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.

2023 Recipient: Zach’s Bingo, University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh 

Zach’s Bingo isn’t just any game of Bingo—it is a gathering of students to see their friend, hero, and favorite announcer, Zach Easton. Easton is a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, who was looking for a group of friends and connected with the campus programming board. This is what makes this event so special; a student who understood what it felt like to be alone, who calls outwardly to those who may be in the same boat and brings them ashore. Students gain a sense of reassurance that there is a place for them on campus—just like there is for Zach. 

ACUI is now accepting nominations for campus awards! Nominate by December 8!

Nominate Now

Submission materials must include the following:

  1. Name, institution, and contact information of the primary contact for the program.
  2. Title of the program.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 submission deadline is December 8.

nominate now

Note: The submission process is updated this year through our new membership platform—which means applications can autofill with your profile information, be saved as pending for edits until you officially submit, and be stored for your future access. In order to submit an application, you will need to create an account login, if you don’t already have one.

The review process includes, but is not limited to, an assessment of the criteria listed below. Due to the wide variety of programs that can be considered, a program does not need to meet every criterion. The program must:

  • 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.

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.

  • 2022: Cultural Explosion at the 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