Outstanding Student Leader & Scholar Awards
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Welcome and thank you for your interest in the Outstanding Leaders & Scholars Awards

Each year, the University of Florida recognizes students who have shown exemplary scholarship or leadership during their undergraduate career.  Undergraduate seniors who have applied for graduation Spring 2024 are encouraged to apply.  *A seperate application must be created and submitted if you intend to apply for both awards.   

Recipients will be recognized at an awards ceremony in advance of  the Spring 2024 Commencement activities. Applications should be completed and submitted by Friday March 29, 2024 at 5:00pm.

*The Selections Committee reserves the right to determine when the award will be given each year as well as the number of candidates selected. In addition, the Committee may require, as necessary, interviews with candidates if specific questions or issues arise.

AWARDS Criteria 

SCHOLAR AWARDS Criteria 

  • Complete undergraduate degree from UF during academic year 2023-2024
  • Graduate with honors in the major at the “cum laude” level or higher (will be verified)
  • Be in good academic / disciplinary standing with the university (will be verified)
  • Must have engaged in at least 2 high impact practices while at UF 
  • UF (within same or different categories; e.g., you could have 2 different study abroad experiences or a study abroad and a research experience):
    • Undergraduate Research
    • Study Abroad / Global Engagement
    • Internship, Co-op, or Practicum
    • Service / Community-Based Learning (i.e. embedded in a course)
    • Common Intellectual Experience (e.g. Honors Program, Innovation Academy, International Scholars, Humanities Engagement Scholars, academic design / case team, etc.)
    • Capstone Project (e.g. undergraduate thesis, culminating portfolio / e-portfolio, performance / exhibition of creative work)
    • Other:
      • Academic Awards / Recognition
      • Research Publications (include citation)
      • Research Posters / Presentations at Academic Conferences, Meetings, etc.
      • Membership in a Nationally Prestigious or Disciplinary Honor Society
      • Nationally-Competitive Prestigious Award / Fellowship Application (see Office of Prestigious Awards for examples)
      • Other Relevant Academic Distinction / Accomplishment Not Listed Above

LEADER AWARDS Criteria 

  • Be an undergraduate student that has filed for graduation in Fall 2023 or Spring 2024 semesters
  • Have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above
  • Be in good standing with the University of Florida
  • Leadership Attributes inlcude:
    •  Made a strong and positive impact on his/her community and/or peers through leadership, involvement or service 
    • Left a positive legacy and impact through innovation and creative problem-solving 
    • Inspired others including fellow students, the university community through their leadership skills and roles
    • A demonstrated passion for serving and leading others

PLEASE carefully review this Rules section for specific components and instructions for either the Leader or Scholar application.

SCHOLARS Application

Part I: Scholarly Engagement - 

  • Provide context for your participation in any of the following that apply, since you have been a UF student. Context could include 1-2 sentence description, mentor / advisor / supervisor information, dates of participation, major accomplishments, and other relevant details to help the committee understand the significance of the activity.
  • There is no page limit, but please be succinct. Do not feel compelled to list something for every category – depth / quality of experience matter much more than quantity. Do not upload your resume.

Part II: Essay

  • How has involvement with high impact practices (as outlined above) influenced your identity as a scholar at UF? How has this involvement contributed to your post-graduate destination and interests?
  • Please be specific but limit to 1-2 pages.

Part III: Reference

  • This reference should come from someone who has supervised, advised, and / or mentored you in one of the activities listed in Part II.
  • Reference should include:
    • Context in which they know you
    • Brief analysis (not summary) of your scholarly activity from a motivation, commitment, and outcomes standpoint
    • Projection of how you might make an impact on your future career (discipline, industry, society at large, etc.)

LEADERS Application: 

MUST INCLUDE:
  • Two letters of recommendation - two-page MAX, double-spaced.
    • One must be a UF-affiliated source (faculty, adviser, etc.)
    • Letters must demonstrate the applicant's accomplishments and/or service to UF Signed application (see end of application form).
  • A resume (no longer than two pages) documenting your leadership experiences in the following areas:
    • University-Wide Leadership
    • College/Departments
    • Student Organizations
    • Community Service.
  • An essay that answers the following questions (two-page maximum, no smaller than 12 pt font Times New Roman).
    • Describe challenges you have faced as a leader.
    • Through your leadership, how have you made a significant and positive impact on the University of Florida community?
    • Describe the leadership roles you have held at UF, your accomplishments as a leader, and any opportunities for change that you implemented which may have had a significant impact on your organization or UF community.