Student-Driven Program of the Year

The Student-Driven Program of the Year celebrates the achievements of students who plan and implement an innovative program on their campus. This award promotes professional development, collaboration, and leadership for those students making a difference in advancing campus community through programming excellence.

2026 Recipient: Rutgers University–New Brunswick, Agoraponics Farms

Agoraponic Farms is a student-led hydroponic farming initiative that tackles food insecurity while promoting sustainability and education. The program’s main hydroponic system is located inside the Rutgers Basic Needs Center, ensuring immediate access to fresh, nutritious, and culturally relevant produce through the campus food pantry. Nearly 28% of Rutgers students experience food insecurity, a challenge that affects academic success and overall well-being. In just four months of operation, Agoraponic Farms donated more than $4,000 worth of fresh produce to the Basic Needs Center food pantry. Beyond food distribution, the program creates transformative educational opportunities. Students gain hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, plant science, and non-profit management. They earn volunteer hours and academic credit while developing leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. 

Nominations are not currently open. Submission materials must include the following:

  • Name, institution, and contact information of the primary contact for the program.
  • Title of the program.
  • A summary, up to two pages, of the program, addressing:
    • Description of the program, including goals and intended outcomes.
    • Description and inclusion of the evaluation methods in place for the program, including brief rationale for choosing stated methods.
    • Evidence that the program meets the criteria identified for this specific award.
  • And one compiled packet of additional supporting documentation for the program, which could include photos, marketing samples, course materials, budget information, testimonials, etc. No page limit exists, but only the first 15 pages will be considered by the review committee.

The review process includes, but is not limited to, an assessment of these criteria:

  • Demonstrate excellence in campus programming.
  • Demonstrate the use of practices that exemplify outstanding creativity or introduce new approaches beyond what is standard.
  • Achieve its stated intended outcomes.

Due to the wide variety of programs that can be considered, a program does not need to meet every criterion.

All ACUI member institutions are eligible to apply for this award. For collaborative initiatives or partnerships, all institutions must be ACUI members. Eligible programs must:

  • Have taken place since the beginning of the previous academic year.
  • Serve as a model to other campuses for replication.
  • Achieve its stated program outcomes and objectives, with evaluation tools in place.
  • Agree to allow a summary of their accomplishments to be published.

Electronic notification will be sent to confirm submissions have been received. A confidential Campus Awards Committee, appointed annually by the ACUI president, will review materials to make the selection. One recipient will be chosen, unless otherwise noted for the specific award. One physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the annual conference and in subsequent publications.

  • 2025: Blatt Bonanza, University of South Carolina 
  • 2024: Paint the Town Garnet and Black Block Party, University of South Carolina
  • 2023: Zach’s Bingo, University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh 
  • 2022: Cultural Explosion, University of Houston
  • 2021: Winter Wonderland, University of Houston
  • 2020: Sustainable Office Program, California State University–Northridge
  • 2019: Chi Omega Songfest, University of South Alabama
  • 2018: On the Road for Change, James Madison University
  • 2017: Multicultural Night, Portland Community College
  • 2016: Mega-Musical Chairs, University of South Alabama
  • 2015: #TUnity Campaign, Temple University
  • 2014: Election Watch Party, University of Kansas
  • 2013: SIGNS & RHYMES: Intersections of Deaf & Hip-Hop Cultures, New York University
  • 2012: EagleCHECK, The College at Brockport
  • 2011: Vagina Memoirs, Western Washington University
  • 2010: Go Blue Week, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
  • 2009: ArtAwake, University of Rochester
  • 2008: City Cycles, University of Rochester