Nominations open: Award of Excellence in Graduate Supervision
Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA), in partnership with the Graduate Student Association (GSA), is inviting nominations for the 2026–2027 Award of Excellence in Graduate Supervision.
The Award of Excellence in Graduate Supervision recognizes faculty members who go above and beyond in their commitment to mentoring, advising, and supporting graduate students. Recipients exemplify what it means to be an outstanding graduate supervisor, serving as mentors, advisors, role models, humanists, and strategists while bringing energy, ingenuity, and care to their work with students.
Each year, up to three faculty members are recognized for their contributions to graduate education. Recipients each receive $1,000 and are celebrated through University communications channels.
Why nominate your supervisor?
An exceptional supervisor can make a lasting difference in a graduate student's academic experience, professional growth, and personal well-being. If your supervisor has gone above and beyond—whether through meaningful mentorship, fostering an inclusive and supportive research environment, guiding you through challenges, or helping you explore new professional opportunities—a nomination is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the difference they've made.
Your nomination not only recognizes the contributions of an outstanding supervisor but also helps shine a spotlight on effective mentorship practices and strengthen a culture of care and support within Waterloo's graduate community.
Eligibility
To be eligible, nominees must hold a tenured or tenure-track faculty position or have retired within the past two years. They must have held a faculty position for at least 10 years, with preference given to those who have spent at least five years at the University of Waterloo. Previous recipients are eligible only if they have not received the award in the past 10 years.
Successful nominees should demonstrate a sustained commitment to excellence in graduate supervision. This includes encouraging student independence, developing critical thinking and communication skills, creating opportunities for students to share their research, and fostering a caring and inclusive environment where students can thrive.
Nomination process
Current and former graduate students who were directly supervised by an eligible faculty member are invited to initiate a nomination. Nominators must also secure support from other graduate students or alumni who were supervised or mentored by the nominee, along with senior academic colleagues at Waterloo (e.g., Chairs, Associate Chairs/Graduate Officers, Deans, or Associate Deans).
A strong nomination package will showcase the faculty member's contributions as both a supervisor and mentor, highlighting their approach to supervision, dedication to student success, and commitment to supporting students with diverse lived experiences and career aspirations.
To submit a nomination, email the completed package to the department graduate co-ordinator in the nominee's home department by November 12, 2026.