About Star Campus

The Star Campus program was an initiative first created by the cabinet of 2009-2010 with the intent to reward the most active campuses of LeadMN. The idea was that Student Senates who are fulfilling their commitment to students on their campuses and LeadMN would become a “Star Campus,” serving as an example for campus governments striving to better serve their constituencies. Every Student Senate represented by LeadMN is eligible to participate in the Star Campus program.

Star Campus honors the hard work and passion of student senators. Campuses that fulfill criteria outlined by LeadMN are designated as a Star Campus and receive prizes, rewarding them for their efforts. Find prize information below or in the Star Campus Guide

LeadMN relaunched the Star Campus program in 2024 to promote equity and reengage Student Senates statewide. The relaunch incorporated feedback from students, advisors, and campus leaders, ensuring the program reflects the needs and realities of today’s Minnesota State campuses. The revamped structure rewards meaningful campus engagement, civic involvement, and collaboration across student governments while offering flexible opportunities for participation.

As we enter the second year of the revitalized program in 2025–2026, Star Campus continues to build on that momentum with an expanded set of criteria and a full-year timeline for completion. Recognition will be awarded at the Spring General Assembly, with prizes based on consecutive years of participation to honor ongoing leadership and knowledge transfer across Student Senate teams.

Criteria

1. Submit one student story to LeadMN relating to a higher education issue.This can be an issue that’s important to your campus or region or an issue related to student needs/ interests. You can submit your story in a short 250 – 400 word paragraph with a photo or you can submit a video story. If you have questions about how to craft your student story, reach out to LeadMN Secretary at . (10 points)

2. Organize and host a Voter Engagement Event on your campus This can be on National Voter Registration Day, Class Rap or Voter Education Week, or other voter-centered event. Must be non-partisan. Can be either virtual or in person. Must submit event promotion material and an overview of the event to LeadMN. LeadMN can provide trainings, materials, or help lead your event; contact to organize. (20 points)
3. Campus submits at least one 300-word nomination in at least two of the three categories for our LeadMN Annual Awards. Award categories include: Student Leader of the Year, Board Member of the Year, Advisor of the Year. Award nominations will open in mid-January and close mid-March. (5 points)
4. Attend the Student Senate meeting of another campus OR partner with another Student Senate in an event or activity outside of LeadMN conferences. Can be in-person or virtually. Must submit a picture of the group (online or in-person). Each partnering senate must submit a 100-word description of the event or activity or submit your meeting minutes. (15 points)
   
5. Host a supply drive on your campus (eg  food, clothing, textbooks, tools). Must submit event promotion materials and submit a report of the results to LeadMN. Reports must generally include an approximate number of materials collected and given away; people attended; supplies given; plan for remaining materials. (25 points)

6. Schedule a Campus Visit (In Person or Virtual) with LeadMN. Reach out to LeadMN’s Campus Organizing Director Casey at or Advocacy & Program Director Ben at to schedule an in-person or virtual visit on your campus. Submit a screenshot of any details confirming this visit. (15 points)

7. Participate in one of LeadMN’s Regional Meetings during the fall or spring semester to connect with other campuses, get policy updates, and discuss leadership opportunities. Submit a short reflection (100–150 words) and a photo or screenshot from the meeting. Limit one submission per senate. Find who represents your region at leadmn.org/student-leadership

8. Host or participate in a student organization networking event (either with student club officers or organization presidents). Submit a brief event summary (150 – 250 words) and at least one image or promotional piece. Reach out to LeadMN Secretary () for more info, or for assistance in planning this event. (10 points)

9. Set up a voter registration table off campus. Submit a photo of your table and a brief overview of where you conducted your outreach and how it went. Potential spaces off campus could be a local library, community center, or a nearby event. (15 Points)

Campuses can complete as many of these criterion as they want. Campuses will qualify for the Star Campus designation upon reaching a total of 40 points by March 28th, 2025, but are encouraged to submit as soon as possible. 

Contact LeadMN Program & Advocacy Director Ben Howery at or LeadMN Secretary Alex Bender at  for any questions on submission requirements or scoring. 

Submission Guidelines

This year, campuses can achieve Star Campus designation by completing several or all of the actions or activities laid out in the nine criteria above. Each criterion is assigned a value point. To be recognized as a Star Campus, a total of 70 out of 130 possible points must be earned. LeadMN will announce Star Campuses at the Spring General Assembly on April 10th and 11th.

Student Senates can use our online submission form (linked here and below) to participate. A separate form must be submitted for each criterion being fulfilled. For some criteria, supporting files must be uploaded as proof of completion; for others, no file upload is necessary—just complete and submit the form. For assistance or questions, email or . You will receive a confirmation email once you have submitted.

Please note that points will only be awarded for a criterion if the online form is submitted. This applies to all criteria, regardless of whether a file upload is required. Submissions open on September 2, 2025, and close on Friday, March 20, 2026, at noon.

Awards

The following awards will be distributed to Star Campuses in-person at our Spring General Assembly or by mail to Campus Advisors for those who cannot attend in person. Each year, campuses will receive a certificate of achievement and LinkedIn Badges. 

Awards are given based on the number of consecutive years a campus has won. While awards were historically distributed based on cumulative years won, we recognized that with the turnover of 2-year colleges, schools are being rewarded based on those who came many years before them. Consecutive years allows Student Senates and Advisors to pass Star Campus knowledge to incoming students.

year 1: student senate door plate

Branded with your campus’ logo! These 5 x 5 door plates can be adhered to your Student Senate office door with command strips or other gentle adhesive.

year 2: Branded ballot box or $50 gift card

A ballot box labeled with your campus logo, designed for campus elections and surveys. Or choose a $50 VISA gift card you can spend on something your Student Senate or campus needs.

year 3: star campus ‘star’ trophy or $50 gift card

Receive a small acrylic star trophy to commemorate your senate’s commitment to being a Star Campus! Or choose a $50 Visa Gift Card.

Year 4: custom dry erase board or $50 gift card

A custom-designed dry-erase board to place outside of your senate office! Or choose a $50 Visa Gift Card.

year 5: Blue star campus wall plaque

This 5 x7 mirror plaque can be hung on the wall of your Student Senate office, Student Life Office, or wherever you want to show off your accomplishment! 
Every 5 years, campuses will be eligible to win another plaque, colors vary (5 years = blue, 10 years = silver, 15. years = bronze, 20 years = gold)