2023
Student
Experience
Awards
Nominations have now closed.
Let's celebrate your achievements.
It’s that time of the year again – the UNSA Student Experience Awards! This is your chance to shine a spotlight on the remarkable students who make a significant difference in our community.
We are now accepting nominations from all University of Newcastle students for the following four categories, along with additional awards for student clubs and Opus student media:
Nominating is easy, and takes just 6-10 minutes (depending on the length of your responses).
STUDENT EXPERIENCE AWARDS
UNSA CLUB AWARDS
OPUS STUDENT MEDIA AWARDS
Why Participate?
Studying at the University of Newcastle isn’t just about getting a degree. It’s about making social connections, learning new skills, exploring a new culture (if you’re new to ‘Newy’), and feeling like you’re part of a community.
The UNSA Student Experience Awards celebrate and recognise the outstanding achievements, dedication, and contributions of students at the University of Newcastle. By participating, you help us honour those who go above and beyond to enhance the university experience for all.
How to Nominate
You can nominate yourself for as many categories you feel appropriate. Or, if you know a current student who deserves some recognition – you can nominate them!
Nominations are received online. All you need to do is follow these steps:
- Click the ‘Nominate Now’ link below.
- Fill out the online nomination form, including the nominee’s name, category, and a brief description of their outstanding achievements while studying at the University of Newcastle.
- Follow any prompts in the form. You’ll have the opportunity to share a detailed response as to why you believe this student (or yourself) deserves recognition.
Important Dates
- Nominations Open: 23rd October 2023, 9AM(AEDT)
- Nominations Close: 30th October, 2023, 5PM (AEDT)
- Award Ceremony: 10th November, 2023 (at the annual UNSA Ball)
All award winners will recieve 1x free ticket to the 2023 UNSA Ball, held on 10th November 2023 at Newcastle Town Hall.
(Winners who have already purchased a ticket will be able to nominate another current student to receive free entry to the 2023 UNSA Annual Ball).
Please Note: Current staff and SRC/Board members of UNSA are not eligible to receive an award in the 2023 UNSA Student Experience Awards.
List of Awards
Student Experience Awards:
- Student Perseverance Award
- Student Peer Support Award
- Campus Contribution Award
- Student Excellence Award
UNSA Club Awards:
- Club of the Year Award
- Newcomer Club of the Year Award
- Club Executive of the Year Award
Opus Student Media Awards:
- Print Contributor of the Year Award
- Online Contributor of the Year Award
- Opus Artist of the Year Award
AWARD INFORMATION: STUDENT EXPERIENCE AWARDS
Student Perseverance Award
Ask any student, and they'll tell you just how challenging student life can be. Group work, deadlines, essays and assignments, late-night classes, examinations, journal articles, thesis chapters, lectures from your supervisor… The academic rigours alone can be intense.
For some students, however, there are even greater challenges than these. Injury or illness. Family problems. Homesickness. Financial hardship. Trying to juggle work, study and parenthood. For some of us, this year has been a constant battle just to keep standing, to keep moving forward – and something to celebrate when we do.
The Student Perseverance Award highlights those students who have continued to make progress in their degree despite the enormous adversities and challenges they have faced this year. It goes to those who've shown exceptional fortitude and resolve, adapting to new circumstances or bearing sudden upheavals without ever giving up.
Nominations for this award are open to:
- All current University of Newcastle students.
For some students, however, there are even greater challenges than these. Injury or illness. Family problems. Homesickness. Financial hardship. Trying to juggle work, study and parenthood. For some of us, this year has been a constant battle just to keep standing, to keep moving forward – and something to celebrate when we do.
The Student Perseverance Award highlights those students who have continued to make progress in their degree despite the enormous adversities and challenges they have faced this year. It goes to those who've shown exceptional fortitude and resolve, adapting to new circumstances or bearing sudden upheavals without ever giving up.
Nominations for this award are open to:
- All current University of Newcastle students.
Student Peer Support Award
University is not just a place to study, but to make new friends. And rightly so: good friends make our time here even richer, more exciting and enjoyable. They help us feel connected to community, something bigger than the classroom. And our best friends keep us going when nothing else can – when life, and our studies, become too difficult to navigate alone.
The Student Peer Support Award recognises those students who are always there to help their friends. The ones who make time to catch up with you, and are always there to listen when you need to vent your frustrations or talk about your fears. The ones who do all the little things day that support you, encourage you, and inspire you to be the best version of yourself. Recipients of this award are true friends that make a positive difference in the lives of their fellow students. They cheer you up when you’ve had a rough week, help you move house, and lend you a pen when you've forgotten yours. They are kind, thoughtful, selfless and reliable, looking out for others and making them feel welcome in the office, the classroom or online.
Nominations for this award are open to:
- All current University of Newcastle students.
The Student Peer Support Award recognises those students who are always there to help their friends. The ones who make time to catch up with you, and are always there to listen when you need to vent your frustrations or talk about your fears. The ones who do all the little things day that support you, encourage you, and inspire you to be the best version of yourself. Recipients of this award are true friends that make a positive difference in the lives of their fellow students. They cheer you up when you’ve had a rough week, help you move house, and lend you a pen when you've forgotten yours. They are kind, thoughtful, selfless and reliable, looking out for others and making them feel welcome in the office, the classroom or online.
Nominations for this award are open to:
- All current University of Newcastle students.
Campus Contribution Award
The best part of student life is student community. A thriving student community allows you to make new friends, learn new skills, get strong support and feel included. There are tons of amazing clubs, social groups and initiatives on campus, but none would exist at all without students to start them – those who have an idea, make plans, bring people together and get the ball rolling, so that something new and incredible can grow.
The Campus Contribution Award celebrates those students who cultivate a positive, supportive and vibrant student culture, and who demonstrate outstanding commitment to enhancing the experience of their fellow students. Recipients of this award are involved, active and inclusive in the community, either on campus or online; they are social connectors that draw other students in to participate in clubs, activities and events, and help them have a great time. Those who are involved and enthusiastic, network widely among their peers, attend numerous events, lead highly successful clubs or build community and joy are all ideal nominees for this award.
Nominations for this award are open to:
- All current University of Newcastle students.
The Campus Contribution Award celebrates those students who cultivate a positive, supportive and vibrant student culture, and who demonstrate outstanding commitment to enhancing the experience of their fellow students. Recipients of this award are involved, active and inclusive in the community, either on campus or online; they are social connectors that draw other students in to participate in clubs, activities and events, and help them have a great time. Those who are involved and enthusiastic, network widely among their peers, attend numerous events, lead highly successful clubs or build community and joy are all ideal nominees for this award.
Nominations for this award are open to:
- All current University of Newcastle students.
Student Excellence Award
For the student who has everything! The Student Excellence Award celebrates a true all-rounder: someone whose dedication to their studies is complemented by strong participation in community groups and organisations, volunteering, professional development, student leadership and advocacy, or any combination of the above.
Recipients of this award take on a range of responsibilities in their daily lives, be it personal, professional or academic, and go above and beyond to make a positive impact on university culture. They seek diverse opportunities and frequently step outside their comfort zone. They help give voice to their fellow students. Their multitasking skills are legendary. In short, the Student Excellence Award celebrates true student champions that embrace with vigour every part of university life. If you know someone who inspires you, does a thousand and one things and seeks constantly to develop themselves, this is a fantastic opportunity to recognise them.
Nominations for this award are open to:
- All current University of Newcastle students.
Recipients of this award take on a range of responsibilities in their daily lives, be it personal, professional or academic, and go above and beyond to make a positive impact on university culture. They seek diverse opportunities and frequently step outside their comfort zone. They help give voice to their fellow students. Their multitasking skills are legendary. In short, the Student Excellence Award celebrates true student champions that embrace with vigour every part of university life. If you know someone who inspires you, does a thousand and one things and seeks constantly to develop themselves, this is a fantastic opportunity to recognise them.
Nominations for this award are open to:
- All current University of Newcastle students.
AWARD INFORMATION: UNSA CLUBS
Club of the Year Award
Clubs are the beating heart of the university experience. They are where new friends are made, new ideas are born and new opportunities start. UNSA’s Club of the Year Award recognises the one club who have made the greatest contribution to the student experience at the University of Newcastle this year.
Nominations for this award are open to:
- All student clubs at University of Newcastle which have been affiliated with UNSA during calendar year 2023.
Nominations for this award are open to:
- All student clubs at University of Newcastle which have been affiliated with UNSA during calendar year 2023.
Newcomer Club of the Year
Forming a club requires great passion and perseverance from an entire committee of students. While some university clubs have contributed to student life for decades, UNSA’s Newcomer Club of the Year Award celebrates the best club that formed throughout 2023.
Nominations for this award are open to:
- UNSA-affiliated student clubs at University of Newcastle which formed during calendar year 2023.
Nominations for this award are open to:
- UNSA-affiliated student clubs at University of Newcastle which formed during calendar year 2023.
Club Executive of the Year
All student clubs are run by volunteer committee members, elected by their peers. On top of their study and commitments to work and home life, they dedicate many hours throughout the year to their club. Without club executives, clubs would not function, and university life would be much less fun. The Club Executive of the Year Award recognises the student volunteer whose dedication to their club goes above and beyond.
Nominations for this award are open to:
- All executive members of a student club at University of Newcastle, affiliated with UNSA during calendar year 2023.
Nominations for this award are open to:
- All executive members of a student club at University of Newcastle, affiliated with UNSA during calendar year 2023.
AWARD INFORMATION: OPUS STUDENT MEDIA
Print Contributor of the Year
In the pages of the Opus print magazine, words transform into stories, ideas take shape, and creativity knows no bounds. Our "Print Contributor of the Year" award is a tribute to those students who have lent their voices to the ink and paper of our publications during the year 2023.
Eligibility:
- Printed by Opus: This award celebrates any contributor who graced our print paperback magazine or zine with their work. Each page is a canvas, and every word a stroke of artistry.
- Punctuality: To be eligible, contributors must demonstrate a consistent commitment to punctuality. Timely proposal and submission of articles show respect for deadlines and office hours, making the editorial process a smoother journey for all.
- Writing Quality: Quality is paramount. The recipient of this award is recognised for their exceptional written ability, eloquence, and the mastery of language.
- Diversity of Content: The scope of their work is boundless. It spans the realms of research, emotional labour, innovation, and a unique point of view. They take us on journeys through the uncharted territories of human experiences and knowledge.
The "Print Contributor of the Year" award is a celebration of those whose words are more than mere text; they are journeys, emotions, and revelations. Their contributions have enriched our pages, and they've woven themselves into the very fabric of Opus. In the ink and paper of our magazine, they've made their mark, and now it's time to mark their exceptional contribution with this prestigious accolade.
Join us in recognising the student whose creativity and dedication have made 2023's print issues unforgettable.
Eligibility:
- Printed by Opus: This award celebrates any contributor who graced our print paperback magazine or zine with their work. Each page is a canvas, and every word a stroke of artistry.
- Punctuality: To be eligible, contributors must demonstrate a consistent commitment to punctuality. Timely proposal and submission of articles show respect for deadlines and office hours, making the editorial process a smoother journey for all.
- Writing Quality: Quality is paramount. The recipient of this award is recognised for their exceptional written ability, eloquence, and the mastery of language.
- Diversity of Content: The scope of their work is boundless. It spans the realms of research, emotional labour, innovation, and a unique point of view. They take us on journeys through the uncharted territories of human experiences and knowledge.
The "Print Contributor of the Year" award is a celebration of those whose words are more than mere text; they are journeys, emotions, and revelations. Their contributions have enriched our pages, and they've woven themselves into the very fabric of Opus. In the ink and paper of our magazine, they've made their mark, and now it's time to mark their exceptional contribution with this prestigious accolade.
Join us in recognising the student whose creativity and dedication have made 2023's print issues unforgettable.
Online Contributor of the Year
In the boundless realm of the digital, where words traverse vast distances with the click of a button, we honour those who have made the Opus website their canvas.
The "Online Contributor of the Year" award pays homage to the creative minds who have illuminated our digital pages during the year 2023.
Eligibility:
- Online Content: This award is a tribute to any contributor who graced our Opus website with their work, be they dedicated volunteers or insightful columnists. In the virtual world, they have made their mark, leaving imprints of knowledge, thought, and artistry.
- Punctuality: They submit proposals and articles with unfailing precision, respecting deadlines and office hours. Their commitment ensures that our digital platform remains dynamic and informative.
- Quality of Content: Quality is their signature. They possess exceptional written ability, articulate communication skills, and an innate talent for crafting narratives that engage and inspire.
- Diverse Perspectives: Their canvas knows no bounds. They delve into research, emotional labour, and embrace innovative points of view, infusing each piece with uniqueness. They explore uncharted territories, offering readers a journey of discovery.
- Volunteer Extraordinaire: For volunteers, their commitment extends to adherence to volunteer deadlines. Within the confines of volunteer column limitations, they wield creativity, pushing boundaries while adhering to the essentials of their role.
The "Online Contributor of the Year" award is a tribute to those whose words light up the digital landscape, making the Opus website a hub of knowledge, insight, and imagination. Their contributions have brought depth and richness to our online presence, and their insights have resonated with our digital audience. In the digital realm, they are the torchbearers of wisdom or opinion, and it's time to shine a spotlight on their exceptional contributions with this prestigious accolade.
Join us in celebrating the student who has made the Opus website an unforgettable online journey through the stories, knowledge, and creativity they have shared.
The "Online Contributor of the Year" award pays homage to the creative minds who have illuminated our digital pages during the year 2023.
Eligibility:
- Online Content: This award is a tribute to any contributor who graced our Opus website with their work, be they dedicated volunteers or insightful columnists. In the virtual world, they have made their mark, leaving imprints of knowledge, thought, and artistry.
- Punctuality: They submit proposals and articles with unfailing precision, respecting deadlines and office hours. Their commitment ensures that our digital platform remains dynamic and informative.
- Quality of Content: Quality is their signature. They possess exceptional written ability, articulate communication skills, and an innate talent for crafting narratives that engage and inspire.
- Diverse Perspectives: Their canvas knows no bounds. They delve into research, emotional labour, and embrace innovative points of view, infusing each piece with uniqueness. They explore uncharted territories, offering readers a journey of discovery.
- Volunteer Extraordinaire: For volunteers, their commitment extends to adherence to volunteer deadlines. Within the confines of volunteer column limitations, they wield creativity, pushing boundaries while adhering to the essentials of their role.
The "Online Contributor of the Year" award is a tribute to those whose words light up the digital landscape, making the Opus website a hub of knowledge, insight, and imagination. Their contributions have brought depth and richness to our online presence, and their insights have resonated with our digital audience. In the digital realm, they are the torchbearers of wisdom or opinion, and it's time to shine a spotlight on their exceptional contributions with this prestigious accolade.
Join us in celebrating the student who has made the Opus website an unforgettable online journey through the stories, knowledge, and creativity they have shared.
Opus Artist of the Year
Art has the power to transcend words, to convey emotions and stories through colour, brushstrokes, and imagination. The "Opus Artist of the Year" award pays homage to those visionary contributors who have graced the pages of Opus with their artwork, whether within the print issue or as the cover art, during the year 2023.
Eligibility:
- Published by Opus: This award is a tribute to any contributor whose artwork has left an indelible mark on Opus. Whether it's the visual poetry within the print pages or the captivating cover art that beckons readers, they have painted our stories with colour and emotion.
- Punctuality: Being on time is a virtue they hold dear. They demonstrate an unwavering commitment to timely proposal and submission of artwork, respecting deadlines and office hours. They swiftly respond to artwork formatting requirements and collaborate seamlessly with the Opus team.
- Consistency of Theme: Adherence to themes or prompts by the Opus team is their forte. Within these creative constraints, they breathe life into their artwork, weaving it into the theme with unparalleled creativity.
- Impact: Their artwork doesn't just capture the eye; it captures the heart. It resonates emotionally, leaving a lasting impact on those who behold it. The "Opus Artist of the Year" award is a tribute to those whose artistic expressions transcend boundaries, transforming Opus into a canvas of colours, emotions, and stories. Their artwork has enriched our publication and has the power to evoke a myriad of emotions in our student readers.
In their brushstrokes, we find stories waiting to be told, emotions that need no words, and a world of creativity that knows no limits. It's time to celebrate the artist who has made the visual tapestry of Opus an unforgettable journey through the heart and mind.
Join us in recognising the student whose artistic vision has made Opus an extraordinary artistic endeavor.
Eligibility:
- Published by Opus: This award is a tribute to any contributor whose artwork has left an indelible mark on Opus. Whether it's the visual poetry within the print pages or the captivating cover art that beckons readers, they have painted our stories with colour and emotion.
- Punctuality: Being on time is a virtue they hold dear. They demonstrate an unwavering commitment to timely proposal and submission of artwork, respecting deadlines and office hours. They swiftly respond to artwork formatting requirements and collaborate seamlessly with the Opus team.
- Consistency of Theme: Adherence to themes or prompts by the Opus team is their forte. Within these creative constraints, they breathe life into their artwork, weaving it into the theme with unparalleled creativity.
- Impact: Their artwork doesn't just capture the eye; it captures the heart. It resonates emotionally, leaving a lasting impact on those who behold it. The "Opus Artist of the Year" award is a tribute to those whose artistic expressions transcend boundaries, transforming Opus into a canvas of colours, emotions, and stories. Their artwork has enriched our publication and has the power to evoke a myriad of emotions in our student readers.
In their brushstrokes, we find stories waiting to be told, emotions that need no words, and a world of creativity that knows no limits. It's time to celebrate the artist who has made the visual tapestry of Opus an unforgettable journey through the heart and mind.
Join us in recognising the student whose artistic vision has made Opus an extraordinary artistic endeavor.
Nomination Links
Nominating is easy, and takes just 6-10 minutes (depending on the length of your responses).
Student Perseverance Award
Hit the button below to make a nomination.
Student Peer Support Award
Hit the button below to make a nomination.
Campus Contribution Award
Hit the button below to make a nomination.
Student Excellence Award
Hit the button below to make a nomination.
UNSA Club of the Year Award
Hit the button below to make a nomination.
Newcomer Club of the Year Award
Hit the button below to make a nomination.
Club Executive of the Year Award
Hit the button below to make a nomination.
Print Contributor of the Year
Hit the button below to make a nomination.
Online Contributor of the Year
Hit the button below to make a nomination.
Opus Artist of the Year Award
Hit the button below to make a nomination.
2023 UNSA AWARD CEREMONY
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