Award Categories & Criteria

This award is given to a graduating senior who exemplifies excellence and truly embodies a commitment to leadership and involvement on campus and/or in the community.

The nominee shall demonstrate that they have served in multiple campus leadership positions throughout their academic journey, having left a positive and lasting impression on the community through initiating, leading or supporting projects of activism or advocacy for social justice, inclusion, and diversity in unique and innovative ways.

In honor of one of the most distinguished alumni, accomplished scholar, athlete, actor, singer, global activist and quintessential 20th century Renaissance man, the recipient of this award shall possess extraordinary talent, commitment, and intellectual energy across a range of disciplines.

The nominee shall exemplify the principles to which Rutgers graduate Paul Robeson devoted his life: scholarship, humanitarianism, advocacy, athleticism, and artistry while practicing the inclusive approach to diversity that the University holds as a core value.

This award is given to a student who has taken full advantage of their collegiate experience by engaging inside and outside of the classroom while creating learning opportunities for their peers.

The nominee shall demonstrate having made a strong impact in the area of teaching and learning while fostering learning opportunities through peer mentoring or leadership; dedicating time, resources, or efforts beyond what is expected of their position; and upholds the values of peer instruction such as student-centered active learning, an inclusive and safe learning environment, and a well-developed pedagogical approach to peer instruction.  

This award is given to a student who has committed their University experience by encouraging social justice, inclusion, and appreciation for the myriad of distinct and extraordinary perspectives within the Rutgers community.

The nominee shall demonstrate a measurable impact or influence within the Rutgers and/or outside community on how they have shown commitment to a campaign, initiative, or program which clearly addressed a campus, local or global need.  This impact should contain how they left a positive and lasting impression on the community through initiating, leading or supporting projects of activism and advocacy for social justice, inclusion, and diversity in unique and innovative ways. 

This award is given to a student who demonstrates high-quality research which exhibits critical thinking, analysis, and creativity.

The nominee shall demonstrate measurable evidence of academic enrichment outside of the classroom utilizing new methods of discovery and critical thinking skills. Evidence of their research being published, presented or recognized as influencing the Rutgers or outside community should also be indicated.

This award is given to a student staff member who exceeds job expectations, and displays exceptional and exemplary initiative, dedication, and service as a student employee.

The nominee shall demonstrate exceptional initiative, dedication, and service through measurable impacts they have made as a student employee. Such impacts may include significant contributions to the Rutgers or local communities, exceeding expectations while contributing to the work environment,  and why they would be recommended for professional advancement.  

This award is given to a student who has achieved academic success and performed in competitive sport activities with dedication and exemplary character; leaving a positive and lasting impression on a community, team, or organization.

The nominee shall demonstrate evidence of measurable impact or influence to the Rutgers and/or local community while contributing to a welcoming and supportive environment.

A Student Organization may also be nominated for this award.

This award is given to an individual or student organization who has demonstrated collaborative initiatives across a variety of organizations (at least two) and activities with inspiring leadership that brings together stakeholders from across the university to create positive and substantial impact of change.

The nominee shall demonstrate  significant contributions to the Rutgers and/or the local communities through newly forged collaborative relationships between programs, units, departments,and/or community partners.

A Student Organization may also be nominated for this award.

This award recognizes an individual or student organization that represents the values, traditions, and mission of Rutgers through their outstanding engagement, enthusiasm, spirit, and commitment to the campus community.

The nominee shall demonstrate evidence in having made significant contributions to the community as a positive ambassador to the university while working to increase pride among their peers.

A Student Organization may also be nominated for this award.

This award is given to an individual or student organization who enhances the quality of life at Rutgers and in the community through campus-based activities, service, philanthropy, and/or special activities on or off campus.

Nominee shall demonstrate evidence of having made significant contributions to the Rutgers and/or local community through a positive and lasting impact while initiating, leading or supporting philanthropic, service-learning, or charitable projects. They shall also demonstrate the commitment to a campaign, initiative, or program that clearly addresses a campus, local or global need.

A Student Organization may also be nominated for this award.

This award recognizes a student leader or organization that demonstrates creativity, originality, ingenuity, and/or resourcefulness in addressing local and global issues.

The nominee will have served in multiple campus leadership positions while demonstrating a long-term impact on their organizations (e.g. multiple positions in one organization and demonstrative growth, or has held multiple positions in a variety of organizations). They will have shown commitment to a campaign, initiative, or program that clearly addresses a campus, local or global issue and provides high level of peer mentoring or leadership to fostering learning opportunities.

Student Group Nomination:  This group shall have demonstrated a commitment to advancing their student organization’s presence on campus through initiatives that support progress towards solving a local or global issue.

This award is given to a graduate student who exemplifies excellence and truly embodies a commitment to leadership and involvement on campus and/or in the community.

The nominee demonstrates that they have served in multiple campus leadership positions throughout their academic journey, having left a positive and lasting impression on the community through initiating, leading or supporting projects of activism or advocacy for social justice, inclusion, and diversity in unique and innovative ways.

The recipient of this award will have shown commitment to human justice, activism, and the values of a global citizen.  Moreover, this leader possesses extraordinary and diverse talent and intellectual energy across a range of disciplines.

The nominee shall exemplify the principles to which Rutgers graduate, Paul Robeson, devoted his life: scholarship, humanitarianism, advocacy, athleticism, and artistry while practicing the inclusive approach to diversity that the University holds as a core value.