The Outstanding University Senior of the Year Award recognizes the exceptional achievement of one Colorado university or college senior who plans to incorporate the study and use of a world language as a major component of their post-university and/or professional goals.  

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Winning categories:

• 1st prize - $200 cash prize and a free year of CCFLT membership to the student’s world language professor or instructor of their choice;

• 2nd prize - $100 cash prize and a free year of CCFLT membership to the student’s world language professor or instructor of their choice;

• Honorable mention - certificate.

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Criteria:

• Applicants must have a minimum of 3.75 grade point average in world language classes (based on a 4.0 system).

• Applicants must have studied at least one world language other than English for at least 3 consecutive years; heritage language courses count.

• Students must also have an overall grade point average of 3.5 (based on a 4.0 point system).

• Students must have made outstanding contributions to world language activities both within and away from their university community.

• Students must have specific intentions to pursue a career that will feature the use of world language as a primary characteristic of their post-secondary plans.

The following documents are required in order for an applicant to be considered:

• A copy of official transcripts, noting the student’s overall grade point average, as well as their grade point average within world language specifically.

• A statement of purpose, not to exceed 600 words, in which the student describes in specific terms their involvement in world language classes, world language activities within their local and campus and communities, and their plans to utilize a world language after university.

• A letter of reference from one university world language instructor that describes the student and their investment in world language.

• A letter of reference from another instructor or professor, an employer, a coach, a mentor, and/or a campus or local community member that describes the student and their investment in world language.

The following documentation may be submitted as means of fortifying or highlighting the items from an applicant’s dossier:

• An employment or internship offer that features world language use as among its primary qualifications;

• A scholarship offer that features world language use as among its primary qualifying factors;

• ACTFL OPI Test scores;

• ACTFL Proficiency Placement Test scores;

• DELE, DELF, DALF, or other language proficiency test scores;

• Proof of post-graduation enrollment in a graduate degree program from an accredited university that features the study or use of world language among its primary characteristics;

• Proof of application to a graduate degree program from an accredited university that features the study or use of world language among its primary characteristics;

• Proof of application for employment or an internship that features world language use as among its primary qualifications;

• Proof of membership of a local, regional, or national organization dedicated to the promotion of the study of other languages and cultures;

• Other documents that highlight the applicant’s talent in or dedication to the study and promotion of world language.

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Applicant Dossiers will be measured using this rubric.  Application and supporting documents are due January 15, 2026.