2026 Student Organization Awards

As an integral part of the Division of Student Affairs and the greater RIT community, the Center for Campus Life, the Center for Recreational Sports and the Center for Residence Life are proud to announce the inaugural Student Organization Awards, taking place on Thursday, April 16th! This exciting event will celebrate the outstanding achievements of our sororities, fraternities, recreational teams, clubs, and student organizations.

Below you can find the descriptions and links for this year's applications. Nominations may be submitted as self-nominations or on behalf of another individual or organization. Please review each application carefully as criteria and requirements vary for each award.

 

Please note: The application deadline for all awards and materials has been extended will close on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 12:00 pm!

**Nomination eligibility will vary for each award**

  • Outstanding Student Organization/Chapter of the Year

    This award celebrates the efforts of a recognized student organization that has been consecutively-recognized and active for more than 2 years (recognized since spring 2024). Nominees should demonstrate a high level of achievement in one or more of the following areas: community engagement, collaboration, sense of belonging, or leadership development. This award recognizes an organization that works to fulfill their mission and vision, offer opportunities and support to RIT students, and make a significant impact on campus and/or the broader RIT community. One (1) organization will be selected for each representative area.

    **If a minimum of 5 nominations are not submitted for all representative areas, the selecting committee will only select one recipient for the entire community**

    Place a note: FSL Chapter of the Year is presented as the Presidents Cup winner so finalists do not need to complete this submission.

    Application Link

  • New Student Organization of the Year

    This award recognizes the efforts of a newly-recognized student organization that has been recognized and active for less than 2 years (was recognized between spring 2024-fall 2025). Nominees should demonstrate a high level of potential in one or more areas, such as campus and/or community engagement, collaboration, sense of belonging, or leadership development in their first 1-2 years on campus. This award recognizes organizations that works to fulfill their mission and vision, offer opportunities and support to RIT students, and make a significant impact to the growth and sustainability One (1) organization will be selected for each representative area if applicable.

    **If fewer than five nominations are submitted for each representative area, the selection committee may select only one recipient for the entire community**

    Application Link

  • Program of the Year

    The Program of the Year Award recognizes a high-quality program, event, or activity organized by an organization that has positively impacted or enhanced the RIT student and/or community experience. This program, event, or activity should have a clear connection to the organization’s mission, demonstrate creativity and efficacy, and be well-executed. The event must have occurred between Spring '25 and Fall '25. One (1) organization will be selected for each representative area.

    **If fewer than five nominations are submitted for each representative area, the selection committee may select only one recipient for the entire community**

    Application Link

  • Collaborative Excellence

    The Collaborative Excellence Award celebrates organizations that have excelled in creating outstanding collaborative initiatives to bridge gaps, improve communication, and strengthen leadership and partnerships with other groups or organizations within the RIT/Rochester community. This partnership should demonstrate a positive impact on or enhancement of the RIT student and/or community experience. It should also have a clear connection to the organization’s mission, demonstrate creativity and efficacy, and be well-executed. The collaboration must have taken place between Spring '25 and Fall '25. Three (3) awards will be given.

    Application Link

  • Tiger Unity

    The Tiger Unity Award celebrates organizations that have demonstrated sustained initiatives to promote belonging, encourage diversity of thought, build community, raise awareness, and create a more inclusive and equitable atmosphere at Rochester Institute of Technology. These programs or initiatives should reflect a strong commitment to enhancing the involvement experience for all members of the RIT community by making inclusive decisions and promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Additionally, they should raise awareness of issues impacting members of the RIT, local, or global community.

    **If fewer than five nominations are submitted for each representative area, the selection committee may select only one recipient for the entire community**

    Application Link

  • Community Impact Excellence

    The Community Impact Excellence Award celebrates organizations that have made significant strides in external programming, philanthropy, and community service initiatives to support the Greater Rochester Area. Recipients of this award have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to bettering the community by extending their focus beyond the RIT campus and prioritizing their impact on the broader Rochester community. One (1) award will be given for each representative area.

    **If fewer than five nominations are submitted for each representative area, the selection committee may select only one recipient for the entire community**

    Application Link

  • Commitment to Wellness

    The Commitment to Wellness Award celebrates organizations that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to promoting and enhancing the well-being of the RIT community. Recipients of this award embody the RIT Student Affairs Well-being core pillar by leading initiatives that support physical, mental, and emotional health. Through innovative programs, compassionate leadership, and a steadfast commitment to holistic wellness, these organizations have made a significant impact on the RIT community, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. One (1) award will be given for each representative area.

    **If fewer than five nominations are submitted for each representative area, the selection committee may select only one recipient for the entire community**

    Application Link

  • Distinguished Advisor/Coach of the Year

    The Distinguished Advisor/Coach of the Year Award recognizes a faculty or staff member, chapter or alumni advisor, or coach who best exemplifies the values of their organization. This individual provides leadership and guidance by going above and beyond their everyday responsibilities. They dedicate their time and expertise to supporting the organization's efforts, offering resources and advice that contribute to the success of students and/or the organization. Additionally, they challenge students to think critically and develop leadership skills. One (1) award will be given for each representative area.

    Application Link

  • Outstanding Leader of the Year

    The Outstanding Leader of the Year Award recognizes an organization leader, officer, or captain who best exemplifies the values of their organization. This award honors a leader for their exceptional commitment to both their chapter, organization, or team and the community at large. As the highest individual leadership award, it celebrates those who exceed all expectations and set a lasting precedent for future members of their organization. Self-nominations are allowed. One (1) award will be given for each representative area. **Please note the letter of recommendation is now optional**

    Self-Nomination: Application Link

    Nominate a Leader: Application Link

  • Unsung Hero of the Year

    The Unsung Hero of the Year Award celebrates an organization leader who has positively influenced their organization without holding an executive leadership role. This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate a positive attitude and a willingness to support and advance their organization in any capacity when needed. Self-nominations are allowed. One (1) award will be given for each representative area. **Please note the letter of recommendation is now optional**

    Self-Nomination: Application Link
    Nominate a Leader: Application Link