STARS 2024

STARS is the ultimate celebration of the incredible student spirit that thrives at UEA each year. It's a chance for us to shine a spotlight on the amazing work our students do to make our university community truly wonderful in societies and members of our staff.

We have thousands of students who take the lead in their societies, organising events, lending a helping hand, working for us and so much more. Their dedication is truly awe-inspiring. While one night may not be enough to fully recognise all their hard work, our awards night is a special occasion where we come together to honour the breadth of our student community and acknowledge the impact they have made.

Now, here's the exciting part: even if you're thinking, "I've done some great work, but I don't want to brag", hold on a second! You can actually nominate yourself too! It's an excellent opportunity to receive well-deserved recognition for your efforts, and we would love to highlight the incredible contributions you've made.

So mark your calendars for the 16th May in the LCR, and get ready for an evening filled with celebration, appreciation, and a whole lot of fun. STARS is not only about recognising outstanding achievements, but also about fostering a sense of togetherness and gratitude. We can't wait to gather as a university community and show our heartfelt appreciation for the fantastic contributions of these remarkable individuals.

Society & Individual Nominations fill out this form

Student Staff Nominations fill out this form

Awards and Categories

Societies

Award	Description
Society of the Year	This award will be based on society activity throughout the academic year and what this student group has excelled in delivering for their members and being an example for other societies to follow. This can be through society development, outreach, success internally or other activities.
Committee of the Year	This is for the most successful society committee for this academic year that has enacted change, organised and delivered a number of activities and represented for their membership. This could be a student group, committee, executive group or project committee.
Event of the Year	This is for the most successful event of the year hosted by a society. This acknowledges an event that has been engaging, had exceptional planning, organisation and delivered the most to a society. This award applies to in person and online events. Events can include society socials.
Fundraiser of the Year	This award celebrates the best fundraising initiatives carried out during this academic year. This is not only defined by amount raised but also the awareness it created in the student community and engagement it brought.
Campaign or Project of the Year	This will be awarded to a campaign or project run by any society that raised awareness or enacted change to a high level within the UEA community to members and more.
Inclusivity and Accessibility Award	This award will go to a society that has carried out a project or activity that has encouraged inclusivity and provided access to those that may struggle to participate. This could be something hosted as part of the liberation months, a regular project or another standalone event to celebrate inclusivity and accessibility. Please note this award is not limited to Peer Support Groups.
Cultural Engagement of the Year	This award goes to the best cultural engagement from a society over this academic year. This is down to interpretation of why this society should win this award. Please note you do not have to be from a cultural society to apply for this. Some examples could include successful events or activities that link to culture in some way, as well as improving support in the wider UEA campus for innovative thinking.
Best use of Social Media	This award will be based upon society online activity in any and all forms of social media, their creativity and how they have engaged members and students at UEA because of this. Consistency of posting will also be taken into consideration. Evidence is crucial for your society to be deliberated in this award to please ensure you email anything to union.opportunities@uea.ac.uk
Outstanding Service to the Student Community	This award is given to an individual who has given service above and beyond what is expected, to benefit the wider UEA student community. This could be anything you believe is captured in ‘going above and beyond’. For example, things related to looking after students mental health, tackling loneliness or bringing students together in any way that is more than a committee role.
Best Sustainability Initiative	This award is to recognise the society that has undertaken the most meaningful initiatives, activities, events or campaigns to act in a more sustainable way, or to promote and encourage sustainable practices. These activities and initiatives may have been undertaken by a society independently, via a society collaboration, or through external collaboration.
Best Society Collaboration	This award is to recognise and celebrate the best event or campaign run between two or more societies. This could include online campaigns, in person events, such as Balls or celebration events. This collaboration should have engaged a lot of members across multiple societies and had positive impact on these groups as a result
Give it a Go Award	This award is to recognise and celebrate the best student events put on under the Give it a Go banner. This award will likely have been completed as a start of year taster session or a session within the year to attract new members.
Cultural & Liberation Event Award	This award recognises a society or group that has organised an event or campaign focused on cultural diversity, inclusivity, or liberation. The winning event should have demonstrated exceptional engagement, planning, and execution, contributing positively to the cultural landscape of the UEA community.
Best Peer Support Group	This award honors a peer support group that has provided exceptional assistance, guidance, and a sense of community to its members. The winning group should have demonstrated a commitment to supporting student wellness, fostering inclusivity, and offering valuable resources or services.

Individuals

Award	Description
Volunteer of the Year	This award will be given to an individual that have given their time to help others, no matter their role, they can be recognised. This individual has given up their own time to improve their society provision to help members and more. They are integral to their student group or volunteer scheme and without them we're just not sure what we would do!
Student Campaigner of the Year	This award acknowledges an individual who has shown remarkable dedication and effectiveness in campaigning for important causes or issues within the UEA community or beyond. The recipient should have demonstrated leadership, creativity, and a tangible impact through their campaigning efforts.
Rising Star Awards	The Rising Star Awards recognise promising individuals who have shown outstanding potential and achievement within their respective societies, or initiative. These individuals demonstrate exceptional talent, dedication, and initiative, positioning them as future leaders or influencers within the UEA community.
Student Leader of the Year	This award celebrates an exemplary student leader who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, inspiring and empowering others within their society, group, or project. The recipient should have shown dedication, innovation, and a positive impact on the UEA community through their leadership.
Student Transformation Award	This award honors an individual who has undergone a significant personal or academic transformation during their time at UEA. Whether overcoming challenges, achieving remarkable growth, or inspiring others, the recipient exemplifies the transformative power of higher education.
Buddy Volunteers of the Year	This award recognises volunteers who have shown exceptional dedication and support in their roles as buddies. Recipients demonstrate empathy, reliability, and a positive impact on the well-being and integration of their peers within the UEA community.

Staff

Award	Description
Outstanding Office Student Staff of the Year awards	This award recognizes outstanding student staff members who have provided exceptional service and support within administrative roles in the Students' Union office. Recipients should demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and a commitment to excellence in their duties.
Outstanding Venues/Bar Student Staff of the Year	This award celebrates outstanding student staff members who have demonstrated excellence in our Students' Union venues. Recipients exhibit efficiency, initiative, and a positive impact on the smooth functioning of operations.
Outstanding Team Leaders of the Year	This award recognises exceptional team leaders who have demonstrated effective leadership, communication, and management skills in guiding their team to success. Recipients inspire and motivate their team members, fostering a positive and productive working environment.
The UEA(SU) Staff Member of the Year	This award acknowledges a staff member of the UEA Students' Union who have gone above and beyond in their role, making a significant and positive impact on the student experience. Recipients demonstrate dedication, innovation, and a commitment to serving the UEA community.

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