Diversity

The Merit Based Awards in Diversity are designed to recognize outstanding graduate student work that celebrate and respect the rich historical and cultural context of the places they live and do work in. Successful candidates will demonstrate incorporation of and respect for the diversity and heritage of the areas they work in course of their research and current tenure at UH Mānoa.

Mentorship

The Graduate Student Organization recognizes the importance of encouraging graduate student mentorship of other students at the University of Hawaiʻi System in a way that fosters a positive academic climate and promotes professional development. In regard to this award, GSO defines mentorship as a professional relationship where an experienced person (the mentor) assists another student (the mentee) to develop specific skills and knowledge that will enhance the less-experienced person’s professional and personal growth including, but are not limited to, mentoring graduate or undergraduate students at the University of Hawaiʻi; providing career counseling; and co-authoring or presenting research with mentees.

Research

The Graduate Student Organization aims to support graduate students in the timely completion of their program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and encourage excellence in research. Successful candidates will demonstrate a history of scholarly contributions and a commitment to research.

The Rachael Wade Merit Based Award for Service and Outreach 

The Graduate Student Organization recognizes the importance of promoting graduate student service to the University and outreach to the community at large with the awarding of the Rachel Wade Merit Based Award for Service and Outreach. This category is broadly defined to recognize student-led projects/programs and/or student work experience that benefits and enriches the university, local, and/or global community. Successful applicants will demonstrate a history of beneficence.

The Hannah Liebreich Merit Based Award for Teaching

The Graduate Student Organization aims to acknowledge and celebrate teaching excellence by graduate students at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Successful candidates will demonstrate a history of thoughtful and engaging teaching with supporting evidence from previous students and their advisor or departmental teaching supervisor.

Empowerment (Leadership)

The Graduate Student Organization recognizes the importance of graduate students who demonstrate leadership that empowers others and strengthens the community. The GSO defines empowerment as actions that inspire, support, and elevate individuals or groups while fostering collaboration, inclusion, and shared success. This may include, but is not limited to, leading student organizations or initiatives; developing programs that enhance graduate student life; facilitating collaboration across departments; and cultivating environments where others are encouraged to grow, contribute, and succeed.