About the Awards
These awards celebrate individuals and teams who bring the University of Waterloo's values to life through their actions, behaviours, and impact; strengthening our culture, supporting our community, and advancing our shared commitment to thinking differently, acting with purpose, and working together.
Recipients are recognized publicly and have the opportunity to direct a $2,000 contribution to a student-supporting fund.
Award categories
SIGNATURE AWARD
The Vivek Goel Impact Award
The University's highest values-based honour, recognizing one individual whose influence embodies all three institutional values and creates lasting, transformative impact across the University.
INDIVIDUAL
Values in Action Champion Awards
Up to three awards presented to individuals who consistently exemplify a single institutional value through their day-to-day actions and meaningful contributions.
GROUP/TEAM
Values in Action Collaboration Award
Celebrates a group or team whose collective efforts demonstrate all three values through collaboration, shared ownership, and impactful outcomes.
Eligibility
Nominees may be recognized for
- A single impactful initiative or contribution
- Sustained efforts and influence over time
- Everyday actions that positively shape the experiences of colleagues, students, or the community
What counts as a contribution
Contributions can occur within or beyond formal job responsibilities, in any area of the University.
Nominees should demonstrate commitment to advancing Waterloo's values in meaningful and tangible ways.
Open to all University of Waterloo employees: individuals, groups, and teams, regardless of role, department, employment status, or appointment type.
Nomination process
Nominations are submitted through the online form by any member of the University community: faculty, staff, students, and unionized employees.
Choose your format
Option A
Written submission
Up to 500 words on how the nominee exemplifies one or more institutional values through their actions, behaviours, and impact.
Option B
Short video
A 2–3 minute video making the same case, different medium.
What to include
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How the nominee exemplifies one or more institutional values
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Optional: testimonials or examples of outcomes
Supporting materials are optional but can strengthen a nomination — letters of support, outcome examples, or evidence of broader impact.
Selection approach
Recipients are selected by a designated committee representing diverse perspectives across the University.
Core criteria
- Alignment with the University's values
- Impact on students, colleagues, or the broader community
- Consistency and sustainability of contributions over time
Additional considerations
- Originality and significance of the contribution
- Demonstrated collaboration, leadership, or influence
- Context and challenges under which contributions were made
Equal consideration is given to individuals and groups, and to contributions within and beyond formal role expectations, with final decisions focused on recognizing what most meaningfully reflects the spirit of the awards.
Know someone who brings our values to life?
Submit a nomination and help us recognize the people and teams who make a difference every day.
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