Region VIII Awards

A role model is an individual who inspires us to action, a person who others wish to follow and emulate. The College Union and Campus Life Role Model Award is presented to a professional who best exemplifies outstanding achievement in the college union/student activities field and the ideals of "The Role of the College Union." 

Nominees should meet the following criteria:

• Makes a significant contribution to campus life at their institution
• Has provided outstanding development opportunities for students in the college union 
• Is viewed by colleagues as an educator 
• Shows creativity and innovation in the performance of his/her job 
• Has made an extraordinary impact on students' lives and has earned their respect 
• Actively participates in ACUI activities 
• Is employed as a current full-time professional at an ACUI member institution and has been at this institution for at least nine months 
• Must have five years or more experience in the college union or student activities field

Students frequently serve as role models to other students. They inspire them to action, lead by example, and exhibit behaviors that other students wish to emulate. The College Union and Campus Life Role Model Award is presented to a student who best exemplifies outstanding achievement in the college union/student activities field and the ideals of "The Role of the College Union." 

Nominees should meet the following criteria:

• Undergraduate or graduate student in a degree program at an ACUI member institution
• Has participated for at least one year in the area of campus activities at their institution in a volunteer capacity 
• Makes a significant contribution to campus life at their institution 
• Actively participates in ACUI activities
• Student's contributions make a positive impact on the university community

The Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor presented by Region VIII and recognizes an individual who made a significant impact on Region VIII and at their home institution.

Nominees should meet the following criteria:

• Minimum 10-year contribution to the field of student unions, student activities, and Region VIII
• A record of exemplary and distinguished service to the Association through both volunteer and appointed positions 
• Has made an extraordinary impact on students, staff, the Association, and the region 
• Demonstrated high-quality work and made a sustained contribution to the field and the Association

ACUI has a strong commitment to growing the profession. New professionals bring new ideas, enthusiasm, and lay the groundwork for the student unions and student activities field of tomorrow. This award is presented to an individual who demonstrates the positive potential and commitment for excellence in the college unions/student activities field. 

Nominees should meet the following criteria:

• Has been employed in the field as a current full-time professional at an ACUI member institution for five years or less (definition of full-time employment is no less than nine months a year)
• Makes a significant contribution to campus life at their institution
• Demonstrates commitment to the college union/student activities field
• Is viewed by colleagues as an educator
• Displays genuine support and regard for students
• Shows creativity and innovation in the performance of their job
• Demonstrates commitment to ACUI through regional or association-wide involvement

ACUI thrives through the contributions of its volunteers; they are the heart of our association. They often contribute a great deal of enthusiasm and hard work behind the scenes. The Significant Volunteer Award is presented to an individual who has made a substantial contribution as a volunteer to ACUI and Region VIII.

Nominees should meet the following criteria:

• Volunteered either regionally or nationally for a minimum of one year
• Provided substantial contributions behind the scenes to support regional programs and services
• Frequently goes the extra mile to assist the region and the Association
• Contributions have made a positive impact on the Association, the Region, or members

Our unions and student activity centers could not operate without the support and dedication of our student employees. They are the heart of our work and operations. They regularly demonstrate excellent and outstanding service to students, staff, and the university community. The Student Employee Award is presented to a student who regularly demonstrates a commitment to the mission and goals of the union/department where they work and makes a substantial contribution to their union/office and/or campus.

Nominees should meet the following criteria:

• Must be a paid student employee working in the college union
• Undergraduate student in a degree program
• Student must have worked for at least two semesters by the time of the Region VIII conference
• Student makes a significant contribution to their work environment on campus
• Student's work contribution makes a positive impact on the university community
• Student demonstrates excellent or outstanding employment traits such as honesty, credibility, punctuality, focus, responsibility, professionalism, strong conflict management, organizational skills, and supervisory skills
• Student consistently provides quality service to others