CSPA Awards Programs
Membership Year 2026-2027
The following options may be added to your membership during the registration process. To participate in CSPA awards and critique programs, publications must first be members.
Please note that critiques, Crown, or Gold Circle entries are not automatically included in your membership, and must be purchased separately.
Critiques are available on a first come, first served basis.
Publication Critiques
Limited availability on a first-come, first-served basis
Critiques will only be performed on paid publication memberships.
Publication Critique
$195 per publication
To help student print or online media improve their publications, the Association offers its Medalist Critiques. Each year, student newspapers, magazines, websites, and yearbooks are invited to submit their publications to the Association's experienced adviser-judges.
Using a written set of standards developed by the Association detailing best practices for student media, critique judges review print and online publications for evaluation against these standards and score the publication. As part of the judging process, the judge also provides constructive suggestions for building on current strengths and how to address areas that need improvement.
Critique entries require a PDF entry (preferred) or physical submission.
The deadline for submission was August 31, 2026.
Critiques are sold out, but please contact cspa@columbia.edu if you would like to be added to the waitlist.
Details on where/how to upload PDF entries for critique will be sent via e-mail after membership enrollment is completed.
Crown Awards
Crown judging will only be performed on paid publication memberships.
Crown Awards Entry
$155 per publication
Crown Awards recognize overall excellence in either print or digital student publications, chosen by a panel of judges working as a team.
Entries are evaluated against peers of similar age and experience levels such as high school yearbooks against other high school yearbooks, and so forth.
There are NO written results returned to individual publications.
Crown Award entries require a PDF entry (preferred) or physical submission.
The deadline to enter the Crown Awards for 2027 was extended to September 11, 2026.
Details on where/how to upload PDF entries for Crown Award consideration will be sent via email after membership enrollment is completed.
Please note that award winners who attend the 103rd Spring Convention Awards Convocation on March 19, 2027, will receive a complimentary plaque with their certificate. Winners who are unable to attend will receive their certificates in the mail and may purchase a plaque separately.
Gold Circle Awards
Gold Circle Awards judging will only be performed on paid publication memberships.
Gold Circle Awards
$175 for 30 entries
Additional Entries
Sold in packages of 5 entries
$55
Gold Circle Awards recognize individual achievement by students from any CSPA member in many categories.
Each CSPA member can submit as many as 30 individual entries as part of their membership. Additional entries can be submitted at a special member rate.
Certificates are awarded to First, Second, or Third Place, and up to three additional Certificates of Merit are given for honorable mention in each category.
Gold Circle Award entries require a separate submission from critique and/or Crown Award entries.
The deadline for submission has been extended to October 26, 2026.
From Monday to Friday (during business hours), there will be a 2-3 hour lag before your membership enrollment data is shared with the Gold Circle Awards portal.
Please wait 2-3 hours after enrolling for membership before attempting to access the Gold Circle Awards portal.