Each year, we select one student for the John R. Emens Award. This honor recognizes the most outstanding senior student for their cumulative record of co-curricular achievement, leadership, and contributions to Ball State University during their undergraduate years.

Eligibility

Ball State University students who meet all of the following criteria are eligible to apply:

  • Graduating senior during the current 2024-2025 academic year (e.g., Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer 2025)
  • Graduating seniors who are nominated by another student, faculty member, staff member, or campus organization and submit a letter of nomination
  • Graduating seniors who submit a completed nomination packet by the established deadline
  • Graduating seniors who are in good standing

Basis of Selection

The committee will discuss and consider the following for all nominees:

  • Record of Contributions and Service*
  • Short Answer to Leadership Question
  • Letter of Nomination
  • Academic Performance

The most outstanding nominees, identified using the criteria above, will be invited for an interview with the selection committee. Top nominees who progress to the interview stage of the selection process will be evaluated on the above criteria, as well as the quality of their interview.

*Nominees may establish their contributions in leadership and service to the university in areas including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Athletics
  • Competitive Activities
  • Departmental Activities
  • Student Organizations
  • Fraternity and Sorority Life
  • Multicultural Organizations
  • Political Organizations
  • Publications
  • Religious Groups
  • Governmental Activity
  • Campus Employment

Evaluation Criteria

Criteria Used to Evaluate Students’ Record of Contributions and Service to Ball State University include:

Breadth and Depth of Contributions – A strong nominee with have not only a range of contributions and service experiences, but also establish the quality of those contributions and experiences.

Accomplishments within Organizational and Leadership Roles – A strong nominee will demonstrate accomplishments within their organizations and leadership roles.

Impact of Contributions – A strong nominee will articulate the positive impact their contributions have had on the university and students. 

Criteria Used to Evaluate Short Answer:

Quality and Clarity of Response – A strong response will be well written, thoughtful, and clear.

Content – A strong response must appropriately reflect the prompt and answer the questions posed.

Support of Application – A strong response mush support and compliment the overall application.

Selection Committee

The Committee is composed of professionals, faculty, and students appointed by the Vice President for Student Affairs.  Committee members are representative of multiple areas including:

  • Office of the President
  • Student Affairs
  • Academic Affairs
  • Admissions
  • University Governance
  • Student Governance Association
  • Residence Hall Association

Nominate Someone

Nominator completes the Nominator Form using Benny Link. 

  • Sign-in to Benny Link using BSU credentials 
  • Go to "Forms" tab at the top of the page
  • Type "John" in the search box
  • Choose "Nominator Form"

Apply for the Award

Nominee completes the Nominee Application Form using Benny Link

  • Sign-in to Benny Link using BSU credentials 
  • Go to "Forms" tab at the top of the page
  • Type "John" in the search box
  • Choose "Nominee Application"

Completed nomination and application materials must be submitted by 5:00pm on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

 

Nominate someone   Apply for the award