Boulder launches new awards to celebrate belonging across campus
Boulder is launching the new Community Belonging Awards, which will be given annually to honor and recognize people whose everyday actions help others on campus feel seen, valued and supported.
Announced by Chancellor Justin Schwartz in hisState of the Campus address, the Community Belonging Awards were established at the recommendation of Student Government, with the endorsement of the Boulder Faculty Assembly, Staff Council and the Graduate and Professional Student Government. Together, they reflect a shared commitment to recognizing the meaningful ways belonging is built across our campus community.
“Belonging shapes student success, employee well‑being and the strength of our entire community,” said Schwartz. “These awards recognize individuals whose leadership and care create lasting impact, not just for individuals, but for Boulder as a whole.”
Each year, four awards will recognize individuals whose actions foster belonging at Boulder, with each cohort including:
- One undergraduate student.
- One graduate or professional student.
- One staff member.
- One faculty member.
Each recipient will receive a one‑time $5,000 award, underscoring the university’s commitment to valuing and rewarding community‑building work. The inaugural awards will be presented in spring 2026.
Recipients will be selected based on demonstrated, meaningful impact on fostering belonging within a specific Boulder community or across campus more broadly. This work may include efforts that:
- Strengthen connection and inclusion.
- Advance social justice.
- Support one or more of Boulder’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals.
“By lifting up this work, the Community Belonging Awards shine a light on the practices that help our campus thrive,” Schwartz said. “If you know someone whose actions are making a real difference, or if you’re doing this work yourself, I encourage you to submit a nomination and help recognize the people who strengthen belonging at Boulder every day.”
How to nominate
Know a student, staff member or faculty colleague whose actions help others feel welcomed and supported? Nominate them and help celebrate the community builders whose impact strengthens Boulder.
Who can be nominated?
Any current Boulder undergraduate student, graduate or professional student, staff member or faculty member in good standing.
Who can nominate?
Any current Boulder faculty member, staff member, or student. Self‑nominations are welcome.
What’s required?
A nomination statement describing the nominee’s impact.
Two letters of support from Boulder community members other than the nominator.
Deadline: March 13
Award impact:
Four awards annually
$5,000 one‑time award per recipient
Campuswide recognition announced in April 2026