The purpose of this award is to recognize an international graduate or professional student at Queen’s who has made a significant contribution to the SGPS membership, the Queen’s community, and/or their local region.

The nominee’s contribution may include actions they have undertaken while holding formal job titles but can also include or even focus on informal actions that the nominee has taken individually or as part of collective efforts.

Further, we recognize that graduate and professional students do not have much time for activities outside their scholastic obligations, and that they have different amounts of time to contribute based on their individual circumstances. As such, we will take these circumstances into consideration when making our decision.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of example actions that nominees may have undertaken to advance the work of the organizations, movements, governing bodies, etc. that they are involved in:

• Taking part in mobilization efforts to help “get the word out” (contributions could include producing artwork, developing mobilization strategies, knocking on doors, recruiting new members, writing op-eds, etc.)
• Administrative work that may include recording important discussions, organizing meetings, or facilitating workshops, town halls, or conferences
• Advocating for the needs of fellow students or those who live in the nominee’s local area (contributions could include committee involvement, protests, etc.)
• Mentoring, offering personal assistance, or doing emotional labour for those who study or work at Queen’s, or those who live in the nominee’s local area

Value of the award: $250 CAD
Number of awards available: 1
Eligibility: International graduate or professional students who are current SGPS members.

To nominate an eligible person for this award, please submit:

1. A statement (250-500 words) outlining examples of how the nominee has contributed to the SGPS membership, Queen’s, or their local area. Beyond documenting their contributions, this statement should also outline how their work positively impacts the goals, aims, or processes of the projects, movements, or organizations they are involved in. You may also choose to discuss any responsibilities outside the nominee’s academic work that limit the amount of time they are able to spend on such projects.
2. A resume (three pages or less) focused on the nominee’s contributions to the SGPS membership, Queen’s, or their local region. The resume need not be limited to roles where the nominee held a formal job title, and the resume format can be modified in whatever way highlights their contributions best. As much as possible, please remove any reference to the nominee’s name in the resume to ensure that it is anonymous for our adjudication process (applications will be reviewed and anonymized prior to submission to the committee, but this is a time-consuming process and, as such, your help is appreciated).
3. Two reference letters (250-500 words) from people who can report on the nominee’s formal or informal contributions to movements, governance bodies, or organizations. No preference will be shown for reference letters from those who are “above” the nominee in any sort of hierarchical organizational structure. However, when choosing referees, be sure to select people who will focus on the nominee’s contributions and character outside their private life. Further, two referees who can attest to the nominee’s contributions and character from different perspectives will help the adjudication committee make a more informed decision. Referees should briefly describe their relationship to the nominee as well as the length of that relationship. Only two reference letters will be reviewed for each application.

The purpose of this award is to recognize an international graduate or professional student who demonstrates academic excellence. Academic excellence includes achievement in courses and research contributions, as well as instances in which the nominee has, in ethically responsible ways, applied what they have learned through their studies or research to initiatives that have a positive impact within or external to Queen’s.

The nominee’s level of study will be taken into consideration when adjudicating this award. For example, MA/MSc students who just presented at their first conference or fourth year PhD candidates who have published multiple papers and held multiple Research Assistantships will not be expected to have similar levels of experience or accomplishment by the adjudication committee.

Examples of academic excellence include, but are not limited to:

• Research Assistantships
• Presenting research at conferences through posters or papers
• Publications
• Artistic practice or community-based initiatives that have had a positive impact and have been directly informed by the nominee’s course of study or area(s) of research

Value of the award: $250 CAD
Number of awards available: 1
Eligibility: International graduate or professional students who are currently SGPS Members.

To nominate an eligible person for this award, please submit:

1. A statement (250-500 words) outlining how the nominee has achieved academic excellence. Beyond the nominee’s achievements in their course of study, their research contributions, or research positions they have held, you may also choose to highlight how their achievements in these areas have had a positive impact at Queen’s or outside the academic sphere as discussed above. You may also choose to discuss any responsibilities outside of their teaching and academic work that limit the amount of time they are able to spend on such projects.
2. A resume (three pages or less) that focuses on the nominee’s academic achievements as defined broadly above. The resume format can be modified in whatever way highlights their contributions best. As much as possible, please remove any reference to the nominee’s name in the resume to ensure that it is anonymous for our adjudication process (applications will be reviewed and anonymized prior to submission to the committee, but this is a time-consuming process and, as such, your help is appreciated).
3. Two reference letters (250-500 words) from people who are qualified to attest to the nominee’s academic achievements as defined above. No preference will be shown for reference letters from those who are “above” the nominee in any sort of hierarchical organizational structure, though two referees who can attest to the nominee’s achievements from different perspectives (for example, as a course instructor, a community member, a gallery owner, or a supervisor for a Research Assistantship) will help the adjudication committee make a more informed decision. Referees should briefly describe their relationship to the nominee as well as the length of that relationship. Only two reference letters will be reviewed for each application.

The purpose of this award is to recognize a faculty member (including but not limited to professors and adjuncts) at Queen’s University who have made a significant contribution to the SGPS membership in the realm of teaching, supervision, and/or mentorship.

The nominee’s level of experience will be taken into consideration to fairly adjudicate this award. For example, a first-year adjunct faculty and a tenured professor will not be expected to have similar levels of accomplishment by the adjudication committee.

Further, while contributions will likely include work that is valued within the nominee’s employment contract, we also seek to recognize other types of work, including but not limited to:

• Providing emotional labour to students or other members of teaching teams
• Using innovative teaching methods that strive to improve the course for those who might experience marginalization based on race, class, gender, orientation, or ability
• Creating or facilitating groups, workshops, or initiatives to better address the needs of students or the Queen’s community

Number of awards available: 1
Eligibility: Faculty members at Queen’s University including but not limited to professors or adjuncts.

To nominate an eligible person for this award, please submit:

1. A statement (250-500 words) outlining examples of the nominee’s contributions as a teacher, supervisor, or mentor. Beyond the types of work that are listed in the nominee’s employment contract, you may also choose to discuss other types of labour that they do for students or members of teaching team(s), including but not limited to those listed above.
2. Two letters of support (250-500 words) from people who can attest to the nominee’s contributions, including but not limited to faculty members, department heads, or students. No preference will be shown for letters from those who are “above” the nominee in any sort of hierarchical organizational structure, but letters from people who can attest to the nominee’s contributions and character from different perspectives will help the adjudication committee make a more informed decision. Referees should briefly describe their relationship to the nominee as well as the length of that relationship. Only two reference letters will be reviewed for each application.

The purpose of this award is to recognize a staff member at Queen’s University who has made a significant contribution to the SGPS membership outside the classroom.

Number of awards available: 1
Eligibility: Staff members at Queen’s University including but not limited to program administrators or assistants.

To nominate an eligible person for this award, please submit:

1. A statement (250-500 words) that outlines the contributions that the nominee has made to the SGPS membership and/or the Queen’s community.
2. Two letters of support (250-500 words) from people who can attest to the nominee’s work, including but not limited to faculty members, department heads, or students. No preference will be shown for letters from those who are “above” the nominee in any sort of hierarchical organizational structure, but letters from people who can attest to the nominee’s contributions and character from different perspectives will help the adjudication committee make a more informed decision. Referees should briefly describe their relationship to the nominee as well as the length of that relationship. Only two reference letters will be reviewed for each application.

The purpose of this award is to recognize a graduate or professional student at Queen’s who has made a significant contribution to the SGPS membership, the Queen’s community, and/or their local region.

The nominee’s contribution may include actions they have undertaken while holding formal job titles but can also include or even focus on informal actions that the nominee has taken individually or as part of collective efforts.

Further, we recognize that graduate and professional students do not have much time for activities outside their scholastic obligations, and that they have different amounts of time to contribute based on their individual circumstances. As such, we will take these circumstances into consideration when making our decision.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of example actions that nominees may have undertaken to advance the work of the organizations, movements, governing bodies, etc. that they are involved in:

• Taking part in mobilization efforts to help “get the word out” (contributions could include producing artwork, developing mobilization strategies, knocking on doors, recruiting new members, writing op-eds, etc.)
• Administrative work that may include recording important discussions, organizing meetings, or facilitating workshops, town halls, or conferences
• Advocating for the needs of fellow students or those who live in the nominee’s local area (contributions could include committee involvement, protests, etc.)
• Mentoring, offering personal assistance, or doing emotional labour for those who study or work at Queen’s, or those who live in the nominee’s local area

Value of the award: $250 CAD
Number of awards available: 1
Eligibility: Graduate or professional students who are currently SGPS Members and who have made a significant contribution to the SGPS membership, the Queen’s community, or their local region.

To nominate an eligible person for this award, please submit:

1. A statement (250-500 words) outlining examples of how the nominee has contributed to the SGPS membership, Queen’s, or their local area. Beyond documenting their contributions, this statement should also outline how their work positively impacts the goals, aims, or processes of the projects, movements, or organizations they are involved in. You may also choose to discuss any responsibilities outside the nominee’s academic work that limit the amount of time they are able to spend on such projects.
2. A resume (three pages or less) focused on the nominee’s contributions to the SGPS membership, Queen’s, or their local region. The resume need not be limited to roles where the nominee held a formal job title, and the resume format can be modified in whatever way highlights their contributions best. As much as possible, please remove any reference to the nominee’s name in the resume to ensure that it is anonymous for our adjudication process (applications will be reviewed and anonymized prior to submission to the committee, but this is a time-consuming process and, as such, your help is appreciated).
3. Two reference letters (250-500 words) from people who can report on the nominee’s formal or informal contributions to movements, governance bodies, or organizations. No preference will be shown for reference letters from those who are “above” the nominee in any sort of hierarchical organizational structure. However, when choosing referees, be sure to select people who will focus on the nominee’s contributions and character outside their private life. Further, two referees who can attest to the nominee’s contributions and character from different perspectives will help the adjudication committee make a more informed decision. Referees should briefly describe their relationship to the nominee as well as the length of that relationship. Only two reference letters will be reviewed for each application.

The purpose of this award is to recognize an SGPS member who has served as a Teaching Assistant or Teaching Fellow and has made a significant contribution to the classes in which they work.

The nominee’s level of study will be taken into consideration when adjudicating this award. For example, first year MA/MSc students who just finished their first Teaching Assistantship or fourth year PhD candidates who are more seasoned teaching employees will not be expected to have similar levels of experience or accomplishment by the adjudication committee.

Further, while contributions will likely include work that is valued within the nominee’s employment contract, we also seek to recognize other types of work, including but not limited to:

• Providing emotional labour to students or other members of teaching teams
• Offering creative or helpful suggestions on how to improve a course to your supervisor
• Using innovative teaching methods that strive to improve the course for those who might experience marginalization based on race, class, gender, orientation, or ability

Value of the award: $250 CAD
Number of awards available: 1
Eligibility: Teaching Assistants or Teaching Fellows who are currently SGPS Members and who have made a significant contribution to the classes in which they work

To nominate an eligible person for this award, please submit:

1. A statement (250-500 words) outlining examples of the nominee’s contributions as a Teaching Assistant/Teaching Fellow at Queen’s. Beyond the types of work that are listed in the nominee’s employment contract, you may also choose to discuss other types of labour that they do for students or members of teaching team(s), including but not limited to those listed above. You may also choose to discuss any responsibilities outside of their teaching and academic work that limit the amount of time they are able to spend on such projects.
2. A resume (three pages or less) that focuses on the nominee’s contributions as a TA/TF. The resume format can be modified in whatever way highlights their contributions best. As much as possible, please remove any reference to the nominee’s name in the resume to ensure that it is anonymous for our adjudication process (applications will be reviewed and anonymized prior to submission to the committee, but this is a time-consuming process and, as such, your help is appreciated).
3. Two reference letters (250-500 words) from people who are qualified to attest to the nominee’s contributions as a TA/TF. Referees who can attest to the nominee’s contributions and character from different perspectives (for example, a course instructor, a student, a staff member, or a teaching assistant) will help the adjudication committee make a more informed decision. Referees should briefly describe their relationship to the nominee as well as the length of that relationship. Only two reference letters will be reviewed for each application.