2008 President's Student Leadership and Service Awards

Overview of Award

The President's Student Leadership & Service Awards are facilitated in coordination with the Office of the President, Office for Student Affairs, University of Minnesota Alumni Association and Student Unions & Activities.

The University of Minnesota takes pride in developing tomorrow's leaders. Each year, the President's Student Leadership and Service Awards (PSLSA) recognize the accomplishments and contributions made by outstanding student leaders at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. It is presented to approximately one-half of one percent of the student body for their exceptional leadership and service to the University of Minnesota and the surrounding community. Awards will be presented at the President's Award Banquet taking place on May 5th, 2008 in the Great Hall of Coffman Union.

Undergraduate candidates who apply for the PSLSA can also be considered for the UMAA Student Leadership Award and the Donald R. Zander Award for Outstanding Student Leadership. Graduate candidates who apply for the PSLSA can also be considered for the Mary A. McEvoy Public Engagement and Leadership Awards. Following the selection committee review of applications in February, candidates will be notified if they are PSLSA recipients and given further information on subsequent application processes in March, if applicable.

Judging Criteria

The President's Student Leadership & Service Award nominations will be reviewed by a diverse committee consisting of a combination of University of Minnesota students, faculty and staff members. They will review the nominations and base their award decisions upon the following criteria:

1. Activities mentioned in the essays must take place between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2007.
2. Essays give clear examples of ways in which the student's leadership strengths were demonstrated.
3. The information provided clearly communicates the student's leadership experience, both through formal leadership positions and informal opportunities. It further demonstrates the following:
• Self-Knowledge: The basic understanding of one's talents, values, interests, especially as these relate to the student's capacity to provide effective leadership.
• Leadership Competence: The capacity to mobilize oneself and others to serve and work collaboratively.
• Affective Capability of Leadership: The capability of the student's leadership to positively affect change in regards to the individual, the group, and the greater community/society.

Awards Process

1. All nomination materials are due in the Student Activities Office by Friday, February 8th
2. Hold PSLSA Selection Committee Training/Orientation by February 15th
3. The PSLSA Selection committee will meet to decide recipients: February 18th - 25th
4. Recipient Notification: March 3rd
5. Awards presented at the PSLSA Banquet on Monday, May 5th

• Get information on the 2008 President's Awards Banquet

Nominate a Student

Nominate a student for this prestigious award online starting January 22.

• Undergraduate Students
• Graduate and Professional Students