Student Leader Awards

Distinguished Rising Leader Award

• Description: Celebrates an underclassman who has made an immediate and profound impact on campus life during their first or second year.
• Criteria:
  • Exhibits an outstanding commitment to leadership, academics, and service early in their college career.
  • Rapidly integrates into the campus community, showing high initiative and perseverance.
  • Makes meaningful contributions and includes others in decision-making processes.
• Nomination Requirements:
  • Completed nomination form.
  • 500-word Reflective Statement written by the student (or a detailed third-party narrative) outlining their growth, engagement, and vision.
  • 1 Faculty/Staff Recommendation Letter. 

The Distinguished Senior Leader Award

• Description: This is the pinnacle individual honor at Mason Korea. It is presented to a student who has exhibited an exceptional, sustained commitment to leadership, academics, and service during their third year or above.
• Criteria:
  • Demonstrates a multi-year record of outstanding service, leadership, and academic achievement.
  • Continuously makes meaningful, legacy-level contributions to students, the University, and the surrounding community.
  • Shows ongoing flexibility, initiative, creativity, and perseverance. 
    Engages others with dignity, shares a clear vision, and leads with high integrity.
• Nomination Requirements:
  • Completed nomination form.
  • 2-Page Leadership Portfolio detailing major accomplishments, mentorship roles, and institutional impact over their tenure.
  • 1 Faculty/Staff Recommendation Letter validating their campus contributions. 

Community Engagement Award

• Description: Presented to a student whose dedication to civic engagement and external partnerships has bridged the gap between Mason Korea and the greater community.
• Criteria:
  • Actively involved in a Mason Korea organization or civic initiative.
  • Strives to build active, meaningful partnerships between the university and the external local community.
  • Embodies Mason Korea spirit and creates lasting positive social impacts.
• Nomination Requirements:
  • Completed nomination form.
  • 1-Page Impact Summary detailing service hours, external partnership projects, or community programs organized.
  • 1 Faculty/Staff Sign-Off/Endorsement. 

University Life Award

• Description: Presented to a student who has significantly contributed to building a cohesive, supportive, and vibrant campus-wide community through active leadership and initiative.
• Criteria:
  • Made a measurable, positive impact on the overall Mason Korea community culture.
  • Influenced the development, onboarding, and mentoring of future student leaders.
  • Inspires others and successfully draws out the strengths and talents of peers.
• Nomination Requirements:
  • Completed nomination form.
  • 1-Page Impact Summary highlighting specific community-building initiatives or mentoring programs led by the nominee.
  • 1 Faculty/Staff Sign-Off/Endorsement. 

United Nations Scholarship Award

• Description:
  • The United Nations Scholarship Award is presented to students selected to represent Mason Korea through participation in a distinguished global leadership program held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
  • This award recognizes students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to international engagement.
  • As part of the program, students travel to the UN Headquarters to deepen their understanding of the United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They collaborate with fellow participants to develop policy proposals and present their ideas on global issues—gaining invaluable insight into careers in international organizations.
• Criteria:
  • Demonstrates strong academic performance
  • Has shown meaningful involvement in SDG-related activities or global initiatives
  • Possesses the ability to represent Mason Korea with integrity and professionalism on a global stage
  • Contributes positively to the Mason Korea community and its development
  • Exhibits a clear commitment to global citizenship, leadership, and service

RA of the Semester

• Description:
  • The RA of the Semester Award recognizes one exceptional Resident Assistant who has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the residential experience at Mason Korea. This award celebrates an RA who has consistently shown dedication, leadership, and a genuine commitment to supporting their residents, building community, and contributing to the overall success of IGC Housing.
• Nomination Process:
  • What makes this award especially meaningful is that it is voted on by the residents themselves. The recipient is chosen based on the positive influence they’ve had in the eyes of those they served—making this award not just a recognition of excellence, but also a reflection of the deep appreciation and trust from the student community.

Collaborative Spirit Award

• Description: Rewards two or more distinct, non-complementary student organizations that crossed traditional silos (General Interest, Performance, Sports) to execute a joint initiative.
• Criteria:
  • Outstanding team effort in planning and executing a joint program or series.
  • Achieved shared goals through genuine cooperative labor and mutual member development.
  • Enhanced the broader campus community through cross-disciplinary synergy.
• Nomination Requirements:
  • Completed joint nomination form co-signed by leadership from all involved organizations.
  • 1-Page Collaboration Overview detailing how the distinct purposes of the groups complemented each other to create unique value. 

Performance Organization of the Year Award

• Description: Honors a student-led performance group (dance, music, etc.) that elevated campus morale and artistic culture through rigorous dedication and public showcases.
• Criteria:
  • Demonstrates high standards in production, regular rehearsal commitment, and polished public showcases.
  • Actively energizes the student body through high-visibility cultural events.
  • Fosters an inclusive environment for members of varying skill levels.
• Nomination Requirements:
  • Completed nomination form.
  • 2-Page Portfolio featuring event flyers, performance dates, audience turnout data, and 3-5 high-resolution photos/clips of showcases.
  • Mandatory Faculty/Staff Advisor Sign-Off at the time of submission 

Sports & Recreation Organization of the Year Award

• Description: Honors a sports club, recreational team, or fitness organization that successfully championed active living, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
• Criteria:
  • Maintained active membership, structured training schedules, and organized competitive or recreational events.
  • Exemplified high standards of sportsmanship, safety, and positive institutional representation.
  • Successfully promoted a healthy, active lifestyle across the broader campus community.
• Nomination Requirements:
  • Completed nomination form.
  • 2-Page Activity Summary detailing tournaments, regular matches, practice frequencies, and membership engagement metrics.
  • Mandatory Faculty/Staff Advisor Sign-Off at the time of submission. 

Outstanding Program of the Year Award

• Description: This award is presented to a student organization for a single standout event, initiative, or program series that successfully merged creative new ideas with intellectual growth, active learning, or diverse community engagement, significantly enhancing the overall campus environment at Mason Korea.
• Criteria:
  • Introduced fresh ideas, unique formats, or innovative activities to the Mason Korea community.
  • Actively reinforced the importance of academic learning, scholarship, or critical thinking outside the classroom.
  • Engaged students in active learning or unique social settings while encouraging reflection and thought-provoking discussions.
  • Intentionally included and addressed the needs and concerns of diverse student populations.
• Nomination Requirements:
  • Completed nomination form (self or third-party).
  • Program Summary Packet (Max 2 pages) detailing event objectives, target audience reach, and student participation metrics.
  • Program Artifact Packet including promotional graphics, event outlines, or learning materials, alongside brief attendee feedback or qualitative evaluation

Student Organization of the Year Award

• Description: The flagship award for general interest RSOs or student groups (Student Government, The Voice, n-Lingual) that excelled in operations and campus life.
• Criteria:
  • Demonstrates deep commitment to the organization’s core mission and purpose.
  • Actively contributes to student life, university goals, and the surrounding community.
  • Collaborates effectively with other student groups and university departments.
• Nomination Requirements:
  • Completed nomination form.
  • 2-Page Organization Impact Sheet (summary of events, meeting consistency, and membership metrics).
  • Mandatory Faculty/Staff Advisor Sign-Off at the time of submission. 

Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award

• Description: Presented to a faculty or staff advisor who has exhibited exceptional guidance, mentorship, and service to a recognized Mason Korea student organization, empowering students to lead while offering steady behind-the-scenes support.
• Criteria:
  • Serves as the official advisor for a currently recognized Mason Korea student organization.
  • Successfully empowers students to take ownership and responsibility for the direction of the organization while providing constructive advice, encouragement, and operational support.
  • Actively values diversity and encourages respect for differences among students and student groups.
• Nomination Requirements:
  • Completed nomination form  
  • If submitted by student organization executive board members
    • 1-Page Student Testimonial Statement detailing specific instances where the advisor provided impactful mentorship, conflict resolution, or operational guidance over the year.
  • If submission is a faculty/staff self or peer nomination  
    • Testimonial Statement detailing specific instances where the advisor provided impactful mentorship, conflict resolution, or operational guidance over the year.
    • 2 Student Endorsements