The Society Awards return for 2023, giving you the chance to shout about the great things your societies and media outlets have achieved this year.
To jazz things up a bit, we're introducing a theme to Society Awards for the very first time! This year’s theme is the Roaring Twenties, so grab your most glamorous flapper dress or your snazziest suit and get ready to celebrate with us.*
*Dressing to the theme is encouraged, but not compulsory.
Nominations are now closed - head to the Nominations page to see who is in with a chance of winning!
The Awards Panel
All nominations will be decided by a panel comprising of:
- Vice President Societies & Sport
- Societies Coordinator
- Student Opportunities Manager
- Societies, Sports and Opportunities Executive representative
For the following award, a further representative will join the panel:
- Fundraising & Impact: Royal Holloway Volunteering representative
Individual Awards
Freshman of the Year
Awarded to an individual who is new to the group, has shown outstanding dedication, and made a significant contribution to the success of activities this year. Nominees for this award must be in their first year of membership within their respective groups.
Society Crest
Awarded to individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty of any member/committee member throughout their years of participation, showing outstanding dedication and commitment to their group in the process.
Vice President's Cup
Awarded to someone who has shown outstanding dedication to Student Opportunities, going above and beyond to make a difference to societies/media and wider student engagement. They will have dedicated their time to a number of different areas within the Students’ Union and student groups.
Group Awards
Fundraising and Impact
Awarded to a group that has made a significant impact through fundraising, campaigning or volunteering. This should include work with national or local charities, work on improving the lives of its members and students around them, tackling issues that impact students or working towards making a difference within the community.
Sarah Parker Remond Inclusion and Accessibility Award
Sarah Parker Remond was an African American activist, an anti-slavery lecturer and the first black student at Bedford College. Throughout her life, she promoted inclusivity and equality and worked tirelessly to support the rights of minority groups. The Inclusion and Accessibility Award is therefore awarded to a group that has demonstrated an outstanding effort to ensure that their activities are as accessible as possible and made a significant effort to promote an inclusive attitude within their membership and in the wider campus community.
Best Event
Awarded to a group that has organised and delivered an outstanding event this year that was innovative, exciting, and has left a lasting impression on those who attended.
Best New Society
Awarded to a group that has gone above and beyond the expected growth of a new society. Through this, they will have successfully established themselves as a group with a significant impact on student life at Royal Holloway, and on the Students’ Union.
Most Improved Society
Awarded to a group that has made significant effort to develop this year including membership recruitment, range and success of events, maintaining good finances, committee development etc.
Sustainability Award
Awarded to recognise a student group that has actively worked towards becoming more environmentally sustainable, going above and beyond to leave a lasting positive impact on the environment. This can be through specific events, initiatives or projects, sourcing more sustainable products, engaging in schemes or spreading awareness on campus that highlights sustainability or a specific environmental issue or concern.
Spotlight Award
This award is for the unsung heroes of societies on campus, and is nominated by, and voted for by other student groups on campus. Take the decision into your own hands and nominate a group that you feel has excelled and gone the extra mile.
Society of the Year
Awarded to a group that has made a significant contribution to Royal Holloway, student life, and the Students’ Union. They should have worked in order to significantly grow as a group, attracting a wider range of members, holding innovative events, and working to hit objectives across all areas of the development plan.