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ASU Awards

COMING SOON!

Join us in recognising excellence at the ASU Awards. Your nominations shine a spotlight on those who inspire and lead our community forward.

ASU Awards Overview

The Aston Students’ Union Awards celebrate the achievement, dedication, commitment and hard work of Aston students, volunteers, staff and other partners. The awards encompass the traditional Aston Society Awards and the Aston Athletic Union Colours Awards recognising the fantastic achievements of our affiliated clubs and societies.

Nomination Process and Criteria

Awards will not be given on the basis of the quantity of the Nominations per person, they will be awarded for the quality of the work or the achievement, accomplished by the nominee(s). Please do look at the definition for each award and the criteria associated with each of them. You do not necessarily have to answer all the questions for the nominations, but the answers are taken into consideration by the review panel when discussing each award. The link to the nomination form can be found within the drop down menu for each award below.

Award Categories

Spotlight on Achievements!

Year Group Awards

FIRST YEAR STUDENT OF THE YEAR

The award is presented to a first year student who has demonstrated dedication to Aston Students’ Union throughout the year by participating in events, joining clubs or/and societies and demonstrated exceptional commitment.

• The student must be in the first year of study at Aston University.
• This does not include repeat years.
• Involvement that went above and beyond what is ordinarily expected.
• Involvement in charitable work and/or fundraising activity.

PLACEMENT STUDENT OF THE YEAR

The award will be presented to a student who demonstrated continued dedication to Aston Students’ Union and/or the Aston community during their placement year. This can include supporting other placement students, supporting clubs and societies, attending Aston Students’ Union events, and running in elections.

• Students must be on placement throughout the academic year.
• Involvement that went above and beyond what is ordinarily expected.

POSTGRADUATE STUDENT OF THE YEAR

The award is presented to a student studying for their master's, postgraduate taught or postgraduate research degree who has demonstrated dedication to Aston Students’ Union throughout the year by participating in events, joining clubs or/and societies and demonstrated exceptional commitment.

• The student must be a master's, postgraduate taught, or postgraduate research student at Aston University.
• Involvement that went above and beyond what is ordinarily expected.
• Involvement in charitable work and/or fundraising activity.

General Union Awards

BEST COLLABORATION

This award recognises the groups that have worked collaboratively on an event, activity, or project to help achieve something special, more memorable, and build important connections. The collaboration must be between at least 2 student-led groups (e.g., a club and another club, society and another society, a club and society), the University, or another institution’s club or society.

• Detail the event/activity/project that you have worked together on.
• All groups using excellent communication skills.

INCLUSIVITY AWARD

The Club(s) or Society(s) who has strived to be the most inclusive this academic year. This could include, but is not limited to: Increasing accessibility for disabled students, creating safe spaces for students with protected characteristics, hosting events that make everyone feel welcome, showing improvement of gender equality, showing diversity within committee members, evidencing effort to include diverse members in your club or society.

• Increasing accessibility for disabled students.
• Creating safe spaces for students with protected characteristics.
• Hosting events that make everyone feel welcome.
• Showing improvement of gender equality.
• Showing diversity within committee members.
• Evidencing effort to include diverse members in your club or society.

INTERNATIONAL BUDDY SCHEME

The award is presented to a student who has demonstrated dedication to the International Buddy Scheme throughout the year by participating in events, regularly reaching out to their buddy, sharing their cultural capital, and making the most of their time at Aston.

• The student must be enrolled in the International Buddy Scheme.
• Have attended at least one social event.
• Only members of the International Buddy Scheme can nominate one another.

UK BUDDY SCHEME

The award is presented to a student who has demonstrated dedication to the UK Buddy Scheme throughout the year by participating in events, regularly reaching out to their buddy, and going above and beyond to make their buddy feel at home at Aston.

• The student must be enrolled in the UK Buddy Scheme.
• Have attended at least one social event.
• Only members of the UK Buddy Scheme can nominate one another.

TEAM SPIRIT

It is designed to acknowledge the effort made by an individual or group who have worked with a number of individuals/communities within Aston to achieve a positive outcome and benefit the wider Aston student population.

• Excellent communication.
• Excellent organisation.
• Excellent time management.
• Excellent team working skills.
• Display sensitivity to the diverse nature of the student population.

FRIEND OF THE UNION

The award recognises outstanding support given to Aston Students’ Union from people who are not full members. This includes Aston University staff, members of the community, alumni etc.

• Not full members of Aston Students' Union.
• Outstanding dedication and support given to Aston Students' Union.

SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

The Sustainability Award recognizes the accomplishments of a student/group based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This award celebrates and honours the successes and recognizes those who have gone above and beyond to make Aston more sustainable.

• The student/group has made contribution to make Aston a better place through sustainable initiatives both for sustainability and sustainable development.
• The student/group has campaigned and/or organised events to promote sustainability and sustainable development.
• The student/group has demonstrated their ability to work as part of a team, demonstrate inclusivity in their work and have made a valuable contribution to sustainability and sustainable development on Campus and in the wider Aston community.

CHARITY AND VOLUNTEERING IMPACT

The award acknowledges the effort made by an individual or event in relation to charity work and/or fundraising. This is awarded to the individual, collective, or event that exhibited good organisational, communication, and time management skills whilst pursuing philanthropic objectives.

• Student engagement.
• Excellent organisation.
• Excellent communication.

UNION STAFF RECOGNITION

The award recognises outstanding support given to Aston Students by a member of the Aston Students Union staffing team. A student panel will review the nominations and decide the winner.

• Outstanding dedication and support given to Aston Students.

UNION SILVER

Awarded to someone who has shown dedication and commitment above and beyond the call of duty to Aston Students' Union throughout 1 academic year.

• Excellent communication.
• Demonstrated dedication and commitment to Aston Students' Union in 1 academic year.
• Display sensitivity to the diverse nature of the student population.

UNION GOLD

Awarded to someone who has shown dedication and commitment to Aston Students' Union continually over a number of years. Can only be awarded if Silver award has already been received.

• Excellent communication.
• Excellent team working skills.
• Demonstrated dedication and commitment to Aston Students' Union in more than 1 academic year or demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication in just 1 academic year.
• Display sensitivity to the diverse nature of the student population.

UNION PLATINUM

Awarded to someone who has shown dedication and commitment to Aston Students' Union continually for 3+ years. Can only be awarded if Silver and Gold awards have already been received.

• Excellent communication.
• Excellent team working skills.
• Demonstrated dedication and commitment to Aston Students' Union in 3 or more academic years.
• Display sensitivity to the diverse nature of the student population.

Athletic Union Awards

COACH OF THE YEAR

The award recognises the impact of a coach and their contribution to the success of our student-led clubs. Must be a registered volunteer or paid coach with the SU for this academic year.

• Created a lasting positive influence on your members.
• Developed the performance standard of teams and/or individuals.
• Showed regular commitment.
• Have supported the development of skills such as leadership, organisation, and teamwork.
• Contributed to the success of club development or fixture(s).

ATHLETIC UNION HALF COLOURS

Awarded to someone who has shown dedication and commitment above and beyond the call of duty to any position involved in the organisation of the Athletic Union.

• A member of an Athletic union club.
• Nominated by the club committee.
• Demonstrated dedication and commitment to the society in at least 1 academic year (second year or above students).
• * ONLY COMMITTEE CAN NOMINATE INDIVIDUALS FOR THIS AWARD.

ATHLETIC UNION FULL COLOURS

Awarded to someone who has shown dedication and commitment above and beyond the call of duty to any position involved in the organisation of the Athletic Union continually over a number of years. Can only be awarded if half colours have already been received for the same club.

• A member of an Athletic union club.
• Nominated by the club committee.
• Demonstrated dedication and commitment to the club in more than 1 academic year or demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication in just 1 academic year. Already received Half Colours award.
• * ONLY COMMITTEE CAN NOMINATE INDIVIDUALS FOR THIS AWARD.

MOST IMPROVED CLUB

The award is presented to the club that has demonstrated growth and improvements over the academic year.

• Improvement in competition performance and achievement.
• Improvements and or changes made to the way the club operates.
• Well defined committee planning and aims at the start of the year.
• Meeting the aims of the committee as defined at the start of the year.
• Evidence that the club has overcome any problems they might have faced.
• Evidence the club improved the student experience.

CLUB CHARITY AND VOLUNTEERING IMPACT

The award acknowledges the effort made by a club in relation to charity work and/or fundraising.

• Student engagement.
• Excellent organisation.
• Excellent communication.
• Dedication to charitable objectives.

CLUB EVENT OF THE YEAR

This award recognises a successful club event, both virtually and in person. An event that was innovative, community-building, ambitious, highly successful in its aims, or significantly raised awareness of a relevant topic or culture.

• Excellent organisation.
• Excellent communication.
• The promotion campaign and how it was conducted.
• Events had a high student turnout in terms of numbers.
• The event was inclusive and did not just include one section of the Aston community.

CLUB COMMITTEE OF THE YEAR

This award recognises a successful club committee that have shown high level of organisation, professional behaviour, team work and cohesion with the students’ union and the wider community.

• Excellent communication.
• Good record of attendance at Union Council.
• Excellent organisation.
• The committee should have gone above and beyond what is ordinarily expected.

SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

The award is presented to a student who is a member of a club and who has inspired, influenced and captured the imagination of other Athletic Union members during the academic year.

• Inspiring and influential behaviour and character.
• Recognised and influential personality outside their own club.

CLUB OF THE YEAR

The award is presented to an Aston Athletic Union club in recognition of excellent performance by the club.

• Participation in community volunteering and charity fundraising.
• Set an event during the academic year.
• The club has been affiliated to the Athletic Union throughout the entire academic year.
• The club has no financial deficit.
• Excellent organisation of its activities.
• Consistent good performance in competition.
• Consistent support and involvement of all members.
• A well-structured schedule of training, activities, trips.
• Evidence of committee members maintaining a professional attitude.
• Effective organisation.
• Excellent communication with the Athletic Union and club membership.

SIR ADRIAN CADBURY

The award is given out in memory of the late Sir Adrian Cadbury, former Chancellor of Aston University and Honorary President of the Aston Athletic Union. The Sir Adrian Cadbury Cup is presented to an individual student for overall outstanding contribution to sport and to the Aston community. This outstanding contribution can encompass activity within competition and in the wider Aston community life. The award is the highest award given out to an individual by the Aston Athletic Union.

• Final year student.
• An Aston Athletic Union club member.
• Outstanding contribution to sport and sporting life.
• Contribution to Aston life and/or the wider community including but not limited to volunteering, charitable campaigns and involvement as an Aston Auntie.

Societies Federation Awards

SOCIETIES FEDERATION SILVER AWARD

Awarded to someone who has shown dedication and commitment above and beyond the call of duty to any position involved in the organisation of the Aston Societies Federation.

• A member of a society
• Nominated by the society committee
• Demonstrated dedication and commitment to the society in at least 1 academic year (second year or above students)
• * ONLY COMMITTEE CAN NOMINATE INDIVIDUALS FOR THIS AWARD

SOCIETIES FEDERATION GOLD AWARD

Awarded to someone who has shown dedication and commitment above and beyond the call of duty to any position involved in the organisation of the Aston Societies Federation continually over a number of years. Can only be awarded if Silver award have already been received.

• A member of a society
• Nominated by the society committee
• Demonstrated dedication and commitment to the society in more than 1 academic year or demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication in just 1 academic year. Already received Silver (formerly Half Colours) award
• * ONLY COMMITTEE CAN NOMINATE INDIVIDUALS FOR THIS AWARD

SOCIETY CHARITY & VOLUNTEERING IMPACT

The award acknowledges the effort made by a society in relation to charity work and/or fundraising.

• Student engagement
• Excellent organisation
• Excellent communication
• Dedication to charitable objectives

MOST IMPROVED SOCIETY OF THE YEAR

The award is presented to the society that has demonstrated growth and improvements over the academic year.

• Must have been a society for at least one full academic year.
• Demonstrate growth or improvement through increased memberships, events, activities, or improved member engagement.
• Improved communication between committee members and the SU.

NEW SOCIETY OF THE YEAR

This award recognizes a newly formed society that has had an impact within its first year.

• Created in the current academic year.
• Successfully organizes events and activities for its members.
• Shows potential for growth and sustainability for future years.
• Good, regular communication between the society and Aston SU.

SOCIETY EVENT OF THE YEAR

This award recognizes a successful society event, both virtually and in person.

• Excellent organization
• Excellent communication
• Effective promotion campaign
• High student turnout
• Inclusivity within the Aston community

SOCIETY COMMITTEE OF THE YEAR

This award recognizes a successful club committee that has shown a high level of organization, professional behavior, teamwork, and cohesion with the students’ union and the wider community.

• Excellent communication
• Good record of attendance at Union Council
• Excellent organization
• The committee should have gone above and beyond what is ordinarily expected. This may include but is not limited to running numerous trips, attending numerous competitions, hosting numerous events, or a particularly excellent event.

SOCIETY PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

The Societies Personality of the Year Award is presented to a student whose actions have most captured the Students’ union/body imagination during the academic year.

Other Notes: Each society to nominate one member. The shortlist is to be published before the event.

• A member of a society
• Nominated by the society committee
• Demonstrated character and inspiration

SOCIETY ACHIEVEMENT

The award is presented to an individual in recognition of outstanding dedication and performance within their society during the academic year. This could be dedication and performance that has helped the society to establish, gain new members and grow or put on new events and services to members.

• The individual must have demonstrated exceptional performance as compared with the rest of the society cohort
• Dedication to the society
• Commitment of time and effort over and above what is ordinarily expected

SOCIETY OF THE YEAR

This award is presented to the society that worked hard for the benefits of their members. The society must have excelled in all areas.

• Planning fantastic events and a strong committee
• Raised money for charity
• Set an event during the academic year
• The society was affiliated to the Societies Federation for the entire academic year
• The society has no financial deficit
• The society has exceeded the expectations of its members and the Students' Union