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Student Leadership Awards

The Student Leadership Awards at Ontario Tech University honour students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, embody the university’s mission and contribute meaningfully to their communities. These awards recognize students who are shaping the future by driving positive change, advancing Ontario Tech’s values of integrity, inclusion, intellectual resilience, and innovation—while exemplifying the university’s commitment to solving complex problems. Through their achievements, award recipients bring the university’s vision to life and showcase the impact of leadership within and beyond the Ontario Tech community.

The nomination period for the 2025-26 Student Leadership Awards will run from Monday, January 5, 2026 to Wednesday, January 28, 2026. 

Award categories 

Creating a Sticky Campus Award

This award recognizes students who are dedicated to building an inclusive and connected campus community. It honours individuals who lead with empathy and inclusivity, creating welcoming spaces where all students feel valued.

Learning Re-imagined Award

This award celebrates students who drive their own educational journeys with innovation and initiative, embracing diverse, and hands-on learning experiences. Recipients of this award pursue growth beyond the classroom, actively engaging in projects, fieldwork, or research that supports their academic and career goals.

Partnerships Award

This award celebrates students who contribute meaningfully to university partnerships, helping to address significant challenges through collaboration and applied learning.

Tech with a Conscience Award

This celebrates students who integrate ethical technology practices into their academic and community activities, with a focus on fairness, critical thinking, and the positive impact of their work.

President's Award of Excellence in Student Leadership

The President’s Award of Excellence in Student Leadership is Ontario Tech University’s highest honour, presented to two graduating students—one undergraduate or professional student and one graduate student—who demonstrate outstanding leadership across all four award categories.

Nomination process

The 2025-2026 nomination process is now open!

All current Ontario Tech faculty, staff and students were eligible to submit a nomination. The nomination period will close Wednesday, January 28.

By submitting a nomination, you helped ensure that students are recognized and appreciated for their contributions to our community. As an engaged and vibrant Ontario Tech community we know that at the heart of the institution's mission are our students—highly engaged citizen leaders with entrepreneurial mindsets, ready to lead, inspire, and make a lasting impact. By nominating a student, you've become part of an important legacy where we honour exemplary students each year who help to tell Ontario Tech's story. 

As a thank you for your participation, you'll receive recognition as a nominator for the 2025-2026 Student Leadership Awards of Excellence. You'll also be invited to the Student Leadership Awards of Excellence Ceremony.

Nominate a student

Nomination guide

Learn more - Nomination guide

Thank you for participating in the 2025-2026 Student Leadership Awards! 

As a nominator, you're welcome to submit multiple nominations across different award categories. 

We have prepared a guide to help you with your nomination(s).

View the nomination guide

Scoring criteria and rubric

Learn more - Scoring criteria and rubric

Learn how to showcase your nominee in the best way possible! Carefully review each award's rubric before submitting your nomination to ensure your submission addresses the award criteria.

View the scoring criteria and rubric

Sign up to become a Student Leadership Awards Reviewer

We are looking for staff and faculty members to be Student Leadership Awards reviewers. Reviewers help recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students. If you are interested in being a reviewer please complete the 2026 Student Leadership Awards Reviewer Sign Up form. The due date to sign up to be a reviewer is Wednesday, January 28.

Please note: 
  • The nomination guide and scoring criteria is subject to change each award cycle.
  • Undergraduate students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 to be considered for any of the awards. In order to be considered for the President's Award of Excellence, they must be in their final year of study at the time of nomination. 
  • Graduate students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be considered for any of the awards. All years of study are eligible for the President's Award of Excellence. 
If you have any questions, please contact engagement@ontariotechu.ca.