Union Awards 2026 - Farnham

1About You
2Clubs & Societies Awards
3Course Reps Awards
4Student and Events Awards
5Teaching and Staff Awards
  • Select all that apply
  • Clubs and Societies Awards

    You can nominate more that one club or society for each award if you wish.

  • SOCIETY OF THE YEAR
    This award recognizes the society with the most overall level of success and activity for this year. Please provide pictures and visual evidence of your activities if you have them.

    ESSENTIAL:
    • A democratically run society
    • A strong structured schedule of activities, trips and society administration.
    • Evidence of high levels of engagement in regularly organised society activity.
    • Strong working relationship and communication with the university, Students’ Union and any relevant staff or services.
    • Excellent ambassadors for the Students’ Union and University.
    • Evidence of a high number and wide range of different society activities this academic year, with high levels of student participation.
    • Promotion of society activities through promotional channels (e.g. society webpages, message centre, events listings, news items, graphics and posters, social media). • Strong cohesive committee.
    • Society has done one or more of the following: raised money for charity, developed links within the wider community, driven an environmental initiative, given members the opportunity to compete, gave members the opportunity to develop skills and employability and raised awareness of a campaign or a cause.

    DESIRED
    • Evidence of the society giving back to the community (e.g. through partnerships with external organisations, community and volunteering projects, collaboration with other Institutions, events engaging the public as well as society members).
    • Minimum of 20 members paid or registered at time of nomination.
    • Evidenced attempts to make the society activity more accessible (e.g. for students from different locations, students with disabilities, students for whom language may be a barrier etc.) and evidence of attempts to diversify membership (e.g. diversifying gender, culture, ages, year groups, courses of participating students).
    • Evidence of significant achievements of the society or individual members that has served to enhance the reputation and profile of the society this year.
    • High number of nominations for Society of the Year award.
  • Drop files here or
    Max. file size: 200 MB, Max. files: 10.

    • CLUB OF THE YEAR
      This award recognises the sports/fitness/dance club with the most overall level of success and activity for this year. Please provide pictures and visual evidence of your activities if you have them.

      ESSENTIAL:
      • A democratically run club.
      • A strong structured schedule of activities, trips and club administration.
      • Evidence of high levels of engagement in regularly organised club activity.
      • Strong working relationship and communication with the university, Students’ Union and any relevant staff or services.
      • Excellent ambassadors for the Students’ Union and University
      • Evidence of a high number and wide range of different club activities this academic year, with high levels of student participation.
      • Promotion of club activities through promotional channels (e.g. club webpages, message centre, events listings, news items, graphics and posters, social media).
      • Strong cohesive committee.
      • Club has done one or more of the following: raised money for charity, developed links within the wider community, driven an environmental initiative, given members the opportunity to compete, gave members the opportunity to develop skills and employability and raised awareness of a campaign or a cause.

      DESIRABLE:
      • Links with other departments and the wider university community that have enabled to club to develop, whilst increasing participation, inclusion and diversity.
      • Committee has worked with club members to improve the quality of provision and the overall student experience.
      • Minimum of 20 members paid or registered at time of nomination.
      • Evidence of the club giving back to the community (e.g. through partnerships with external organisations, community and volunteering projects, collaboration with other Institutions, events engaging the public as well as society members).
      • Evidence attempts to make the club activity more accessible (e.g. for students from different locations, students with disabilities, students for whom language may be a barrier etc.) and evidence of attempts to diversify membership (e.g. diversifying gender, culture, ages, year groups, courses of participating students).
      • High number of nominations for Club of the Year award.
    • Drop files here or
      Max. file size: 200 MB, Max. files: 10.

      • NEW SOCIETY OF THE YEAR
        Awarded to a society formed in 2024/25 who have made a positive impact within the campus community, bringing together students and providing opportunities for students to get involved. They have held regular activities and worked hard with the Students’ Union to improve things for their members and to get the society off the ground.

        ESSENTIAL:
        • Must have been formally established with the Students’ Union between March 2024 and March 2025
        • A democratically run group.
        • A strong structured schedule of activities and club administration.
        • Evidence of high levels of engagement in regularly organised society activity.
        • Strong working relationship and communication with the university, Students’ Union and any relevant staff or services.
        • Excellent ambassadors for the Students’ Union and University
        • Promotion of club activities through promotional channels (e.g. club webpages, message centre, events listings, news items, graphics and posters, social media).
        • Strong cohesive committee.
        • Evidence of a consistent & high proportionate to membership student turn-out to society activities and events.

        DESIRED
        • Evidence of a wide variety of different society activities organised since society affiliation.
        • Society has done one or more of the following: raised money for charity, developed links within the wider community, driven an environmental initiative, given members the opportunity to compete, gave members the opportunity to develop skills and employability and raised awareness of a campaign or a cause.
        • Evidence of a high number and wide range of different society activities this academic year, with high levels of student participation.
        • Committee has worked with society members to improve the quality of provision and the overall student experience.
        • Minimum of 10 members paid or registered at time of nomination.
        • Evidence attempts to make the society activity more accessible (e.g. for students from different locations, students with disabilities, students for whom language may be a barrier etc.) and evidence of attempts to diversify membership (e.g. diversifying gender, culture, ages, year groups, courses of participating students).
        • High number of nominations for New Society of the Year award.
      • Drop files here or
        Max. file size: 200 MB, Max. files: 10.

        • NEW CLUB OF THE YEAR
          Awarded to a sport/fitness/dance club formed in 2024/25 who have made a positive impact within the campus community, bringing together students and providing opportunities for students to get involved. They have held regular activities and worked hard with the Students’ Union to improve things for their members and to get the club off the ground.

          ESSENTIAL:
          • Must have been formally established with the Students’ Union between March 2024 and March 2025.
          • A democratically run club.
          • A strong structured schedule of activities and club administration.
          • Evidence of high levels of engagement in regularly organised club activity.
          • Strong working relationship and communication with the university, Students’ Union and any relevant staff or services.
          • Excellent ambassadors for the Students’ Union and University
          • Promotion of club activities through promotional channels (e.g. club webpages, message centre, events listings, news items, graphics and posters, social media).
          • Strong cohesive committee.
          • Evidence of a consistent & high proportionate to membership student turn-out to club activities and events.

          DESIRED
          • Evidence of a wide variety of different club activities organised since club affiliation.
          • Club has done one or more of the following: raised money for charity, developed links within the wider community, driven an environmental initiative, given members the opportunity to compete, gave members the opportunity to develop skills and employability and raised awareness of a campaign or a cause.
          • Evidence of a high number and wide range of different club activities this academic year, with high levels of student participation.
          • Committee has worked with club members to improve the quality of provision and the overall student experience.
          • Minimum of 10 members paid or registered at time of nomination.
          • Evidence attempts to make the club activity more accessible (e.g. for students from different locations, students with disabilities, students for whom language may be a barrier etc.) and evidence of attempts to diversify membership (e.g. diversifying gender, culture, ages, year groups, courses of participating students).
          • High number of nominations for New Club of the Year award.
        • Drop files here or
          Max. file size: 200 MB, Max. files: 10.

          • MOST IMPROVED
            Awarded to a society or club who has taken active steps this year to develop themselves, build on the successes and failures of previous years. They may have dramatically increased membership, developed new ideas or different events/activities or made necessary changes to how the group operates.

            ESSENTIAL:
            • Evidence either: improvements made between first and second semesters, or improvements made between the previous academic year and the current academic year.
            • A broader range of group activities organised in comparison to previous year.

            DESIRED:
            • Increase in registered members in comparison to previous year.
            • Increase in group activities organised in comparison to previous year.
            • Increase in group achievements (awards won, money raised etc.) in comparison to previous year.
            • Increased promotion of group activities through social media, student media and/or Institution channels (e.g. lecture announcements, newsletters, noticeboards, and blackboard).
          • Drop files here or
            Max. file size: 200 MB, Max. files: 10.

            • BEST EVENT OF THE YEAR
              Awarded to commend an event that was the result of an amazing team effort. The organising committee kept on top of everything and made a special effort to make their event inclusive. The event itself was enjoyable and overall, a great success.

              ESSENTIAL:
              • Event led and organised by students who are members of a club or society.
              • Evidence of high student turnout/participation in event.
              • Accessible to a large proportion of student population.
              • Event implemented for a good or useful cause.
              • Promoted using social media, student media and/or university channels (e.g. lecture announcements, newsletters, noticeboard etc).
              • Evidence from attendees of the events success (this can be done through members nominating the group for this award).

              DESIRED:
              • Event did one or more of the following: raised money for charity, gave members the opportunity to compete, gave members the opportunity to develop skills and employability, and raised awareness of a campaign or a cause.
              • Evidence of a handover process for the event to remain sustainable.
              • Evidence of collaboration with one or more of the following: another society or network, another Institution, a department or service, an external charity or organisation.
              • Creative approach to use of promotional materials used.
            • Drop files here or
              Max. file size: 200 MB, Max. files: 10.

              • COMMITTEE OF THE YEAR
                Awarded to a club or society whose current success is the result of a set of devoted committee members working incredibly hard to develop what the group can offer.

                ESSENTIAL:
                • Strong organisation and cohesive committee who represent their members, facilitate and empower their development.
                • Evidence of strong working relationship with the Students’ Union and/or departments.
                • High level of communication with the Students’ Union.
                • Evidence of strong working relationships between committee members and teamwork.

                DESIRED:
                • Regular, structured committee meetings.
                • Members or externally endorsed recommendation of the committee for this award by submitting nominations or supporting evidence.
                • Evidence that the committee has dedicated a lot of time to running the group and provided regular opportunities to their members.
                • A creative approach to hosting events and/or club/society activities.
                • Evidence to show committee involving the club/society in projects and delegating jobs.
              • Drop files here or
                Max. file size: 200 MB, Max. files: 10.

                • INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR
                  This awards celebrates an isntructor or coach who has gone above and beyond for their students. This category is open to professional instructors only. The following criteria will be considered for Instructor/Coach of the Year Award:
                  • Provided excellent services to our members.
                  • Supported student development.
                  • Attended/Taught at least 10 sessions.
                  • Made an effort to make students comfortable and happy to engage with activities regularly, contributing to the continued attendance of members.
                  • High levels of nominations.
                • Drop files here or
                  Max. file size: 200 MB, Max. files: 10.

                  • INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR
                    This awards celebrates an isntructor or coach who has gone above and beyond for their students. This category is open to student instructors only. The following criteria will be considered for Instructor/Coach of the Year Award:
                    • Provided excellent services to our members.
                    • Supported student development.
                    • Attended/Taught at least 10 sessions.
                    • Made an effort to make students comfortable and happy to engage with activities regularly, contributing to the continued attendance of members.
                    • High levels of nominations.
                  • Drop files here or
                    Max. file size: 200 MB, Max. files: 10.

                    • BEST SMALL CLUB/SOCIETY
                      This award celebrates a smaller club or society (with fewer than 15 active members) that has made a significant impact within the student community. The following criteria will be considered for Best Small Club/Society:
                      • Demonstrated consistent engagement and participation from members.
                      • Delivered high-quality events or activities throughout the year.
                      • Created a welcoming and inclusive space for students.
                      • Showed creativity and resourcefulness in running the club/society despite lower numbers.
                      • Positive feedback and high levels of nominations.
                    • Drop files here or
                      Max. file size: 200 MB, Max. files: 10.

                      • BEST COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR
                        This award recognises an outstanding joint effort between two or more clubs or societies. The following criteria will be considered for Best Collaboration of the Year:
                        • Demonstrated effective teamwork between all parties involved.
                        • Delivered an event, campaign, or project that benefited the wider student, local or national communities.
                        • Showcased innovation and shared values across groups.
                        • Promoted inclusivity, diversity, and student engagement.
                        • Received strong feedback or recognition from students.
                        • A high number of nominations.
                      • Drop files here or
                        Max. file size: 200 MB, Max. files: 10.

                        • CLUB/SOCIETY PERSON OF THE YEAR
                          This award honours a dedicated individual who has made an outstanding contribution to their club or society. The following criteria will be considered for Club/Society Person of the Year:
                          • Consistently gone above and beyond for their club/society.
                          • Demonstrated strong leadership and organisational skills.
                          • Played a key role in running events, recruiting members, or keeping the group active.
                          • Advocated for and supported fellow members.
                          • High levels of nominations and positive recognition.
                        • Drop files here or
                          Max. file size: 200 MB, Max. files: 10.

                          • NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
                            This award recognises a first-year or new student who has had a strong, positive impact on a club or society. The following criteria will be considered for Newcomer of the Year:
                            • Shown enthusiasm and commitment from the outset.
                            • Made a clear and valuable contribution to their group or community.
                            • Demonstrated leadership potential or initiative.
                            • Brought fresh ideas or energy to their club/society.
                            • Positively recognised by peers through nominations.
                          • Drop files here or
                            Max. file size: 200 MB, Max. files: 10.

                            • COMMITMENT TO CHARITABLE CAUSES
                              This award celebrates a student, club, or society that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting charitable or social causes. The following criteria will be considered for Commitment to Charitable Causes:
                              • Organised or supported fundraising, awareness, or volunteer initiatives.
                              • Engaged others in meaningful causes or campaigns.
                              • Demonstrated a strong ethical commitment to making a difference.
                              • Showcased impact through outcomes or student participation.
                              • High levels of nominations and recognition for their efforts.
                            • Drop files here or
                              Max. file size: 200 MB, Max. files: 10.

                              • LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
                                This award celebrates a graduating committee member who has dedicated and gone above and beyond for their club/society for two years or more. The following criteria will be considered for Lifetime Achievement Award:
                                • Visibly helped to grow their club/society..
                                • Engaged with others in meaningful causes or campaigns.
                                • Part of the committee for two years or more.
                                • Can demonstrate a range of different initiaves, events or activities throughout the years.
                                • High levels of nominations and recognition for their efforts.
                              • Max. file size: 200 MB.
                              • Course Rep Awards


                              • COURSE REP OF THE YEAR
                                This award is for one special Course Rep from each year group who has shown extra commitment to their role, ensuring great student engagement and dedication to enhancing the student experience. The following criteria will be considered for Course Rep of the Year:
                                • Handled a difficult issue or challenge effectively and professionally.
                                • Actively gathered and represented student feedback throughout the year.
                                • Personally made a positive impact on the experience of their peers.
                                • Attended Course Rep meetings regularly and contributed meaningfully.
                                • Built strong relationships with both students and academic staff.
                                • Demonstrated passion, consistency, and leadership in the role.
                              • Drop files here or
                                Max. file size: 200 MB, Max. files: 10.
                                • Student and Events Awards


                                • STUDENT-LED EVENT OF THE YEAR
                                  Awarded to commend a Glasshouse event that was the result of amazing student-led effort. The organising committee kept on top of everything and made a special effort to make their event inclusive. The event itself was enjoyable and overall, a great success. The following criteria will be considered for Student-Led Event of the Year:
                                  ESSENTIAL
                                  • Event was led and organised primarily by student(s).
                                  • Demonstrated evidence of good professional practice in planning and delivery.
                                  • Showed appropriate or clever use of marketing and promotional tools.
                                  • Achieved a turnout equal to or greater than what SU event staff would expect for a similar event.
                                  • Received positive feedback from attendees and offered good value for money.
                                  • Conduct was professional, and both SU and venue management were satisfied with how the event was run.
                                • Drop files here or
                                  Max. file size: 200 MB, Max. files: 10.

                                  • BEST PERFORMANCE AT A GLASSHOUSE EVENT
                                    This award recognizes any student or group who has performed at an event. We will be looking for nominations which can evidence the following:
                                    • Talent
                                    • Stage Presence
                                    • Crowd Interaction/Feedback
                                    • Professionalism
                                  • Drop files here or
                                    Max. file size: 200 MB, Max. files: 10.

                                    • UCASU STUDENT STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR
                                      This is awarded to a UCASU student staff member who has gone above and beyond expectations and through their work created positive change to the student experience. These can include Workshop staff, bar staff, tech staff, events staff and Student Engagement Staff. The following criteria will be considered for Student Staff Member of the Year:
                                      • Provided outstanding service and consistently exceeded role expectations.
                                      • Demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and a positive attitude.
                                      • Contributed to a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all students.
                                      • Made a clear impact on the quality of events, services, or day-to-day operations.
                                      • Positively recognised by peers, staff, and students through nominations and feedback.
                                    • Drop files here or
                                      Max. file size: 200 MB, Max. files: 10.

                                      • VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
                                        This award celebrates a student who has shown outstanding dedication and passion for volunteering, making a positive impact within the university or wider community. The following criteria will be considered for Student Volunteer of the Year:
                                        • Demonstrated consistent commitment to volunteering throughout the year.
                                        • Made a meaningful difference to individuals, groups, or causes through their actions.
                                        • Shown leadership, initiative, or innovation in their volunteer work.
                                        • Inspired others to get involved in volunteering opportunities.
                                        • Recognised through high levels of nominations and positive feedback.
                                        This can be awarded to any student who has volunteered in any capacity and/pr multiple capacities within the Students' Union, such as Campus Officer, Student Trustee, Commitee Leader, Course Rep, events or general volunteer.
                                      • Drop files here or
                                        Max. file size: 200 MB, Max. files: 10.

                                        • OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO CAMPUS LIFE
                                          This award celebrates a student who has shown outstanding dedication and passion to make campus more vibrant place, and bolstering student participation and communication.
                                        • Max. file size: 200 MB.
                                        • Teaching & Staff Awards


                                        • LECTURER OF THE YEAR
                                          This award recognizes any lecturer/tutor from the University who has gone above and beyond their duties. This is the criteria that your nomination will be based upon:
                                          - Provides students with information about how they can locate up to date resources to aid with their educational development.
                                          - Uses alternative methods of teaching that involve more than just the use of PowerPoints, whilst delivering entertaining and interesting lectures using inventive teaching methods.
                                          - The use of their own research and/or valuable experiences to enhance your learning.
                                          - Motivating and inspiring students to reach their full potential.
                                          - Enthusiastic and passionate about the subject being taught making learning fun.
                                          - Easy to approach regarding course relates issues no matter how big.
                                          - Provides clear and well-structured feedback that is conscience and easy to understand which is given to students in a timely manner.
                                        • Drop files here or
                                          Max. file size: 200 MB, Max. files: 10.

                                          • SUPPORT STAFF OF THE YEAR
                                            Whether they are seasonal speaker, guest speaker, a Learning Support Assistant, Mentor, Communication Support Worker or a Specialist Study Skills Tutor, this award recognizes the academic support staff that help students keep going.

                                            This is the criteria that your nomination will be based upon:
                                            - Continues to aid students professional development.
                                            - Encourages and supports students through extra curricula activities.
                                            - Remains professional but cares about the well-being of their students.
                                            - Supports all students ensuring all University and placement work is up to date.
                                            - Good problem solver.
                                            - They are easily contactable and accessible.
                                          • Max. file size: 200 MB.

                                          • COMMITMENT TO EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
                                            This award recognises a member of teaching staff who has demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting equality, celebrating diversity, and creating an inclusive learning environment. The following criteria will be considered for Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:
                                            • Embedded inclusive practices into their teaching and learning approach.
                                            • Actively supported students from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds.
                                            • Promoted open dialogue and respect in the classroom.
                                            • Advocated for accessible and equitable opportunities within the academic experience.
                                            • Received strong student feedback and high levels of nominations.
                                          • Max. file size: 200 MB.

                                          • INNOVATIVE TEACHING AWARD
                                            This award recognises a member of teaching staff who has demonstrated a strong commitment for creative and engaging teaching methods.
                                          • Max. file size: 200 MB.

                                          • POSTGRADUATE SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR
                                            This award celebrates a postgraduate supervisor who has gone above and beyond in their support of postgraduate students.
                                          • Max. file size: 200 MB.

                                          • PERSONAL TUTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
                                            This award recognises a tutor's excellent pastoral and academic support this year.
                                          • Max. file size: 200 MB.

                                          • TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
                                            This award celebrates a technician who has gone above and beyond this year for their departments and students.
                                          • Max. file size: 200 MB.