Campus Rec Innovative Programming Award

This award recognizes the work that is happening in our recreation centers that are instrumental in student success, build community and share the important message of health and wellbeing.

Awards recognize contributions of members who are transforming the field of collegiate recreation through outstanding programming and innovative service that improves student success, builds community, and shares the important message of health and wellbeing in alignment with NIRSA’s priorities.

Applications Deadline: November 12, 2025

Submit an Application

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Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must meet all the following criteria:

Any institution is welcome to apply. Institutional member institutions may apply at no cost. There is an application fee for nonmember institutions.
Programming must have occurred or been enhanced between May 1, 2023 and April 30, 2025.
The program may not have received a Campus Rec Innovative Programming Award in the past three years.

Selection Criteria

Submissions from any Campus Rec Programming area (Intramurals, Sport Clubs, Member Services, esports, etc.) will be accepted.

Award recipients will be formally recognized via NIRSA media channels and receive a plaque, and NIRSA may select recipients to feature in additional content showcasing thought leadership.

The Innovative Programming Committee evaluates each submission for the following details:

Summary Overview

Overview of the element of your program you are submitting for consideration. Your summary should provide the reviewers with sufficient information to understand the programming before they review the specific elements of the program’s goals/objectives, strategy/tactics, and success metrics/results achieved.

Goals and Objectives

Goals and objectives should be clearly stated and expressed in specific and measurable terms/outcomes. Consider describing how the entry factored into your organization’s mission.

Strategy/Tactics

Outline the plan, strategy, or tactics you used to reach the goals and objectives set.

Success Metrics/Results Achieved

For the measurement of your goals and objectives, please indicate your metrics for success. Examples could include: the number of participants in the program per year, comments and data on your communication about your programs from your member satisfaction surveys, etc.

Images

Share high-resolution images of participation in your programming to help committee members get an inside look at the experience.

Entry Fee & Payment Information

No charge for institutional member schools; $95/entry for nonmember schools
You can pay for your entries online using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover credit cards. A link for payment can be found following the submission of the application. Applications are not considered complete until payment is received.
If you wish to pay with a credit card via telephone or by check, please contact our Billing Coordinator at 541-766-8211 after submitting your application.

*Fees are subject to change