Excellence in Student Leadership Awards


Awards Criteria

Leadership award nominations are open to ALL students enrolled in programs on the Agricultural Campus, which includes diploma, undergrad and graduate students within the Faculty of Agriculture, and Truro Start students with both the Faculty of Computer Science and the Faculty of Science. Please review the award descriptions for award specific criteria. 

Students who have previously received an award are not eligible to be nominated for that same award in subsequent years. 

A student may only receive one leadership award each year, apart from the DASA Outstanding Club and Society Contribution to Campus; students involved in the club or society receiving the above award are eligible for individual awards in the same year. 

The Leadership Awards on the Agricultural Campus were reviewed in 2023/24 to ensure that the awards being offered are reflective of the leadership being demonstrated by our student population. This review resulted in the updating of existing awards and the creation of several new awards. 

Phillip Stead Memorial Excellence in Student Leadership Award

The Phillip Stead Memorial Excellence in Student Leadership Award aims to reward and encourage a student with outstanding leadership on the Agricultural Campus and/or within the community. The student must have demonstrated their capacity to have improved student and general life on Agricultural Campus by organizing or leading groups, events and activities on or off-campus. Selection for this award will include academic performance, financial need, and other awards that have been granted to the nominee.

*In addition to completing the nomination form please submit a CV by email to ssdalac@dal.ca by 9 am (AT) Friday, March 1, 2024. 

Thanks to the generous support of the Stead Family the award recipient will receive a $2500 award. 

2022/23 Award Winner: Jing Lu, Doctor of Philosophy Agricultural Sciences

Faculty of Agriculture Leadership Award

The Faculty of Agriculture Leadership Award recognizes a student in good academic standing at the Faculty of Agriculture, who exemplifies the highest level of passion for their discipline, takes initiative in creating new opportunities and encourages their peers to engage in campus initiatives. The award winner positively impacts other students in their faculty and the reputation of their faculty at Dalhousie outside of the classroom. The award recipient will receive a gift at the Excellence in Student Leadership Award Banquet in Truro.  

This award is also presented at the IMPACT Awards in Halifax. 

2022/23 Award Winner: Gabrielle Schenkels, BSc (Agr) Agricultural Business

Campus Housing Leadership Award

The Campus Housing Leadership Award seeks to celebrate individuals who have played a pivotal role in creating a home away from home for their fellow house mates. Join us in recognizing those who embody the spirit of community leadership, making a lasting impact on the shared living experience at Dal AC. The Campus Housing Leadership Award is dedicated to honoring an exceptional student who has made significant contributions to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community within campus housing. This award celebrates their dedication in forging a sense of belonging, connection, and support among their fellow students. The award recipient will receive a gift at the Excellence in Student Leadership Award Banquet.

2022/23 Award Winner: Sama Chouceir, BSc (Agr) Animal Science (formally the Residence Life Leadership Award)

Dalhousie Agricultural Students’ Association Leadership Awards

Outstanding Student Leader in Club Affairs

The chosen student for the Outstanding Student Leader in Club Affairs Leadership Award has dedicated their time and passion into broadening the student community through club or society growth, creation, or modification. This student has spent time carefully outlining the club’s goals and events throughout the year and is detailed in their reporting. They also submit all of their club reports in a timely manner. The student who most fits these qualifications will be picked by the DASA team. The recipient of this award will receive a $200 monetary prize, generously provided by DASA. 

Outstanding Club or Society Contribution on Campus

The chosen club or society for the Outstanding Club and Society Contribution on Campus Leadership Award has gone above and beyond to ensure its members are getting the most out of their experience. The club or society frequently organizes engaging and relevant events, meetings, or opportunities. The club or society is diligent in their reporting and fundraising and provides reports in a timely manner. The club or society enhances student’s experiences and embodies the goals and missions set forth at the beginning of the year. The club or society receiving this award will be awarded a $200 monetary prize, generously provided by DASA.

Outstanding AC Student Contribution to their Campus or Surrounding Community

The chosen student for the Outstanding Student Contribution to their Campus and Community Leadership Award has demonstrated, in the current year, outstanding passion and dedication of time, talent or treasure to our campus or surrounding community. This individual makes every effort to expand their university academic experience in ways such as volunteering on or off campus, participating in DASA, Campus Housing, or Campus/Faculty sponsored events, or other student leadership activities. Students may nominate their peers or be self-nominated for this award. A successful candidate will be chosen by the DASA team. The recipient of this award will receive a $200 monetary prize, generously provided by DASA. 

Global Citizenship Leadership Award

The Global Citizenship Leadership Award honours an outstanding student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in building bridges between domestic and international students on campus. This award celebrates individuals who embody the spirit of a global citizen by fostering cross-cultural connections, promoting inclusivity, and creating a harmonious environment that bridges diverse perspectives. It recognizes individuals who foster unity and understanding among domestic and international students, contributing to a more interconnected and vibrant campus. Join us in recognizing those who inspire a sense of global community at Dal AC. The award recipient will receive a $300 monetary prize from the Faculty of Agriculture International Office. 

Student Governance Award

The Student Governance Award recognizes a student who has made a valuable and significant contribution to governance at Dal AC. The award celebrates students who actively and constructively participate in campus governance thought associations, councils and committees. The recipient demonstrates collegiality, inclusiveness and dedication to improving Dal AC though effective governance. The award recipient will receive a gift at the Excellence in Student Leadership Award Banquet.

Advocacy Leadership Award

The Advocacy Leadership Award is presented to a student advocate who is a voice for the student population, or other communities in need. This student is cause driven. The Advocacy Leadership Award recognizes and celebrates the outstanding contributions of a student who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advocacy and social change on our campus. This prestigious award aims to acknowledge and honor individuals whose passion, dedication, and innovative approaches have made a meaningful impact on the lives of their peers and the broader university community. The award recipient will receive a gift at the Excellence in Student Leadership Award Banquet.

Student Wellbeing Leadership Award

The Student Wellbeing Leadership Award seeks to celebrate individuals who have dedicated themselves to promoting a culture of health, happiness, and support within the university community. Join us in recognizing those who embody the spirit of wellbeing, making a lasting impact on the overall health and happiness of our students at Dal AC. The Student Wellbeing Leadership Award recognizes an exceptional student who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to enhancing the overall wellbeing of the university community. This award celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to fostering a healthy and supportive environment, encompassing mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, whether through athletics, student wellness initiatives, or advocating for essential support services. The award recipient will receive a gift at the Excellence in Student Leadership Award Banquet.

New Student Leader Award

The New Student Leader Award shines a spotlight on the vibrant spirit and exceptional contributions of an undergraduate student who, though new to our campus community, has already left an indelible mark on university life. This award celebrates the enthusiasm, dedication, and leadership demonstrated by a student who joined the campus in the current academic year, either as a fresh-faced high school graduate or as a dynamic transfer student. The New Student Leaders Award is not just about making a fresh start; it's about making a dynamic impact. Join us in celebrating those who have embraced their new academic home with open arms and have already become an integral part of the Dal AC family. The award recipient will receive a gift at the Excellence in Student Leadership Award Banquet.

First Year Experience Influencer Award

The First Year Experience Influencer Award honours an exceptional upper-year student who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to supporting the successful transition of new students into the university community. This award celebrates their unwavering dedication to go above and beyond to ensure that new students feel welcome, connected, and equipped for success during their transition to life at Dal AC. The award recipient has played a pivotal role in ensuring that a new student's journey begins with a warm welcome and a pathway to success. The award recipient will receive a gift at the Excellence in Student Leadership Award Banquet.

Everyday Leadership Award

The Everyday Leadership Award celebrates the often unseen, yet powerful impact of everyday leadership exhibited by university students. This award recognizes individuals who, through their personal interactions have significantly contributed to the growth and wellbeing of the university community, whether through the indispensable contributions of a student who stands out as the go-to source for course details within the academic realm, or one who rallies students to supports their peers at varsity or club events. Everyday Leadership celebrates the often subtle, yet transformative leadership exhibited by individuals who make a meaningful difference in the lives of their peers. Join us in recognizing those who embody the spirit of leadership in the little things, contributing to the positive fabric of our university community. The award recipient will receive a gift at the Excellence in Student Leadership Award Banquet.

Best in Barnyard

The Best in Barnyard Award is your chance to give a pawsitively outstanding friend the recognition they deserve. So, whether it's a quack-tastic duck, a woolly wonder, or a feathery friend, let's celebrate the critter that rules the roost on our campus! The Best in Barnyard Award—an udderly delightful recognition for the campus's most cherished four-legged friend! This award celebrates the quirkiest, fluffiest, and feathered individuals who bring an extra dose of whimsy to our university grounds. It's time to put on your fanciest hooves and feathers because we're crowning the "Best in Barnyard"!

Nominations should include a photo of the animal sent to ssdalac@dal.ca. Any campus animal is eligible to be nominated. The student who nominated the award recipient will be invited to attend the Leadership Banquet in March. 

Kudos

While a student may not meet the criteria for any of the above awards we know they have still achieve personal, professional, and academic goals, and we want to hear about them. Share you own or another student's successes with us! This is your time to say thank you to a study partner, a friend or classmate or acknowledge their recent accomplishment. 

Kudos can be for personal, professional, or academic accomplishments. They will be shared during awards celebration on March 21st and on our Instagram, @dalacstudentlife, in the days leading up to the event. Submissions for kudos will remain open until March 18th. 

2022/23 Kudos: Morgan McAvoy, Noah Fraser, Rachel Sheffield, Tim Ching, Residence Guest Sign-in Staff, Chapman RA Team, Trueman RA Team, Fraser RA Team, Chapman House Council, Trueman House Council, Fraser House Council, & Student Success Peer Advisors.

 

Who can nominate

Anyone can nominate a student for one of the Student Advancement In Leadership Awards and we encourage staff, faculty, students, and community members to submit nominations. You can even nominate yourself if you wanted to. Nominations will open in February. Nominations are accepted for all Dalhousie Agricultural Campus Students regardless of level or year of study provided they meet the specific criteria for each award.

Nominations close on Thursday, February 29th at midnight.

How to nominate

It's as easy as...

1.  Select the award from the list above to navigate to the nomination form. 

2. Complete and submit the form online.

When nominating an individual be as detailed as possible about a student's accomplishments and involvement and prove how they fit the award criteria above. It may be helpful to talk with a student in person about their achievements to better inform your nomination.