Writing Contests & Awards

University Writing offers several contests and awards for Auburn University faculty and students. All winners will be honored at the annual University Writing Awards Ceremony. Student winners will receive engraved trophies and cash prizes.

For Students

Sustainability Essay Contest

Each year, University Writing and the Academic Sustainability Program seek submissions for the Outstanding Sustainability Essay Award. This award recognizes exceptional student writing in prose with a focus on sustainability. Please read the complete call for submissions and submit your essay by October 18, 2026.

Selection Criteria

Submissions are evaluated by a committee based on:

Relevance to the prompt.
Reflection on the integrated and holistic nature of sustainability, i.e., the four parts of the sustainability compass (nature, wellbeing, society, economy).
Use of supporting details, coherent organization, and compelling writing style that reinforce the essay’s message.

Recognition of Award Winners

Each winner will be awarded a cash prize and a trophy. Selected authors will be invited to publish their essays in a special issue of the Auburn Sustainability Blog.