The Outstanding New Student Organization Award recognizes a newly established student organization that has quickly created a positive presence within the American Public University (APU) community.
Building a successful student organization takes vision, leadership, and collaboration. This award celebrates organizations that have established a strong foundation during their first year by engaging members, partnering with other student organizations or University departments, and contributing to a vibrant and connected campus community.
The award recognizes organizations that demonstrate exceptional organizational development and a clear commitment to long-term success.
The Outstanding New Student Organization Award may be presented annually. However, if no application sufficiently meets the established criteria, the award may not be presented.
Applicant organizations must:
- Be a currently registered APU student organization in good standing.
- Have been established at the University for less than one calendar year.
- Actively participate in the Student Organization Chapter Standards Program and demonstrate organizational growth and progression.
- Have no violations of the Student Organization Policy, nor any violations reported by the organization's national chapter during the previous year.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to organizational development and leadership.
- Provide evidence of chapter activities that positively impact University life and create a positive campus presence.
- 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 demonstrating the organization's accomplishments during its first year.
- Responses to the following application prompts (maximum 300 words each):
- Building the Foundation: Describe how your organization established itself during its first year and the goals that guided your development.
- Campus Impact: Share examples of activities, partnerships, or initiatives that created a positive presence within the APU community.
- Leadership and Growth: Explain how your leadership team has built a strong and sustainable organization.
- Looking Ahead: Describe your organization's vision for continued growth and long-term impact.
- Optional supporting documentation may include Chapter Standards reports, event summaries, promotional materials, photographs, partnership information, testimonials, assessment results or other evidence demonstrating the organization’s development and impact.
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:
- Organizational development and growth.
- Chapter Standards participation and progression.
- Compliance with University and organizational policies.
- Quality and impact of chapter activities.
- Collaboration with student organizations and University departments.
- Strength and engagement of the leadership board.
- Overall contribution to University life.
The University Awards Committee forwards its recommendation to the University President for final review and approval.
- Applications Open: September 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2027
- Committee Review: February–March 2027
- Recipient Notified by: April 1, 2027
- Recognition: Commencement Weekend 2027
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.