APLU Excellence in Student Success (ESS) Award

The Excellence in Student Success Award recognizes APLU member institutions that are advancing student success through coordinated, institution-wide approaches that improve outcomes for students and strengthen institutional practice.

The award highlights efforts that support student progression, engagement, degree completion, workforce preparation, and long-term institutional improvement across public and land-grant universities.

Rather than recognizing isolated programs, the award elevates collaborative and sustained strategies that connect academic affairs, student affairs, advising, career development, institutional research, and student support efforts across the institution.

Advancing Institutional Learning

The award is part of APLU’s broader student success ecosystem and helps surface emerging practices, institutional models, and strategies that support student success at scale.

Applications and institutional examples contribute to shared learning across member institutions through reports, convenings, networks, and collaborative initiatives.

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Previous Excellence in Student Success Award Finalists & Winner

Current Application Cycle 

Applications for the current Excellence in Student Success Award cycle are now open. 

The application process, eligibility requirements, deadlines, evaluation criteria, and submission materials are available on the application page.