DSU Awards
Looking for meaningful ways to achieve its mission to connect, support and inspire, the Dawson Student Union (DSU) launched the DSU awards in Fall 2021. These awards were created to recognize and encourage students (DSU Members) - both full-time and part-time - to engage more deeply in their academic journey and overall Dawson College experience.
The DSU Awards are presented each Fall and Winter semester, and highlight student achievements across six unique categories. Whether through leadership, creativity, resilience, volunteering, or academic excellence, these awards celebrate the diversity of ways DSU Members contribute to campus life and the broader community. Please see the awards descriptions along with the application information below.
CURRENT AWARD APPLICATION PERIOD:
FALL 2025 SEMESTER (DATES TBD)
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Dawson Student Union (DSU) Awards
STUDENT LIFE
Awarded to a student who has made a meaningful impact by actively participating in student life and/or contributing to the broader community. This individual demonstrates initiative and a commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive and engaged campus experience.
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Application Criteria:
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Submit a cover letter (300-500 words) that includes:
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​an explanation of your involvement over the past 6 months
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your personal experience and reflections
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an explanation of why you believe you deserve the award
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Eligibility:
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Dawson College student
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Volunteer experience within the past 6 months (no minimum hours required)
Come-up
Presented to a student who has shown unwavering effort and determination in improving their academic performance. This award celebrates personal growth, perseverance, and the commitment to overcoming challenges in pursuit of academic success.
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Application Criteria:
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Submit a cover letter (600-800 words) that includes:
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​an explanation of your academic journey
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your academic goals
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your accomplishments
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your motivations
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an explanation of why you believe you deserve the award
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Eligibility:
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Dawson College student
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Volunteer experience within your academic journey (optional)
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Awarded to a student who has demonstrated consistent effort and dedication toward maintaining a strong academic record. This student shows a clear commitment to learning, discipline, and the pursuit of academic goals.
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Application Criteria:
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Submit a cover letter (300-500 words) that includes:
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​an explanation of your commitment to maintaining an outstanding academic record
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your dedication to achieving academic goals
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an explanation of why you believe you deserve the award
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Eligibility:
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Dawson College student
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Volunteer experience within your academic journey (optional)
PEACE
Presented to a student who has played a pivotal role in a project, student-led group, or initiative that has made a significant and positive impact on the community. This award recognizes leadership, compassion, and the drive to create meaningful change.
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Application Criteria:
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Submit a cover letter (700-1000 words) that includes:
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a detailed explanation of the project, group or initiative
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description of your community involvement
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your specific role in the project, group, or initiative
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your goals and accomplishments
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an explanation of why you believe you deserve the award
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Eligibility:
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Dawson College student
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Volunteer experience within the current semester (no minimum hours required)
RESILIENCE
Awarded to a student who identifies as BIPOC and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ and has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of systemic barriers. This student has remained dedicated to their education while positively impacting their community through advocacy, leadership, or support.
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Application Criteria:
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Submit a cover letter (500-600 words) that includes:
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an explanation of how you have persevered through systemic barriers
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your impact on your community
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your academic goals
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an explanation of why you believe you deserve the award
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Eligibility:
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Dawson College student
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Identify as BIPOC and/or 2SLGBTQIA+
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Volunteer experience within the current semester (no minimum hours required)
BREAKOUT AWARD
Presented to a student who has shown unwavering dedication to the arts through the creation of an original performance or visual work. This award celebrates creative expression, originality, and artistic promise - in any medium or discipline.
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Application Criteria:
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Submit a complete work or collection of pieces created within the last year (ex. paintings, song lyrics, literary works, dances, performed monologues, etc.)
N.B. Video submissions must be no longer than 3 minutes.
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Submit a cover letter (300-500 words) that includes:
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an explanation of your artistic journey
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a description of the submitted artwork or pieces, highlighting their personal and artistic significance​
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Eligibility:
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Dawson College student - not limited to those in the Creative & Applied Arts program
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Volunteer experience within the current semester (no minimum hours required)
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Note: Selection is based on completion of the work, originality, and artistic promise.
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Eligibility and Application
Are you making a difference on campus, in your community, or in your personal journey?
The DSU Awards are your chance to be celebrated for your hard work, creativity, and resilience. Whether you're excelling academically, volunteering your time, creating impactful art, or showing incredible perseverance, there's a category for you. Apply now to share your story and be recognized for the impact you're making!
​The DSU Awards are open to any full or part-time Dawson College student, with the exception of a student who is a DSU Student Councillor or DSU Executive Officer at the time of application.
Fall Semester Awards:
Application period: Oct - Nov
Application deadline: November 2025
Winter Semester Awards:
Application period: Mar - Apr
Application deadline: April 2026
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All applications, along with all required documentation/information, must be submitted by the application deadline.
For more information or to submit your application, please email awards@dawsonstudentunion.com