Dean's Equity, Diversity and Social Inclusion Student Award

Guidelines and nomination process

The Dean's Equity, Diversity and Social Inclusion Student Award celebrates students who have made meaningful contributions toward fostering inclusive communities aligned with Monash Business School values. This recognition is open to individuals or teams whose initiatives, leadership, or everyday actions have helped advance equity, diversity, and belonging. We welcome nominations highlighting various forms of impact—whether through formal programs, grassroots efforts, innovative projects, mentorship, or advocacy work that has enhanced the experience of underrepresented groups or promoted a more inclusive culture in any context that reflects our institutional values.

Award details

Aligned with the University’s Diversity and Inclusion framework, the award aims to foster and enrich a business culture of equity, diversity and social inclusion including but not limited to:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders;
• Disability and Accessibility
• Gender Equity
• LGBTIQA+
• Access and Success
• Anti-racism
• Spirituality, or
• another facet of equity, diversity and social inclusion not listed above.

The award recipient will receive a trophy and a monetary prize from Monash Business School.

At the discretion of the Dean, and in cases where exceptional nominations are received, the award may be presented to more than one recipient.

Additionally, the Dean recognises notable contributions to equity, diversity and inclusion through a Dean’s Commendation. These individuals will receive a certificate of commendation.

Category of award

Dean’s Equity, Diversity and Social Inclusion Student Award.

Value of award

• The awardee will receive a trophy and a prize of $500 or equivalent at an international campus.
• Dean’s commendations have no monetary component.

Nomination and eligibility

The Dean’s Equity, Diversity and Social Inclusion Award is to recognise an individual student or a student team who has made an outstanding contribution to supporting the Monash Business School and University’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Eligibility

All Monash Business School students enrolled in a course are eligible to be nominated.

• Where a team has been nominated, a minimum 50% of team members must be a currently enrolled Monash Business School student.
• Students may be enrolled in a single degree, double degree, or graduate research degree.

Nomination process

• Students may be nominated by a member of staff, another student, or may self-nominate.
• Nominations can be made via the Dean's Equity, Diversity and Social Inclusion Award - Student Nomination Form.
• Nominations close on 29 January 2027.

Preparation

Nominations must include a statement against the selection criteria outlined below (no more than 1500 words) and be accompanied by supporting evidence (e.g. details of the initiative or event, a three-minute video summarising the highlights of the event or initiative, supporting statement/s, evidence of impact, or evaluation).

Selection

Recommendations for awards will be provided to the Dean by a selection panel consisting of the Director of Equity, Diversity and Social Inclusion, the Deputy Dean of Accreditation and International, and the Group Manager, Student and Education Services. Additionally, the panel may appoint a co-opted member to assist them in their deliberations (e.g. where a nominee is from a non-Australian campus).

Selection criteria

In its deliberations, the panel will consider the extent of:

• Awareness raised of the impact of inequality
• Facilitation of a deeper understanding of equity, diversity and social inclusion
• Empowerment of disadvantaged or marginalised groups
• Benefit/outcomes for an individual, group or community
• Efforts made beyond the expectations of a student of the University.

The decision of the Dean is final.

Presentation of award

Announcement of award and commendation recipients is expected to be made in December each year. The presentation of the award will be made at the student awards event the following year.

Further information

For further information on the award details, eligibility and criteria please contact Katherine Mitchell on +61 3 9903 2625 or Katherine.Mitchell@monash.edu