The Office of Student Experience & Wellbeing is accepting nominations for the University of Toronto Scarborough Letter Awards. The Letter Awards were established in the fall of 2000 by the Office of Student Experience & Wellbeing with the support of the Council on Student Services.
The awards aim to recognize graduating students for significant contributions to campus life and publicly acknowledge students who have made a lasting impact at UTSC.
To recognize students’ contributions to the UTSC Community in alignment with the UTSC Strategic Plan – Inspiring Inclusive Excellence, six new award categories have been added to the Letter Award.
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Accessibility Letter Award
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Black Student Community Impact Letter Award
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Campus Life Letter Award
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Healthy Campus Letter Award
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Reconciliation Letter Award
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Sustainability Letter Award
Candidates will be asked to choose up to a maximum of three category that best fits their contribution to the UTSC Community. To read descriptions of each of the categories, scroll to the bottom of the page.
Recipients will receive the award during the official Letter Awards Ceremony on June 5, 2024, hosted by The Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing, at the Miller Lash House.
Selection Criteria
To qualify for a Letter Award, an individual:
- Must be eligible and have declared intent to graduate in June or November of 2024.
- Cannot have received a UTSC Letter Award in the past.
- Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 at the end of the previous academic session (end of Fall 2023). Nominees who do not meet this standard must email studentexperience.utsc@utoronto.ca to discuss the appeals process.
- Must have made a significant contribution to the UTSC Community in alignment with the UTSC Strategic Plan in, one or more of the following ways:
- Provided outstanding leadership in the development of a new or creative initiative that will have a lasting impact on the campus;
- Made a significant impact on the quality of university life through programs, services and/or activities;
- Held an official position (elected position, positional leadership, participation on a committee, hired position) where their contribution well exceeded expectations of the role;
- Engaged in service or actions which showed an outstanding commitment to improving campus life inside or outside of the classroom for a significant number of students; or actions that have improved the cultural or learning environment of the campus;
- Initiated a service or project that resulted in increased collaboration between various constituencies, brought together groups for a common goal, and/or promoted and encouraged the involvement of others.
- Volunteer services outside the University community will be considered only in addition to contributions within the University community.
Selection Process
The selection committee is comprised of staff from the Office of Student Experience & Wellbeing at the University of Toronto Scarborough. The committee will meet following the close of the application period and results will be shared with successful nominees shortly afterward.
Application Process
Any student who meets the above mentioned criteria and has declared their intent to graduate in June or November of 2024 is welcome to apply for a Letter Award.
The application will consist of the following:
- Five questions including a personal statement (of no more than 300 words each)
- Two (2) references (must be a UofT faculty and/or staff member familiar with your contributions). Successful nominees will have their references contacted.
- Resumes and CCRs are preferred, but not mandatory
If you require alternative means to apply, please email: studentexperience.utsc@utoronto.ca
The deadline to apply has been extended to Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Inclusive Excellence Award Categories
The Campus Life Letter Award recognizes graduating students for significant contributions to campus life and publicly acknowledges students who have made a lasting impact at UTSC.
The Accessibility Letter Award recognizes a graduating student who was committed and dedicated to advancing inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities. Nominee contributions may demonstrate support to value and include persons with disabilities while challenging stereotypes and fostering accessible environments/events/programs. The nominee may also demonstrate efforts to consider the intersections of disability and other identities.
The Black Student Community Impact Letter Award recognizes a graduating student who has shown exceptional dedication in creating and supporting the Black student community on campus. This award aims to acknowledge the efforts of a student who has gone above and beyond to foster a sense of belonging and support for Black students, and/or promote their academic and personal success.
To be considered for this award, the student must have demonstrated leadership and creativity in developing and/or facilitating events and initiatives that promote Black student community building and success. This could include events such as networking sessions, cultural celebrations, mentorship programs, academic support workshops, and community service projects that specifically benefit Black-identifying* students within the UTSC community.
The award recipient should have also shown a deep commitment to advocating for the needs and concerns of Black students on campus, and actively engaged with the broader campus community to raise awareness of issues affecting Black students.
During the Fall 2022 semester, the University of Toronto Scarborough officially adopted the Okanagan Charter becoming the 37th campus to join the Canadian Health Promoting Campus Network. We are accepting expressions of interest for the Healthy Campus – OSEW Letter Award.
The Healthy Campus Letter Award recognizes a graduating student that had significantly contributed to fostering a healthy campus by leading the way in two or more of the Healthy Campus pillars including:
Art & Culture, Food & Nutrition, Mental Health, Physical Activity, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Physical Space, through their leadership efforts outside the classroom.
As UTSC strives to decolonize spaces, curriculum, and answer the calls to action it is important to understand the roles we each play in supporting systemic change and the calls to action.
Reconciliation builds relationships and bridges the gap between two worlds through the efforts of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. By recognizing the truths of past wrongs and showcasing examples of how to make things right, others will be inspired to follow.
– BC Achievement Foundation board member Cloy-e-iis, Judith Sayers
The Reconciliation Award recognizes graduating students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation on campus or have inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts in their community by leading by example. This award celebrates both the innovative and empowering ways we can embark on this journey together.
The Sustainability Letter Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to further sustainability at UTSC and celebrated their contributions to inspire sustainable action on campus. UTSC’s approach to sustainability is intentionally interdisciplinary and promotes the interconnectedness of human and environmental health through the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Students who are fostering a culture of sustainability on campus through research projects, outreach, education, initiatives, and much more are encouraged to apply.
Universities are an amazing place for the pursuit of the SDGs because they’re about bringing people together, identifying solutions, infusing hopefulness and unleashing the power of youth.
– Vice Principal of Research and Innovation at UTSC, Professor Irena Creed
The power is in your hands! This award recognizes an upper year student that has made a positive impact on campus, as recognized by their peers! Nominate a student here: