Student Activities & Leadership

Mane Month

Mane Month is a coordination of activities hosted by various organizations, groups, and departments across campus during the first month of the fall semester.  It is one of the most important times for new students to get connected on campus. 

2026 Mane Month dates will occur from August 19th to September 19th.

To add your event to the Mane Month calendar, please complete this form before August 1, 2026: https://cglink.me/2sy/s683

[UNA: confirm calendar submission link will still be accurate on site launch]

[content entry/dev note: add mane month calendar here??]

Camp L.E.O.

Camp L.E.O. is a dynamic three-day leadership experience designed exclusively for incoming University of North Alabama first-year students. Taking place in August at UNA and Earle Trent Assembly, this immersive program allows students to build connections, develop leadership skills, and jumpstart their UNA journey as the semester begins. 

Incoming first-year students are encouraged to apply for this exclusive opportunity, with selections taking place during the summer. Learn more and apply below!

[Learn More] (link to Camp L.E.O. page)

Registered Student Organizations

UNA has more than 150 student organizations, allowing students from all backgrounds to find a community that suits their interests or try something new and meet new friends. 

[UNA: confirm what information (guidelines, processes, list of orgs, etc) from this page needs to be included here since we are currently not creating an RSO page]

Homecoming Spirit Challenge

The Homecoming Spirit Challenge invites students to show off their Lion pride as we lead up to our homecoming game each fall. The 2026 Homecoming Spirit Challenge will be open from September 10th at 9:00 AM and close October 1st at 6:00 PM. Sign up by filling out the form here. 

The Homecoming Student Activity Book includes the rules and regulations for the Homecoming Court nominations and elections, rules and regulations for the 2026 Homecoming Spirit Challenge, and extra information on student events occurring this Homecoming. Hard copies of this booklet will be available in front of the Center for Student Engagement Sept. 1, 2026.

If you have questions about the Homecoming Spirit Challenge or related events, contact Dan Price, Spirit Activities Planner, at dprice6@una.edu.

[UNA: confirm link address for the form]

University Program Council

The University Program Council provides student-led programming that supports a vibrant campus experience, values traditions, and creates opportunities for all student populations at the University of North Alabama. We’re a group of paid student employees passionate about our campus and providing peers with a great UNA experience through our programs and events.

We host high-quality events that are relevant, intentional, comprehensive, and engaging of diverse student populations all throughout the academic year. Follow us on Instagram to keep up-to-date on upcoming events at @upc_una.

Student Allocation Funding

We know that student organizations and their activities contribute to the educational, cultural, social, and professional development of the University of North Alabama. SGA created the Student Allocations funding process to respond to the needs of student organizations in good standing and enable these groups to develop programming based on the educational mission of the university, as outlined in the University Catalog and Student Handbook.

Submit a Request

To submit a request, log in to Campus Groups with your UNA portal login information and join the Student Allocation/Budget Oversight group. Then:

  • Navigate back to “Home” by clicking on the Home icon at the top.
  • On the lefthand navigation, click on the “My Activity” dropdown.
  • Click on “My Checklists”
  • Complete the steps for allocation training.
    • Step 1: Review the Student Allocation Manual and mark the checkbox complete
    • Step 2: Complete the Quiz with a 100% score (to start the quiz, select “Submit Quiz”)
  • Complete Allocation Request Form
  • Committee will Assess for Approval or Rejection

The training must be completed before submitting allocation requests. Students who submit a request prior to completing training will automatically be denied funding. Proposals are due via Campus Groups by 11:59pm on Fridays. They will be reviewed at the committee meeting the following Tuesday. Event/Travel dates must take place no less than 6 weeks from the committee review. The Budget Oversight Committee meets every Tuesday at 3:30p.m. in the Center for Student Engagement’s Conference Room. 

For questions about student allocation funding, email sgaallocations@una.edu.

View 2026-2027 Student Allocation Manual

[UNA: make sure this link is still accurate on site launch]

Student Awards and Recognition

The following awards are presented at the University of North Alabama Awards Gala each year.  They are based on campus involvement, volunteerism, and achievement:

  • Dr. Kimberly A. Greenway Outstanding Service Award (Faculty or Staff Nominated by Students)
  • Hall of Fame – Recognizes four graduating seniors who have fulfilled their scholastic goal with honor and who have made outstanding contributions to the university through non-academic organizations
  • Homecoming King & Queen – Awarded to one male and one female student who is either a Junior or a Senior. Recipients are elected by their UNA peers and honored at the beginning of the Homecoming football game.
  • Undergraduate Service Awards – The Undergraduate Service Awards will recognize four (4) students of freshman, sophomore, junior, or non-graduating senior standing who have fulfilled their scholastic goal with honor and who have made outstanding contributions to the University through non-academic organizations. 
  • University Man and Woman of the Year – The University Man and Woman of the Year will recognize one male and one female student who have fulfilled their scholastic goal with honor and who have made outstanding contributions to the University through non-academic organizations. 

Fraternity and Sorority Life Awards

  • Daniel R. Leisure Chapter of the Year Award – Awarded to one sorority chapter and one fraternity chapter that exhibit excellence in areas of academic achievement and support, alumni and graduate chapter engagement, campus and community engagement, chapter management, council engagement, health, safety, and wellness, leadership development, and member development.
  • Fraternity Man/Sorority Woman of the Year  – Awarded to one fraternity man and one sorority woman of junior or senior status who has shown excellence in campus involvement, fraternity and sorority leadership, and community service. Each fraternity and sorority may nominate two men and two women.  A committee of fraternity and sorority professionals not affiliated with UNA will score the applicants and determine the winners

Student Activities & Leadership Development Awards

  • Lion’s Cup (RSO) – The Lion’s Cup was created in 2003 to recognize one outstanding student organization whose goals and achievements must strengthen the campus community and should include collaboration with other organizations, participation in university-sponsored trainings, and promotion of university-sponsored initiatives.  
  • Outstanding Volunteerism – Awarded to an individual student and Registered Student Organization who has shown exemplary service to the community on a local, national, and/or global scale. 
  • RSO of the Month – Each month, we’ll recognize outstanding organizations making a real impact on our campus community. Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis and will remain open all year long! Submit your nominations anytime to recognize the leaders and organizations making a difference. Nominate: https://cglink.me/2sy/s571
  • Student Leader of the Month – Each month, we’ll recognize outstanding individuals making a real impact on our campus community. Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis and will remain open all year long! Submit your nominations anytime to recognize the leaders and organizations making a difference. Nominate: https://cglink.me/2sy/s570

SGA Awards & Recognition

  • Freshman Forum Member of the Year – Awarded to a member of the Student Government Association Freshman Forum branch who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and service to the branch. This individual actively represents the interests of freshman students, contributes meaningfully to leadership and initiatives, and upholds the values of SGA through consistent engagement and professionalism.
  • Senator of the Year – Awarded to a member of the Student Government Association Senate who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and service to the student body. This individual actively represents student interests, contributes meaningfully to legislation and initiatives, and upholds the values of SGA through consistent engagement and professionalism.
  • Spirit of SGA Award – Awarded to a member of the Student Government Association who embodies the heart and spirit of SGA. This individual brings positive energy, encouragement, and enthusiasm to all they do, helping to foster a welcoming and collaborative environment. Through their attitude, support of peers, and commitment to the SGA community, they uplift others and remind us that strong leadership is rooted in passion, connection, and pride in serving the student body.
  • Spirit of Freshman Forum Award – Awarded to a member of the Student Government Association, Freshman Forum branch, who embodies the heart and spirit of SGA. This individual brings positive energy, encouragement, and enthusiasm to all they do, helping to foster a welcoming and collaborative environment. Through their attitude, support of peers, and commitment to the FF community, they uplift others and remind us that strong leadership is rooted in passion, connection, and pride in serving the freshman class.
  • SGA Past Presidents – This distinction acknowledges their lasting contributions to student leadership, governance, and the advancement of the University community. Each past president is recognized for their dedication to representing the student voice and shaping the continued success of SGA.
  • SGA Volunteer of the Year – Awarded to a member of the Student Government Association who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment through their volunteer efforts. This individual has accumulated the highest number of volunteer hours within SGA and exemplifies the spirit of leadership, dedication, and community engagement.
  • Robert L. Potts Hall of Fame – Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and long-term commitment to the Student Government Association. Recipients must have served in SGA for a minimum of three years and have made a lasting impact through their leadership, service, and contributions to the organization and the University community. 
  • W.T. McElheny Award – Awarded to a faculty or staff member who has shown support to the Student Government Association throughout the academic year. Recipients are honored through the recognition of this award and the impact/development of the SGA student members.

[UNA: a lot of awards, winners, and qualification details for this section on the current site and we are not creating an awards page, confirm if we still want them all listed here]

Lions Lend a Hand

Lions Lend a Hand is one of UNA’s largest community service and volunteering days. Students can come together to complete a project that serves the campus community. 

This event is a great way to kick off the new semester and get to know others on campus all while doing something meaningful! UNA faculty, staff, and students are invited and encouraged to participate.

Date: 

Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Location: GUC Atrium

[UNA: confirm 2026 date/time/location]

[UNA: Need 2026 event details here]

*Free event t-shirts while supplies last. 

*There is NO rain date for this event. 

Should you have any questions or need additional accommodations, please contact Matthew Jones, mjones4@una.edu. 

Contact the Student Activities and Leadership Development Office

Guillot University Center 163

256-765-4693

Matthew Jones

Director of Student Activities & Leadership Development

mjones4@una.edu