Awards

The Common Differences awards are given by the Department of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies for the best student papers written about the perspectives, experiences, and contributions of women of color. Topics from a wide variety of areas are welcome, including sexuality, the arts, literature, history, politics, economics, health, psychology, cultural studies, race and ethnicity.

Both graduate and undergraduate students in any discipline at the The Ohio State University are encouraged to submit papers for Common Differences. One graduate and one undergraduate award will be given.

Eligibility

Graduate and undergraduate students in all disciplines at The Ohio State University are encouraged to submit papers written from Spring 2024 to present.

Award

One undergraduate and one graduate author will be presented with a $100 financial aid award.

To Apply

• Papers should be no more than 20 pages, typed and double-spaced.
• Submit a digital copy to: getson.3@osu.edu or a hard copy to: Department of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, 286 University Hall, 230 North Oval Mall, Columbus OH 43210-1311.
• Each student may submit only one paper. The same paper may not be submitted for other awards.

Deadline

Submissions accepted through April 5, 2025

Joellen Thomas Award

The Joellen Thomas Award is named posthumously for a 1998 graduate of the Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies (then Women's Studies) MA program. It is presented annually for the outstanding undergraduate or graduate paper about gender and illness or gender and (dis)ability written for a Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies class or an approved elective.

Eligibility

Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies classes or approved electives at The Ohio State University are encouraged to submit papers written from Spring 2024 to present. 

Award

One undergraduate and one graduate author will be presented with a $100 financial aid award. 

To Apply

• Papers should be no more than 20 pages, typed and double-spaced.
• Submit a digital copy to getson.3@osu.edu or a hard copy to: Department of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, 286 University Hall, 230 North Oval Mall, Columbus OH 43210-1311.
• Each student may submit only one paper. The same paper may not be submitted for other awards.

Deadline

Submissions accepted through April 5, 2025

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Virginia Reynolds Book Award

The Virginia Reynolds Book Award is presented to one graduating Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies major or minor who demonstrates outstanding service and commitment to the Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, The Ohio State University campus, or community in the advancement of women’s issues. The award is presented in honor of the long term service and commitment of former Women’s Studies librarian, Virginia Reynolds who dedicated over 37 years to The Ohio State University. Virginia retired in 2006.

Purpose

To encourage commitment and service towards improving the lives of women through work in the Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, the university community and the community beyond the campus bounds.

Eligibility

Must be a graduating student either majoring or minoring in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies at The Ohio State University who can demonstrate outstanding service to the Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, The Ohio State University, or the community.

Nominations

Faculty and staff can nominate a student. Students can apply themselves.

Awards

One graduating senior will be presented with a $100 financial aid award. 

Application 

Please click here to fill out the application for the Virginia Reynolds Award. 

Deadline

Applications accepted through April 5, 2025