Social Justice Awards

There are 4 awards of recognition within this annual award, which are described below:

Student Social Justice Award:

The Student Commitment to Social Justice Award recognizes a student attending a member institution within University of Oklahoma and connecting community who serves as an example to others through a commitment to diversity and social justice beyond the scope of their student responsibilities. 

Criteria:

• Demonstrated commitment to social justice through community service, activism, or leadership in student organizations.
• Impactful contribution to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion on campus or in the local community.
• Must be a currently enrolled student at the University of Oklahoma.

Professional Staff Social Justice Award:

Professional Staff Commitment to Social Justice Award recognizes a graduate or full-time professional, currently University of Oklahoma member or connecting communities, who serves as an example to others through a commitment to diversity and social justice beyond the scope of one’s full-time professional responsibilities. 

Criteria:

• Significant contribution to advancing social justice in their professional role at the university.
• Initiatives or policies developed that promote social justice in the workplace.
• Must be a current staff member at the University of Oklahoma.

Faculty Research Commitment to Social Justice Award:

This award recognizes a faculty member of the University of Oklahoma who exemplifies an outstanding commitment to social justice through research and scholarship. It honors those who have made significant contributions to the understanding and advancement of social justice, diversity, and inclusion. Recipients serve as a beacon to others by integrating social justice into their research agendas and fostering an academic environment that champions equity and systemic change beyond their teaching and scholarly duties.

• Research or scholarly work that addresses social justice issues and has had a demonstrable impact on policy or practice.
• Engagement with communities in research that promotes social equity.
• Must be a current faculty member at the University of Oklahoma.

Community Engagement Commitment to Social Justice Award:

This award celebrates an individual, group, or organization connected to the University of Oklahoma community that has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to social justice through active community engagement. It acknowledges those who have gone above and beyond to initiate, lead, or participate in community efforts that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. The recipient serves as an inspirational example, showing that commitment to social justice can extend well beyond personal and professional obligations and significantly impact the community at large.

• Exceptional service and engagement with the local community in social justice initiatives.
• Development of partnerships or programs that benefit marginalized groups and connect back to the university community.
• Open to individuals, groups, or organizations that can demonstrate a connection to the University of Oklahoma community.