The ACEs (Awarding and Celebrating Excellent students) are the perfect way to recognise the amazing volunteers and student staff who make UCLan SU such a great place to be. A strong nomination can help your nominee get the recognition they deserve and it’s easier than you think to write one that stands out.
Here are five simple tips to help you craft a nomination that hits the mark.
Match Your Nominee to the Right Award
Each ACEs award is different, so it’s important to choose the category that best fits your nominee. Whether they’ve made a big impact, brought people together, or created opportunities for others, take the time to read through the categories and find the one that showcases their achievements.
Look at the examples provided for each award – they’ll help you focus your nomination and make sure it’s relevant. Picking the right category will show the judges you’ve really thought about your nominee’s work.
Tip: Avoid entering someone for a category that doesn’t quite fit – it’s better to focus on where they truly shine.
Be Specific and Give Clear Examples
A good nomination paints a clear picture of what your nominee has done and why it matters. The judges need to know the what, how, and why of your nominee’s efforts.
Think about:
- What exactly did they do?
- How did it make a difference?
- Who benefited from their actions?
For example: Instead of saying, “Sam is an amazing volunteer,” say, “Sam organised a sports event that raised £1,000 for charity, engaged over 200 students, and introduced new players to the team.”
Specific examples like this make it easier for the judges to understand the scale and impact of your nominee’s work.
Focus on the Impact
While effort is important, the ACEs are all about recognising results. Show the judges the difference your nominee has made:
For example, if they led a campaign, explain how it created change – did it lead to a new policy, or inspire others to act? Help the judges see the outcome, not just the effort behind it.
Tell Their Story
A great nomination tells a story about your nominee’s journey and achievements. Start by explaining the problem or opportunity they tackled, describe what they did to make a difference and then share the results.
For instance:
"When Emma saw that postgraduate students were struggling to make connections, she set up a weekly meet-up group. She promoted it through social media and reached out to societies to collaborate. Over time, attendance grew to 40 students per week, with many saying it’s been a lifeline for making friends and feeling part of the community."
Stories like this stick in the judges’ minds because they show real dedication and impact.
Check Your Work and Submit on Time
Before you submit your nomination, take a moment to read it over. Make sure it’s clear, free from typos, and stays focused on the award criteria. If you can, ask someone else to read it too – they might spot something you missed.
And don’t forget the deadline: Friday 7th March. Planning early gives you time to tweak your nomination if needed.
Submit your ACEs nomination here
Final Thoughts
The ACEs are all about celebrating the people who make a difference in our community. By taking a little time to write a thoughtful nomination, you’re helping your nominee get the recognition they deserve. So, get started today and let their achievements shine!
Good luck – we can’t wait to read your nominations