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On August 5, 2026, American Public University System combined with Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing to form a single higher education institution. American Public University System (System) now includes American Public University, American Military University, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI). We are continuing to update our website to reflect our new structure.

 

Chapter of the Year Award

The Chapter of the Year Award recognizes a student organization that has demonstrated exceptional leadership, engagement, service, and organizational excellence throughout the academic year.

As the University's highest organizational honor, this award celebrates chapters that have created meaningful opportunities for members, strengthened the American Public University (APU) community through impactful programming, fostered leadership development, and exemplified the values of collaboration, service, and student engagement.

Chapter of the Year recipients serve as models of excellence, demonstrating how student organizations can create a lasting and meaningful impact on both their members and the University community.

The Chapter of the Year Award may be presented annually. However, if no application sufficiently meets the established criteria, the award may not be presented.

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Applicant organizations must:

  • Be a currently registered APU student organization in good standing.
  • Actively participate in the Student Organization Chapter Standards Program and demonstrate organizational growth and progression.
  • Have earned the highest Chapter Standards distinction during the award year.
  • Have no violations of the Student Organization Policy, nor any violations reported by the organization's national chapter during the previous year.
  • Demonstrate regular and sustained achievements that reflect excellence in leadership, engagement, service, and organizational success.
  • Provide evidence of high-quality chapter activities that actively engage members and strengthen the University community.
  • Demonstrate an active and engaged leadership board.

Applications may be submitted by student organization leaders, advisors, faculty, staff, students, alumni, or others familiar with the organization's accomplishments.

A complete application must include:

  • Completed application form.
  • Documentation highlighting the organization's accomplishments throughout the award year.
  • Responses to the following application prompts (maximum 300 words each):
    • Organizational Excellence: Describe what distinguished your chapter during the past year. What accomplishments best demonstrate your organization's commitment to leadership, engagement, and organizational excellence?
    • Building an Engaged Community: Share examples of programs, events, partnerships, or service initiatives that created meaningful experiences for members and positively impacted the APU community.
    • Leadership in Action: Describe how your chapter's leadership team fostered member engagement, developed future leaders, and built a strong, sustainable organization.
    • A Model for Other Organizations: What makes your chapter an example for other student organizations? How has your organization created a culture of excellence that will continue into the future?

Supporting Documentation: Organizations are encouraged to include materials that strengthen their application, such as:

  • Chapter Standards documentation.
  • Event summaries.
  • Photographs.
  • Marketing or promotional materials.
  • Community service or partnership documentation.
  • Assessment results.
  • Membership growth or engagement data.
  • Testimonials.
  • Awards or recognition received.
  • Other evidence demonstrating organizational excellence.

 

All application materials must be submitted by the published deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Applications are reviewed by the University Awards Committee using a standardized evaluation rubric.

The committee evaluates each organization based on:

  • Achievement within the Student Organization Chapter Standards Program.
  • Organizational leadership and governance.
  • Member engagement and chapter development.
  • Quality and impact of chapter activities.
  • Service to the University and broader community.
  • Overall contribution to student life.

The University Awards Committee forwards the top applicants to the Office of the President for final review and approval.

  • Applications Open: September 1, 2026
  • Application Deadline: February 1, 2027
  • Committee Review: February–March 2027
  • Organization Notified by: April 1, 2027
  • Recognition: Commencement Weekend 2027
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Organization receives:

  • Recognition during Commencement weekend.
  • Individual plaques for chapter officers and chapter advisors.
  • Travel and hotel accommodations for one representative in accordance with University award guidelines.
  • Recognition in University communications.

Attendance at Commencement is encouraged but not required.

Questions regarding eligibility or the application process may be directed to the University Awards Committee at universityawards@apus.edu.