Campus Life prepares for annual evening of student, faculty recognition
By Mercedes Deutscher, Staff Writer
Preparations for the 2015 Douglas College Student Engagement Awards are underway, and are being organized by Campus Life.
“Student engagement is the amount of time and energy that students put into their experience here at the college, be it in the classroom, outside of the classroom, or a combination of both,” said Erin Biddlecombe, student engagement manager for Campus Life.
The Student Engagement Awards are held annually and are dedicated to recognizing the achievements of students throughout both Douglas College campuses. This year’s event will take place on April 9 at the La Perla Ballroom in New Westminster.
There are five awards distributed to a nominated student from each category. Leader of the Year is rewarded in recognition of a student who shows exceptional leadership toward their academics and community. The Campus Engagement Award recognizes a positive student who has contributed to campus culture, while the Community Builder of the Year award recognizes the efforts of a student who has effectively demonstrated college values and has engaged with the community outside of both campuses. The Outstanding Student Group Leader Award is given to a student who holds a prominent role in a Douglas College organization. The Kickstarter Award is given in recognition of a student who has demonstrated strong initiative in either their campus or community.
However, two new awards have been created to recognize the role of faculty members at Douglas. Outstanding Contribution to Student Engagement by a Faculty or Staff Member awards an employee of the college who has improved student life through tools such as mentorship and advising. Outstanding Contribution to Student Engagement by a College Department recognizes the efforts made by a specific faculty toward student engagement in the college.
Nominations for the awards closed on March 6, and the selection committee is in the process of selecting this year’s winners.
“It’s going to be very hard for the decision making committee to decide on our winners because there are a lot of really great students who have been nominated,” said Biddlecombe.
Biddlecombe also explained that the Student Engagement Awards have a higher purpose than to recognize specific students. The awards are meant to inspire other students and faculty to become better engaged in campus life.
“The goal of the event is part of an overall strategy that’s connected to the college’s strategic plan … to make sure Douglas College is the most student-engaged campus in Canada.”
Students are encouraged to attend the Student Engagement Awards, which will include dinner, the awards ceremony, a speech from president of Douglas College Kathy Denton, and a keynote presentation from local author Meghan Williams. Admission costs $10 for students and $30 for non-students.
