Do you know any undergraduate or graduate students who are making an impact in the field of gender equity? The Women's Commons is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Gender Equity Awards.
Members of the university community are invited to nominate undergraduate and graduate students, who have had a profound impact on the USD community through their work and connection with others.
The Gender Equity Award honors undergraduate, graduate, and law students who live principles of intersectional social justice. Through their work, activities, and relationships, award nominees are actively promoting equity within our community through collaboration, empowerment of others, solidarity with marginalized populations, courage, and creativity
Award categories are listed below. You are welcome to nominate students for one or more categories. Nominees and their nominators will be invited to attend the Gender Equity Awards Luncheon on Friday, December 5th.
Gender Equity Award Categories
Recipients will have a demonstrated commitment to cultivating equitable learning environments and integrating their classroom learning/experiences into their lives beyond. Recipients will have engaged in scholarly work that addresses issues of access, equity, and social justice, recipients.
Recipients will have demonstrated leadership in developing programs/events that center intentional, joy-filled social connection and the celebration of gender identities and/or expression.
Recipients will have a demonstrated commitment to the holistic development and support of others in an effort to cultivate a sense of belonging for all USD community members.
Recipients will have a demonstrated commitment to promoting holistic wellness that encompasses multiple dimensions of well-being through advocacy and prevention education, and challenges systemic barriers to wellness. Dimensions of well-being include; emotional, physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, financial, occupational, and environmental health.
Recipients will have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills by taking an active role in campus organizations and developing projects/programs that address issues of gender equity.