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 the 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. 

Recognition will be awarded at Votes and Vision: 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 at least 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. (10 points)
   1. You can submit your story in a short 250 to 400-word paragraph with a photo, or you can submit a video story. Use this storytelling form (linked) if you don’t know where to start, or this form (linked) if you know your story. If you have questions about how to craft your student story, reach out to the LeadMN Policy Director at .
      
2. Organize and host a Voter Engagement Event on your campus (can be on National Voter Registration Day, a Class Rap, Voter Education Week, or other voter-centered event). (20 points)
   1. 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 training, materials, or help lead your event.
3. Campus submits at least one 300-word nomination in the two categories for our LeadMN Annual Awards. Award categories include: Student Leader of the Year and Advisor of the Year. Award nominations will open on October 1st and close on March 5th. (10 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 virtual. (15 points)
   
   1. 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 its meeting minutes.

5. Host a supply drive on your campus (e.g., food, clothing, textbooks, tools). (25 points)
   1. 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

6. Host a FAFSA Completion event on your campus. (20 points)
   Event can be hosted in tandem with a campus financial aid office. Must submit an event material (promotional flyers/emails, communication confirming the event, etc.) as well as a photo from the event.

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. (Your Senate should be notified about these regional meetings by the LeadMN Board Member who represents your region. For additional questions, reach out to ) (15 points)
   1. Submit a short reflection (100–150 words) and a photo or screenshot from the meeting. Limit one submission per Senate.

8. Host or participate in a student organization networking event (either with student club officers or organization presidents). (10 Points)
   1. Submit a brief event summary (150 – 250 words) and at least one image or promotional piece.
      
9. Set up a voter registration table off campus. (15 Points)
   1. 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.

Campuses can complete as many of these criteria as they want. Campuses will qualify for the Star Campus designation upon reaching a total of 70 points by March 19th, 2027, but are encouraged to submit as soon as possible. 

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

Submission Guidelines

Campuses can achieve Star Campus designation by fulfilling nine criteria, each with an assigned point value indicated alongside it. To be recognized as a Star Campus, a total of 70 out of 140 possible points must be earned. LeadMN will announce Star Campuses at the Spring General Assembly on April 4th, 2027.

Student Senates can use our online submission form (linked) 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. For assistance or questions, email . 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 8, 2026, and close on Friday, March 19, 2027, at 12:00 PM.

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 allow 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 whether that’s covering transportation fees, food for an event, or campus project.

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. 

year 6: Branded Gavel or $50 Visa Gift Card

This wooden gavel will be custom-engraved with your campus name or logo. Or choose a $50 Visa Gift Card.

year 7: Custom Lapel Pins or $50 Visa Gift Card

A set of 25 custom-designed lapel pins with your campus or Senate logo. Or choose a $50 Visa Gift Card.

year 8: star campus ‘star’ trophy or $50 gift card

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

year 9: Custom Nameplates for your Senate or $50 Visa Gift Card

A set of custom engraved nameplates for Senate members with positions. Or choose a $50 Visa Gift Card.

year 10: silver wall plaque

This 5 x 7 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!