goals and objectives for the year
- Include the RSO's achievements and growth on campus.
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).
Eligibility
- Must be an advisor for at least one year to a student organization or group
- Advisor must be an employee of Wichita State University
- An Advisor may not nominate their self
- An advisor cannot receive the award two years in a row
To Nominate a Faculty or Staff Member for Advisor of the Year
Please include a short essay (no more than one page, double-spaced, typed) stating why this individual should be selected as Advisor of the Year. Include evidence of the following criteria:
- Advisor supported the growth and development of the organization/group and its members
- Advisor demonstrated enthusiasm and respect for the student organization/group
- Advisor actively participated in the organization’s/group’s activities
- Advisor assisted the organization/group in reaching its goals and objectives for the year
Organization Awards
Commitment to Belonging
Commitment to Belonging goes to an organization who has demonstrated a significant commitment to student belonging and inclusive excellence and a want to explore and appreciate the many identities represented at Wichita State University through their actions, deeds, and membership throughout the year.
The winning organization will receive $250.
Eligibility
- Recognized student organization or university affiliated student groups
- Must be in good standing with WSU, must not be on probationary or suspended status
- Organization may not receive the same award two years in a row
To Apply for Commitment to Belonging Award
Please include a short essay (no more than one page, double-spaced, typed) about the nominated organization/group. This essay should include evidence of the following criteria:
- Creates a welcoming and inclusive space for a diverse membership
- Utilizes resources and/or collaborations to enhance the knowledge of members on matters pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Internal and external programs that promote and celebrate diverse cultures and heritages of themselves and others
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. Examples or forms of programming may include community service programs, philanthropy initiatives and/or voter engagement.
The winning group will also receive $250 to use for their organization.
Eligibility
- Recognized student organization or university affiliated student groups
- Must be in good standing with WSU, must not be on probationary or suspended status
- Organization may not receive the same award two years in a row
To Apply for Commitment to Civic Mindedness Award
Please include a short essay (no more than one page, double-spaced, typed) about the nominated organization/group. This essay should include evidence of the following criteria:
- Program enriched the student experience and connection to WSU.
- Program benefited the community in which it was intended to serve.
- Program brought together students, faculty and/or staff for a clear mission.
- Program reached and involved its audience, was well planned and well executed.
- Program reached its goal and objectives.
Co-Sponsored Program of the Year
Co-Sponsored Program of the Year goes to a group of organizations (two or more) that have successfully worked together to co-sponsor or host an event or program that has benefited the Wichita State campus community.
The winning organizations will also receive a collective $250.
Eligibility
- Hosted by two or more recognized student organization and/or university affiliated student groups
- Organization(s) may not receive the same award two years in a row
To Apply for Co-Sponsored Program of the Year
Please include a short essay (no more than one page, double-spaced, typed) about the nominated organization/group. This essay should include evidence of the following criteria:
- Program demonstrates collaboration, diversity, leadership and relevance to important issues for college students.
- Program enhanced the development of student engagement on campus.
- Program contributed to student learning and the betterment of the University community.
- Program reached and involved its audience, was well planned and well executed.
- Program reached its intended goal and objectives.
Educational Program of the Year
Educational Program of the Year is presented to an organization or group that plans and implements an individual and/or series program that facilitates a space for learning and engagement that fosters student development and personal growth resulting in world-ready leaders.
The winning student group will also receive $250 towards their organization.
Eligibility
- Program was planned by a student organization or group.
- A program cannot receive this award two years in a row.
- Program occurred between April 1(of the previous year) and March 31 (of the current year.)
To Apply for Educational Program of the Year
Please include a short essay (no more than one page, double-spaced, typed) stating why the nominated program is the Best Overall Program. The essay should include evidence of the following criteria:
- Contribution to the overall university community (i.e., students, staff, faculty, programs)
- Successful implementation of the program
- Opportunities for participant engagement
- Implementation of an academic, cultural, or leadership emphasis within the program/initiative
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.
The winning student group will also receive a $1,000 sponsored by the Student Government Association.
Eligibility
- Recognized student organization or university affiliated student groups
- Membership has 26 members or more
- Must be in good standing with WSU, must not be on probationary or suspended status
- Organization may not receive the same award two years in a row
To Apply for Large Student Organization of the Year
- Attach a full and current organization roster Download Roster Template
- Attach a short essay on the group (no more than one page, double spaced, typed). This
essay should include evidence of the following criteria:
- Organization or group is actively engaged in campus life and promotes student involvement.
- Organization or group contributes to membership development by actively recruiting, educating and retaining members.
- Organization or group actively participates in campus and/or community events.
- Organization or group plans and implements successful campus initiatives, programs or events. The initiative, program or event must have reached and involved its intended audience as well as show evidence of being well planned and executed.
Presentation for Large Organization of the Year
Every applicant applying for the Large Organization Award will be asked to create a 15 minute presentation on the topics below. Organizations are allowed to bring up to four representatives from their RSO to help present.
- What is your organizations proudest accomplishment this academic year?
- What was your organizations biggest struggle this academic year?
- Where do you see your organization in 3 years?
- What do you hope your organization has accomplished in that time?
Presentation will take place on the specified date with times assigned following the close of submissions:
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
Eligibility
- Program is in its first year and was planned by a recognized student organization(s) or university affiliated student group.
- Program occurred between April 1(of the previous year) and March 31 (of the current year.)
To Apply for New Program of the Year
Please attach a short essay (no more than one page, double-spaced, typed) stating why the nominated program is the outstanding new program. This essay should include evidence of the following criteria:
- Program was original to Wichita State University
- Program was creative in design and implementation
- Program contributed to the development of student engagement on campus
- Program reached and involved its audience, was well planned and well executed
- Program reached its goal and objectives
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.
The winning student group will also receive a $500 sponsored by the Student Government Association
Eligibility
- Recognized student organizations or university affiliated student group must have been officially recognized by WSU Department or SGA between January of the previous year and March of the award year.
- Must be in good standing with WSU, must not be on probationary status.
- An organization or group cannot receive this award two years in a row.
To Apply for New Student Organization of the Year
- Attach a full and current organization roster Download Roster Template
- Please include a short essay (no more than one page, double-spaced, typed) about the
nominated organization/group. This essay should include evidence of the following
criteria:
- Active participation in campus and/or community events
- Implementation of successful campus programs and events
- Contribution to student engagement on campus
- Organizational effort to educate themselves on policies, resources and membership development
- Organizational efforts related to meeting its purpose
Presentation for New Student Organization of the Year
Every applicant applying for the New Student Organization of the Year 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 3 years?
- What do you hope your organization has accomplished in that time?
Presentation will take place on the specified date with times assigned following the close of submissions:
Outstanding Program of the Year
Outstanding Program of the Year is presented to an organization or group for conceiving, planning and implementing an outstanding program that meets or exceeds its intended goals and outcomes and makes significant impact on the campus culture. The winning student group will also receive $500 towards their organization.
Eligibility
- Program was planned by a student organization or group.
- A program cannot receive this award two years in a row.
- Program occurred between April 1(of the previous year) and March 31 (of the current year.)
To Apply for Outstanding Program of the Year
Please include a short essay (no more than one page, double-spaced, typed) stating why the nominated program is the Best Overall Program. The essay should include evidence of the following criteria:
- Program demonstrates collaboration, diversity, leadership and relevance to important issues for college students.
- Program enhanced the development of student engagement on campus.
- Program contributed to student learning and the betterment of the University community.
- Program reached and involved its audience, was well planned and well executed.
- Program reached its intended goal and objectives.
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.
The winning student group will also receive a $500 sponsored by the Student Government Association
Eligibility
- Recognized student organization or university affiliated student groups
- Membership has 25 members or less
- Must be in good standing with WSU, must not be on probationary or suspended status
- Organization may not receive the same award two years in a row
To Apply for Small Student Organization of the Year
- Attach a full and current organization roster Download Roster Template
- Attach a short essay on the group (no more than one page, double spaced, typed). This
essay should include evidence of the following criteria:
- Organization or group is actively engaged in campus life and promotes student involvement.
- Organization or group contributes to membership development by actively recruiting, educating and retaining members.
- Organization or group actively participates in campus and/or community events.
- Organization or group plans and implements successful campus initiatives, programs or events. The initiative, program or event must have reached and involved its intended audience as well as show evidence of being well planned and executed.
Presentation for Small Student Organization of the Year
Every applicant applying for the Small Organization of the Year 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?
- What was your organizations biggest struggle this academic year?
- Where do you see your organization in 3 years?
- What do you hope your organization has accomplished in that time?
Presentation will take place on the specified date with times assigned following the close of submissions: