The annual UJS Student Awards is the opportunity to recognise everyone who has contributed and dedicated themselves to Jewish life on campus. It’s a time for students from all over the country to come together and celebrate their work and their achievements. 

We give awards for a host of different activities, from one-off events to extended projects, as well as a J-Soc’s overall contribution to Jewish life over the year. Awards aren’t just given for the event with the most attendees, the biggest J-Soc, or the campaign with the most social media likes. It’s given to students who have made a tangible difference to their campus. That might be a Friday night dinner for less than 10 people, or it might be a ball for 200. Now is the time to celebrate the students who work tirelessly and voluntary for their peers.

Any activity that has taken place since May 2020 which was not been nominated last year is valid for nomination. You can nominate your own event/project, or a friend’s. If you have any questions, please contact Emma 

Click here to see the Nominations

Click here to attend Student Awards

The following information gives an idea of what the selection panel will be looking for, but is not exclusive to these things

Education Project of the Year (in honour of Fred Worms OBE)

For a project that:

• Focuses on a range of topics, including but not exclusive to:
  • Religion
  • Politics
  • Holocaust Education
  • Philosophy
• Can be peer-led or run by a speaker
• Either regular events or one-off
• Inclusive – Open to the J-Soc or to the wider community.
• Has had a big impact
• Worked behind the scenes
• Embodies UJS’ values

Social Action Project of the Year

For a project that:

• Encourages positive social change in local or national communities and/or on campus
• Worked tirelessly on logistics and dedicated to making a change.
• Put on events, which could include, but not exclusive to:
  • Fundraisers
  • Mitzvah day
  • Period Poverty
  • And more

Interfaith Project of the Year

For a project:

• That brings people of different faiths together
• Has a positive impact on faith communities
• Active in interfaith networks and spaces
• Can include:
  • Social events
  • Educational events
  • Interfaith Friday Night Dinners
  • Representing the J-Soc in interfaith panels
  • And more

Liberation Initiative of the Year

For a student or project that:

• Has dedicated their time to educating others about Liberation
• Has provided a platform and space for students to speak about their experiences 
• Continues to be an Activist for their particular Liberation Network
• Has facilitated inclusive spaces that celebrate marginalised groups
• Advocated on behalf of our one of our liberation groups (Women, LGBTQ+, Working Class, People of Colour and Disability)

Israel Engagement Initiative of the Year (in partnership with UJIA)

For an initiative that:

• Engages with Israel in a productive manner
• Can be political, educational, social, charitable, etc.
• Makes an impact on the conversation around Israel on campus
• Shows creativity in the thought process around engagement

Campaign of the Year (in partnership with CST)

For a campaign that:

• Includes events and/or social media
• Raises awareness and support of an issue
• Can tie in with a national UJS campaign or be independent
• Topics such as:
  • Jewish education
  • Mental health
  • Politics
  • Social action
  • And more

Event of the Year

For an event that:

• Can be any size – it’s about the quality not how many people came
• Made a positive impact to the Jewish students
• Is different to the J-Soc’s usual events
• Shows initiative and creativity
• Embodies UJS’ values

Maurice Helfgott Award for leadership

For a student who:

• Has made a large contribution to Jewish Life on campus
• Has shown excellent leadership on campus or in the community
• Is continuing to positively impact their Jewish Community
• Open to all opportunities
• Dedicates their time (often without credit)
• Dedicated to making a difference.
• Will go on to have an impact on the Jewish and wider community
• Embodies the values of UJS in their leadership

J-Soc of the Year

For a J-Soc that:

• Goes above and beyond to provide for its members, creating a Jewish home away from home
• Offers regular and a variety of events throughout the year
• Shows progress and development from the previous year
• Has shown great initiative during Covid-19 Pandemic
• Not necessarily the biggest J-Soc, or the J-Soc that offers events every week

NEW!! Keeping Jewish enrichment and engagement alive for students during the Covid-19 Pandemic

It has been a hard year for all, and with little to no interaction on campus Jewish Enrichment such as festival celebrations and Friday Night dinners have been difficult to continue. This award is for a group or individual who has show dedication during the pandemic to still bring Judaism to Jewish Student.

• Can be any size – it’s about the quality not how many people were involved
• Made a positive impact to Jewish students
• Was a one off or regular activity during the pandemic
• Showed initiative and creativity

Volunteer of the year

To thank a student for the many devoted hours of encouragement and help they have given both inside and outside the community.

• Made a positive impact
• Supported others
• Shown exceptional dedication to volunteering

Alan Senitt z”l Outstanding Contribution to Campus Life (final year students only)

In memory of Alan Senitt z”l, UJS President 2001-2003. Alan was a role model for those working with him, inspiring young leaders and empowering those around him.  He was an inspirational community leader and political activist with a great passion and belief for all that he did and with a great future ahead of him.

For a student in their final year who has:

• Shown exceptional dedication to contributing to Jewish life on campus throughout their time
• Is both a leader and an example to others