The Collaborative Program of the Year is awarded to creative programs which exemplify the positive outcomes of a collaboration within or between institutions. The award advances the value and credibility of the college union on campus, while improving communication, leadership, and campus partnerships.

2023 Recipient: Career Clothing Giveaway, University of Akron  

The clothing giveaway initiative was a response to student feedback to the Campus Cupboard, a program of ZipAssist, which is the student advocacy and support office. Partnerships with three area businesses resulted in the execution of a large-scale clothing giveaway on campus; this included space to house over 600 pieces of clothing and accessories, as well as sorting and hanging the items on donated clothing racks using hundreds of donated clothes hangers. The event itself served 232 students, providing them with professional dress items to bolster the success of their professional and academic endeavors. 

ACUI is not currently accepting nominations for this award. Please check back in 2024 for details on the next nomination period.

Submission materials must include the following:

  1. Name, institution, and contact information of the primary contact for the program.
  2. Title of the program.
  3. A summary, up to two pages, of the program, addressing:
    • Description of the program, including goals and intended outcomes.
    • Description and inclusion of the evaluation methods in place for the program, including brief rationale for choosing stated methods.
    • Evidence that the program meets the criteria identified for this specific award.
  4. And one compiled packet of additional supporting documentation for the program, which could include photos, marketing samples, course materials, budget information, testimonials, etc. No page limit exists, but only the first 15 pages will be considered by the review committee.

The nomination period is closed. Please check back in 2024 for more details on the next nomination period.

The review process includes, but is not limited to, an assessment of the criteria listed below. Due to the wide variety of programs that can be considered, a program does not need to meet every criterion. The program must:

  • Demonstrate excellence in campus programming.
  • Be a true collaboration between multiple organizations, with planning, implementation, and evaluation work divided among all partners.
  • Demonstrate the use of practices that exemplify outstanding creativity or introduce new approaches beyond what is standard.
  • Achieve its stated intended outcomes.

All ACUI member institutions are eligible to apply for this award. For collaborative initiatives or partnerships, all institutions must be ACUI members. Eligible programs must:

  • Have taken place since the beginning of the previous academic year.
  • Serve as a model to other campuses for replication.
  • Achieve its stated program outcomes and objectives, with evaluation tools in place.
  • Agree to allow a summary of their accomplishments to be published.

Electronic notification will be sent to confirm submissions have been received. A confidential Campus Awards Committee, appointed annually by the ACUI president, will review materials to make the selection. One recipient will be chosen, unless otherwise noted for the specific award. One physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the annual conference and in subsequent publications.

  • 2022: Islander Beach Bash at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi
  • 2021: QuadFox 5k – University of Rochester
  • 2020: Juneteeth Celebration – University of Texas–San Antonio
  • 2019: What it Means to be a Redbird – Illinois State University
  • 2018: Family Graduation Celebration – Texas Woman’s University
  • 2017: MyUH, MyHouston – University of Houston
  • 2016: Experience Tallahassee Festival – Florida State University, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee Community College
  • 2015: The Bro Code – University of South Alabama
  • 2014: Major Declaration Celebration – University of Rochester
  • 2013: Packapalooza – North Carolina State University
  • 2012: ACT (Achieving Community Together) Campaign – Texas State University
  • 2011: CONNECT: High-Risk Drinking Prevention Program – The College at Brockport
  • 2010: Stand Up for One Another – SUNY–Geneseo
  • 2009: Study Union – University of Central Florida
  • 2008: HumorFest – East Carolina University