End of Year Award Ceremony
The Student Leaders End of Year Awards Ceremony celebrates the incredible contributions of our student leaders and their impact on the university community. Developed in collaboration with students, these awards recognise those who have gone above and beyond in their leadership roles, helping shape a vibrant and inclusive campus experience.
Everyone—whether you are a student, professional, or academic staff member—is invited to nominate outstanding student leaders who have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the university community. There is no limit to the number of student leaders you can nominate, and we encourage you to recognise the individuals who have inspired, supported, or led others throughout the year.
Nominations are open to all currently enrolled undergraduate, postgraduate coursework, and Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students. Each nomination provides an opportunity to highlight the diverse ways students contribute to the university through leadership, collaboration, innovation, and community-building.
Once the nomination period closes, all submissions will be reviewed by a panel consisting of staff, academics, senior university leaders, and representatives from Medibank. Using a clear assessment rubric, the panel will carefully evaluate each nomination to select the final award recipients.
Winners will be announced and presented with their prizes.
Nominations close: Sunday 21st September 2025 at 5pm
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Personal and Professional Growth Award
This award recognises a student who has demonstrated exceptional personal and professional development through sustained engagement in co-curricular, community, and/or work-related activities. It celebrates both students who are in the process of achieving their Adelaide Graduate Award (AGA) and those who have already successfully completed it, and who have reflected meaningfully on the growth they’ve experienced as a result.
Eligibility
Open to all currently enrolled undergraduate, postgraduate coursework, and Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students who meet one of the following:
- Successfully completed the AGA in Semester 1, 2025 or earlier (evidence of completion required)
OR
- Are currently completing the AGA and have fulfilled the following requirements:
- Completed 150 hours of approved extra-curricular activities, including 30 hours of volunteering
- Attended two Career Services workshops or events
- Submitted evidence of the green tick on the Resume and LinkedIn submission checklist in CareerHub
Nomination Type
Self-nominations only.
Submission Requirements
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A written statement of up to 500 words that addresses the award criteria and demonstrates how you meet the expectations outlined in the rubric below.
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Confirmation that you have completed or are currently in the process of completing the Adelaide Graduate Award (AGA).
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One endorsement from a peer or staff member who can speak to your impact, leadership, or contribution.
What to Include in the Submission
Nominees should provide a detailed description of their experience completing the AGA, including the types of activities undertaken, such as volunteering, internships, mentoring, leadership, or other professional development experiences. Reflections should demonstrate deep personal insight into how these experiences shaped their values, goals, and confidence. Submissions must highlight how skills gained were applied in practical settings, such as employment, leadership positions, or further community involvement, including online or hybrid settings. At least one endorsement from a peer, staff member, or external supervisor must be included, validating the nominee’s growth and contributions.
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Academic and Community Leadership Award
This award recognises students who combine academic excellence with active leadership across academic, social, or community contexts. It honours those who go beyond coursework to mentor others, take on leadership roles, and positively influence their peers.
Eligibility
Open to all current and enrolled undergraduate or postgraduate coursework students and Higher Degree Research Students.
Nomination Type
Open to self-nominations and nominations by others (students, peers, staff).
Submission Requirements
A written statement of up to 500 words that addresses the rubric below, an academic transcript showing a GPA of at least 5.5 over two consecutive semesters, and a supporting recommendation (e.g. from a staff member, supervisor, or peer) are required.
What to Include in the Submission
Applicants should describe their academic performance alongside a broad view of their leadership contributions within and beyond the University. This could include formal leadership (such as PASS leaders, club executives, sports captains, or tutors) and informal leadership (such as peer mentoring or leading study groups). The submission must articulate the impact of their leadership on peers, teams, or the wider community, whether in person or through hybrid/remote initiatives. Additional context on awards, scholarships, and recognition received is encouraged. A recommendation should support both their academic capability and leadership influence.
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Creative Changemaker Award
Recognising imaginative and inclusive leadership that results in meaningful engagement and positive change.
This award celebrates students who lead with creativity and purpose—whether as individuals or as part of a team—demonstrating innovative thinking, creative expression, or new approaches to foster inclusion, engagement, and impact. Initiatives may respond to lived experiences or community needs and could include peer-led programs, wellbeing campaigns, exhibitions, cultural or creative projects, digital storytelling, media or communication initiatives, or other forms of expression and action that spark social or cultural change.
Individual Award: Creative Changemaker (Individual)
Recognises a student who has demonstrated creative and inclusive leadership through an original initiative, project, or campaign. Their work may highlight innovation, community impact, or the use of creative expression to tackle challenges, amplify voices, or inspire engagement in meaningful ways.
Team Award: Creative Changemaker (Team)
Recognises a student-led group or collaboration that has designed and delivered a creative initiative resulting in meaningful and measurable impact. The team should demonstrate how they worked together to lead change, promote inclusion, and engage diverse stakeholders through imaginative thinking or expression.
Eligibility
Open to all currently enrolled undergraduate, postgraduate coursework, and Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students.
Individual or team nominations are accepted.
Nomination Type
Open to self-nominations and nominations by others, including students, peers, or staff.
Submission Requirements
A written statement of up to 500 words that addresses the rubric below, supported by relevant evidence such as project links, visuals, outcomes data, testimonials, or other materials that demonstrate the initiative’s reach and impact.
What to Include in the Submission
Submissions should:
- Describe the initiative or project, including the lived experience or opportunity it responded to
- Explain how the idea originated, how it was developed, and how leadership was demonstrated
- Outline the creative strategies, expressions, or approaches used to engage others or inspire change
- Highlight the impact—such as increased participation, positive feedback, behavioural or cultural shifts, or recognition
- Reflect on the broader relevance or legacy of the initiative within the University or wider community
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Incredible Human Medibank Award – Heartfelt Care
This award honours students who go above and beyond to support the wellbeing of others, demonstrating compassion, empathy, and emotional leadership. It recognises those who foster belonging, uplift their peers, and act with genuine care.
Eligibility
Open to all current and enrolled undergraduate or postgraduate coursework students and Higher Degree Research Students.
Nomination Type
Open to self-nominations and nominations by others (students, peers, staff).
Submission Requirements
A written nomination statement of up to 500 words that addresses the rubric below, including examples of the nominee’s compassionate actions. An optional third-party reference may also be included.
What to Include in the Nomination
Submission should describe how the student has shown extraordinary care or advocacy for others in either informal or formal capacities. This could include emotional support during hardship, acts of kindness, mentoring, community building, or advocacy work. Both online and in-person contexts can be included. The narrative should focus on the impact of these actions on individuals or communities. At least one testimonial (from a peer, staff member, or external supervisor) that reflect the nominee’s empathy and integrity is required.
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Student Leadership Influence Award
This award celebrates students who demonstrate influential leadership, inspiring change and building strong, inclusive communities through proactive engagement and collaboration.
Eligibility
Open to all current and enrolled undergraduate or postgraduate coursework students and Higher Degree Research Students.
Nomination Type
Open to self-nominations and nominations by others (students, peers, staff).
Submission Requirements
A written statement of up to 500 words that addresses the rubric below, accompanied by supporting evidence such as testimonials, photos, project summaries, or impact data.
What to Include in the Submission
Submissions should highlight how the student has used leadership to create meaningful and lasting impact. This may include building networks, founding initiatives, or advocating for student or community needs. The nominee should describe their leadership journey, including the methods used to motivate others, collaborate across groups, and effect positive change. Involvement in activism, student voice representation, or community engagement are highly valued, including hybrid/remote initiatives. Supporting documentation should reflect the tangible outcomes of their influence and leadership.
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Intercultural Impact Award
This award celebrates students who champion cultural diversity and promote inclusion through meaningful intercultural engagement on campus or in the broader community.
Eligibility
Open to all current and enrolled undergraduate or postgraduate coursework students and Higher Degree Research Students.
Nomination Type
Open to self-nominations and nominations by others (students, peers, staff). Team /group submissions also accepted.
Submission Requirements
A written statement of up to 500 words that addresses the rubric below, at least one testimonial verifying the impact of the contribution, and optional supporting evidence.
What to Include in the Submission
Applicants should detail their role in organising, leading, or participating in culturally inclusive initiatives—such as festivals, dialogue groups, peer support programs, or social justice campaigns—that promote and celebrate cultural diversity on campus. They should describe the purpose, activities, and outcomes of these initiatives, emphasising how they fostered understanding, inclusion, and respect across cultures. Contributions may be in-person, hybrid, or online.
Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their involvement created a positive impact by increasing awareness and participation in cultural activities, events, or programs, and how they engaged with various student groups to promote inclusivity.
Where possible, a testimonial or reference from a third party should be provided to highlight the authenticity and impact of their intercultural work, including community feedback.
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Nomination form
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Reviewing panel assessment rubric
Award Outstanding (4) Good (3) Adequate (2) Needs improvement (1) Personal and Professional Growth Award
(formerly Outstanding Graduate Achievement Award)
Exceeds all award requirements with exceptional achievements. Has completed or is actively progressing through the AGA with full evidence. Demonstrates deep personal reflection showing how experiences shaped values, goals, and confidence. Shows significant, sustained engagement across a diverse range of activities. Clearly applies skills in real-world contexts. Strong, specific endorsement provided.
Meets most requirements with good supporting evidence. Provides thoughtful reflection on personal and professional growth. Engaged in a range of development activities. Gives some examples of applying skills with impact. Supportive endorsement included. Meets minimum AGA requirements but lacks depth. Reflection is present but general. Engagement in activities is limited. Skill application is vague, and endorsement is brief or lacks detail. Does not meet AGA requirements or lacks documentation. Little or no reflection on growth. Minimal engagement or unclear activity scope. No clear application of skills. No endorsement or weak, unrelated endorsement. Academic and Community Leadership Award
(formerly Outstanding Scholarly Leader Award)
GPA of 5.5+ across two consecutive semesters. Holds significant leadership roles (e.g. club president, PASS leader). Demonstrates strong impact through mentorship, academic leadership, or peer engagement. Draws clear links between academic success and leadership. Recommendation is detailed and supportive.
Transcript submitted.GPA of 5.5+ with active leadership in academic or student roles. Shows positive contribution and some community impact. Links academic performance to leadership with moderate depth. Recommendation is positive but general.
Transcript submitted.Meets GPA requirement with only minor leadership experience. Demonstrates limited impact. Weak or indirect link between academic work and leadership. Recommendation is brief or unclear.
Transcript submitted.GPA below requirement or no leadership experience. No clear impact or evidence of contribution. No recommendation or irrelevant input provided.
Transcript submitted.Creative Changemaker Award
Individual and team nominations welcomed.
(formerly Innovative Leadership Excellence Award)
Leads an original and innovative initiative (individual or team) with high impact. Responds to a clear community or student need through creative strategies (e.g. wellbeing campaigns, digital storytelling, cultural projects). Provides strong evidence of reach and engagement, including links to websites, videos, or social media. Reflection shows insight into motivation, leadership, and broader impact. Strong supporting materials (visuals, data, testimonials). Delivers a creative project with moderate innovation and visible outcomes (individual or team). Demonstrates inclusion and engagement with stakeholders. Reflection is thoughtful, with some evidence of reach. Supporting materials are present but may lack depth.
Participates in a creative initiative but with limited leadership or originality (individual or team). Impact is unclear or minimal. Reflection is basic or descriptive. Supporting evidence is sparse or absent. No evidence of creative leadership or initiative (individual or team). No reflection or supporting materials. Project lacks originality or impact. Incredible Human Medibank Award – Heartfelt Care Consistently demonstrates exceptional care, empathy, and emotional leadership. Actions lead to tangible wellbeing outcomes for individuals or groups. Deep reflection on motivations and values. Endorsement is specific and powerful, clearly affirming the nominee’s contribution. Regularly supports the wellbeing of others. Reflection shows understanding of care and empathy. Examples are relevant and meaningful. Endorsement is positive and moderately detailed. Occasionally demonstrates kindness or emotional support, but examples are limited or short-term. Reflection and endorsement are general or lack impact. Little or no evidence of care or support. Actions are vague or one-off. Reflection and endorsement are missing or irrelevant. Student Leadership Influence Award
Individual and team nominations welcomed.
(formerly Influential Leader Award)
Demonstrates influential, inclusive leadership with sustained impact. Builds strong networks, drives collaboration, and inspires change. Reflection provides deep insight into leadership journey. Evidence of success (e.g. projects, testimonials, data) is strong and relevant. Leads one or more successful initiatives with some community impact. Collaborates effectively and reflects on personal leadership. Some supporting evidence included. Shows some leadership but limited in scope or continuity. Reflection lacks insight or clarity. Minimal or unclear evidence of outcomes. No demonstrated leadership or influence. No reflection or examples of engagement. No supporting documentation provided. Intercultural Impact Award
(formerly Cultural Engagement Excellence Award)
Leads significant intercultural initiatives (individual or team) that promote inclusion and cultural awareness. Engages meaningfully with diverse groups. Reflects deeply on impact and personal learning. Provides a detailed supporting testimonial. Evidence of reach and outcomes is strong if included, but not required. Actively participates in or supports cultural activities (individual or team). Demonstrates a good understanding of inclusion and engagement. Reflection and testimonial are present but less detailed. Some supporting evidence provided or referenced. Limited engagement in cultural initiatives. Basic reflection provided. Testimonial is vague and supporting evidence is minimal or absent. No clear involvement in intercultural work. Submission lacks depth, reflection, or testimonial. No evidence of impact or supporting materials provided.