UASU Awards
The UASU Awards celebrate the achievements of students within our campus community. Whether it be through athletics, community involvement, or academic achievements, UAlberta students continue to excel. Each and every student's valuable contributions have a significant role in enhancing the UAlberta experience.
Explore the many awards your UASU has to offer.

Each year, the Students' Union will award one undergraduate student with its highest honour for excellence in curricular and extra-curricular activities while at the University of Alberta.
Value of Awards: 1 award of $2500 every year
Eligibility
- Be in their graduating year (convocation in Spring or Fall 2023)
- Have attained a minimum grade point average of 3.5 in the most recent 60 credits completed prior to the current academic year.
- In the event that counting the most recent 60 credits completed results in only a portion of an academic term being counted, all credits completed within that term will still be considered when calculating the grade point average.
- Be involved in extra-curricular activities in the University and/or community.
- Demonstrate an ability to work well with students, staff, and the general public.
How to Apply
- Complete the application for UASU Involvement, Centenary, and Coca-Cola Awards, which will be made available at uasu.ca/Awards. For information on what is included in the application, please refer to the Involvement Awards Listing.
- The application form will prompt you about this award; indicate on the application that you would like to be considered for the UASU Award for Excellence.
The Committee's decision will be announced at the Students' Council meeting immediately following the selection of the winner. The Vice President (Academic) will also publish a press release announcing the winner.
The UASU Indigenous Student Award will give preference to Indigenous students (First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit) who have dependants. However, all undergraduate Indigenous students are encouraged to apply.
Value of Award: Each award will be no less than $500, and no more than $1,000. The amount given is dependent on the number of qualified applicants.
Eligibility
- Open to all undergraduate students who identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit
- Applicants who have received an UASU Indigenous Student Award in a previous year are ineligible to apply again
- Must demonstrate some community involvement (driving folks to ceremony, volunteering at a round dance, participating in Aboriginal Student Council, etc...)
- Will give preference to eligible applicants who have dependants
Only one application is required for all Student Involvement Awards listed on this page*. Applicants are only eligible to receive each award once in their lifetime.
Eligibility
- Please note that only UNDERGRADUATE students are eligible for the Student Involvement and Centenary Awards.
- Undergraduate students may apply for up to three (3) Involvement and Centenary Awards, and can be additionally considered for the Students' Union Excellence Award and Coca Cola Student Achievement Awards.
- Under the "Conditions" section of each award are "Must" and "Preference" conditions.
- "Must" conditions have to be mentioned somewhere in the application in order to be considered for the award.
- "Preference" conditions will be given priority in the adjudication process but are not necessary to receive the award.
- Applicants must have a GPA of 1.8 or higher in the preceding academic terms to be considered for Involvement Awards.
- Where academic consideration is a condition, the minimum GPA required is 3.5 in the preceding academic terms.
How to Apply
- Read the descriptions of the Involvement Awards below.
- Complete the application for UASU Involvement, Centenary, and Coca-Cola Awards, which will be made available here.
- Select the three Awards for which you believe you are most deserving. The selection committee reserves the right to consider you for any additional Student Involvement Awards that you may qualify for. Note that if you are applying for a Centenary Award, it counts as one of your top three. You must be in your graduating year to qualify for a Centenary Award.
Applications or documents received after the deadline will not be accepted.
Applicants will be required to upload the following documents. Failure to submit all required information or documentation will result in immediate disqualification:
- One resume outlining paid and volunteer experience, including dates (maximum two pages).
- One personal statement, outlining why the applicant qualifies (maximum one page or 500 words, whichever comes first)
- Minimum one, maximum two letters of reference (maximum one page, single-sided per reference letter)
- Unofficial Transcript (Access this through BearTracks)
Established by Alberta Treasury Branches to recognize students who maintain good academic standing while making a contribution to the community through volunteerism.
Value of Award: 1 award of $1200 every year
Conditions
- Must be enrolled in a business-related program.
- Must have contributed volunteer time to the community.
- Academic standing is also a consideration.
Established to honour W. D. (Bill) Smith, Students’ Union General Manager from 1991-2008. During his time as General Manager, Bill provided guidance, compassion and a sense of humour that inspired 17 years of student leaders. Bill’s zest for life, be it with an English football discussion, a passionate plea for his beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders or his early morning smile provided a great atmosphere in the Students’ Union each and every day.
Value of Awards: 4 awards of $1000 each/every year and recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions
- Must be an active member of an on- or off-campus organization that focuses on mentorship.
- Must be a full-time student.
- Must be a Saskatchewan Roughriders fan or be willing to switch.
The BMO Award for Outstanding Academic Involvement recognizes students who have contributed to an academic initiative. Contributions to research do not need to be published, but preference will be given to those featured in peer-reviewed contexts.
Value of Award: 1 award of $1000 every year
Conditions
- Must have contributed to an academic field.
- Preference will be given to students whose work underwent a peer-review process.
Established by CIBC to recognize students who maintain good academic standing while serving as a leader in the community.
Value of Awards: 2 awards of $1000 each/every year
Conditions
- Must have shown leadership in an off-campus program or initiative.
- Must have contributed volunteer time to the community.
- Academic standing is also a consideration for this award.
Established to remember and celebrate Cristal’s contributions to the University of Alberta until she passed away in 1995. While working towards her acceptance into the Faculty of Pharmacy, Cristal balanced significant contributions to the university community with academic excellence. She was an active member of Safewalk and played a key role in the inaugural 1995 National Campus Safety Conference.
Value of Awards: 4 awards of $1000 each/every year and recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions
- Must have contributed to the greater campus community.
- Must demonstrate compassion towards fellow students.
- Must be a full-time student.
- Preference will be given to students involved in a campus safety organization.
Established to perpetuate the memory of Dean Mortensen, a first year Science student at the University of Alberta, and resident of St. Joseph's College who tragically disappeared on January 23, 1992 and has not since been found. Dean Mortensen contributed to student life in many ways, namely through his dedication and commitment to St. Joseph's College and the St. Joseph's Rangers.
Value of Awards: 4 awards of $1000 each/every year and recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions
- Must show strong participation in the University's campus recreation and intramural programs.
- Must demonstrate strong leadership skills and a dedication to others.
Dr. Randy Gregg was a student at the University of Alberta from 1972 to 1980, receiving a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Medicine degree. He was a key player on the Golden Bears Hockey team and, as captain in 1979, led the team to National Championship. Randy Gregg represented Canada as a member of the hockey team in the 1980 Winter Olympic Games, and went on to join the Edmonton Oilers in 1983.
Value of Awards: 4 awards of $1000 each/every year and recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions
- Must be actively involved in an athletics program.
- Must contribute to student life at the University of Alberta.
As a component of its lease agreement with the Students' Union, each year Edo Japan will provide funding for the Students' Union Awards.
Value of Awards: 2 awards of $1000 each/every year
Conditions
- Must either be a Canadian student who has participated in an international exchange program, or be an international student currently studying at the University of Alberta.
- Must demonstrate an understanding and commitment to global citizenship.
Established to perpetuate the memory of Eugene L. Brody, B.A., B.Sc., a student at the University of Alberta for twenty-three years who had cerebral palsy and was able to make outstanding contributions in extra-curricular activities. Eugene Brody's contributions were made with a strong personal philosophy, "To have a full life, one has to struggle every step of the way."
Value of Awards: 4 awards of $1000 each/every year and recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions
- Must have made a valuable contribution to extra-curricular campus activities.
- Must show a sincere dedication to student life on campus.
- Preference will be given to students with a disability, or to students that work with those with a disability.
- Academic standing is also a consideration for this award.
Established to recognize Student Group executives who go above and beyond the expectations of their position. They often spearhead events, gather required resources, introduce different recruitment strategies and much more, while maintaining the groups dynamic and ability to progress.
Value of Award: 1 award of $1000 every year
Conditions
- Must be an executive of a group registered with Student Group Services.
- Include a reference letter detailing critical involvement in the groups operations.
The Filistix International Student Excellence Award recognizes the invaluable contributions that international students bring to the University of Alberta campus each year. Their involvement must have contributed to enriching the campus life of their peers.
Value of Award: 1 award of $1000 every year
Conditions
- Must have been an international student in the previous academic year.
- Must have been involved in an initiative that actively contributed to the campus life of their peers.
Established to recognize qualities of congeniality and humanitarian dedication. At age 57, Hilda Wilson entered the Faculty of Law after two years in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Alberta. Unsurpassed in her dedication to her fellow students, Hilda's enthusiasm and energetic confidence as a volunteer endeared her to many.
Value of Awards: 4 awards of $1000 each/every year and recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions
- Must be a volunteer member of an organization that actively contributes to the community.
- Must promote community-based issues or initiatives on campus.
Named for Major R.C.W. Hooper, the past Dean of Men, and Miss Isobel Munroe, the past Dean of Women, the Hooper-Munroe Academic Award is intended to reward students who achieve academic excellence.
Value of Awards: 4 awards of $1000 each/every year with no more than 2 being awarded to individuals of the same gender identity and recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions
- Must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 in the preceding Fall and Winter Term.
- Must have the highest academic standing in the preceding Winter Term of all those who apply, based on both grade point average and number of credits completed.
- Must have not previously received this award.
- In the event that a distinction cannot be drawn on the basis of academic achievement, involvement in extra-curricular activities will be considered.
The Hula Poke’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award recognizes students who actively contribute to making campus and the community a safer space for everyone to thrive. These contributions may be in the form of events, education, research or advocacy that contribute to uplifting the whole people.
Value of Award: 1 award of $1000 every year
Conditions
- Must have demonstrated initiative to increase equity, diversity and inclusion on campus over the past year.
- Should outline ways in which their efforts have contributed to change in their community or to personal learning.
Established to perpetuate the memory of Lorne Calhoun, B.A., a student at the University of Alberta from 1946 until his death in 1951, Lorne Calhoun was active in debating (President of the Debating Society, founder of Debating Union, twice a member of the McGoun Cup Intervarsity team), national and international organizations (member of International Relations Club, Chairman of Alberta Committee of International Student Services, executive member of Political Science Club, Speaker of Parliamentary Forum), and miscellaneous organizations (The Gateway, History Club, Men's Economics Club, Philosophical Society, Arts and Science Club, University religious groups, chess and athletics).
Value of Awards: 4 awards of $1000 each/every year and recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions
- Must have played an instrumental role in the operation of an on-campus club or organization.
- Must demonstrate cooperation with other campus clubs, organizations or initiatives.
Established by the Students’ Union to recognize student involvement in the pursuit of humanitarianism and involvement in activism.
Value of Awards: 4 awards of $1000 each/every year
Conditions
- Must be involved in campus and/or community-based activism that aims to advance or promote issues of social justice or human rights.
Established to celebrate the life of Luke Murray Jansen, B.A., a student at the University of Alberta from 2013 to 2017, this award recognizes students who contribute positively to the visual and performing arts communities, on campus and beyond. This award celebrates students who bring leadership to the visual and performing arts communities and to the student body in their own unique way – those students who know that the arts can enrich everyday life.
Luke, who was known as a bassist and lead vocalist in the band North of Here, passed away 4 months after his convocation. Luke and his band played at the 2017 Week of Welcome in quad – on stage in the glorious sunshine with his dear brother, who was beginning his first year looking on, hundreds of students relaxing and listening, and his U of A Alumni parents on the guest list to enjoy the special moment. Luke was an active participant in student life through the Political Science Undergraduate Association, working for the Students’ Union as a Deputy Returning Officer, and bringing “Tiny Concerts” to surprising spaces on campus with other musicians. Luke built community in creative ways wherever he went, including academic research for his political science honours thesis that explored the live music scene in Edmonton.
Value of Awards: 4 awards of $1000 each/every year and recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions
- Open to Undergraduate students in any faculty with an interest in the performing and visual arts, and the communities associated with them.
- Must have contributed positively to the visual and performing arts communities on campus and/or the broader community.
Established by Moodys Gartner Tax Law to recognize tax-related community contribution and/or tax-related academic work, carried out by undergraduate students.
Value of Awards: 2 awards of $1000 each/every year.
Conditions
- Must show tax-related community contribution and/or academic work.
- Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate tax law-related contribution and/or academic work.
As a component of its lease agreement with the Students' Union, each year OPA! Souvlaki will provide one thousand dollars ($1000.00) in awards.
Value of Award: 1 award of $1000 every year
Conditions
- Must demonstrate personal growth and development in the face of adversity.
- Must be involved in extra-curricular activities in the campus community or the community at large.
Established to recognize contribution to improving residence life at the University of Alberta; whether it is planning movie nights or cleaning up after every one of them. The Outstanding Resident will have shown immense dedication to their residence community.
Value of Awards: 4 awards of $1000 each/every year
Conditions
- Must be living in a University of Alberta residence building.
- Preference will be given to those involved in their residence organization and its events.
- Must submit a reference letter from an officer of Residence Services or a Residence Association.
Established by the RBC to acknowledge individuals who complement their educational experience with extra-curricular involvement.
Value of Award: 1 award of $1000 every year
Conditions
- Must demonstrate a combination of volunteerism and leadership, both on-campus and in the greater Edmonton community.
- Academic standing is also a consideration for this award.
Established to celebrate the life of Saba Saadat, a student at the University of Alberta from 2016 to 2020, and her sister Sara (UAlberta 2019). Saba, Sara, and their mother Dr. Shekoufeh Choupannejad perished on board Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 on January 8th, 2020.
Saba was an avid volunteer and passionate mentor to her peers and community members. She especially cared about creating connections with youth and children through organizations like Heart of the City Music Program on campus, Big Brothers Big Sisters Edmonton, and the Helping Hampers project. She was also a mentor for newcomer students in the Iranian community. Saba had a passion for research in medicine and women’s reproductive health, and was working towards a Bachelor of Science with a minor in Psychology.
Sara had begun her journey towards achieving a doctorate degree in clinical psychology in the United States. She had set her sights on being an advocate for LGBTQ+ youth throughout her career.
This award recognizes students’ outstanding contributions to initiatives or organizations in behind-the-scenes roles.
Value of Awards: 4 awards of $1000 each/every year
Conditions
- Must include a reference letter from someone involved in the event or organization outlining the level of contribution to the initiative.
- Preference will be given to group members that do not hold executive positions.
- Preference will be given to students involved in advocacy work for marginalized groups.
- Preference will be given to students involved in organizations and initiatives related to medicine, especially in the gynecology and reproductive health.
The Scotiabank Award for Collaborative Initiatives recognizes students who have spearheaded a collaborative initiative involving community and campus partners. This initiative should go beyond campus to involve the surrounding community.
Value of Award: 1 award of $700 every year
Conditions
- Must have spearheaded a collaborative initiative involving community and campus partners.
Established to recognize outstanding acceptance and promotion of multiculturalism at the University of Alberta, by sharing their own culture while embracing the diversity that makes up the campus community.
Value of Awards: 4 awards of $1000 each/every year
Conditions
- Preference will be given to international students on a student visa.
- Must be part of an organization or initiative that helps fellow international students transition to a new country and culture.
In today's "there's-an-app-for-that" generation, true innovation is hard to come by. When everything's been done, where do you go? Whether you have invented, created, defined, theorized or refurbished an idea that has never been thought of before , this award is for you. This is not a grant to fund research but rather an award to recognize a finished product, idea or innovation.
Value of Awards: 4 awards of $1000 each/every year
Conditions
- Must include a reference letter from someone in the field to talk about the potential impact the innovation could have.
Not every student fits the traditional student ideal. Many are mature students, parents, or attend part-time. This award recognizes exceptional commitment to community and/or campus involvement, while balancing multiple responsibilities and roles.
Value of Awards: 4 awards of $1000 each/every year
Conditions
- Preference will be given to non-traditional students (single parents, part-time students, mature students etc).
- Preference will be given to extraordinary campus and/or community involvement.
- Must have satisfactory academic standing.
As a component of its lease agreement with the Students' Union, each year Subway Sandwiches will provide one thousand dollars ($1000.00) in awards.
Value of Award: 1 award of $1000 every year
Conditions
- Must be an active member of an organization that combines campus involvement and community service.
- Must be a full-time student.
- Academic standing is also a consideration for this award.
Established to recognize the outstanding commitment and dedication of the Honorable Associate Chief Justice Tevie H. Miller. Justice Miller was a Students' Union President. Subsequent to convocation, Justice Miller continued his involvement as President of the Alumni Association, and in 1980 was elected as a member of the University Senate. In 1986, Tevie Miller was elected Chancellor of the University of Alberta.
Value of Awards: 4 awards of $1000 each/every year and recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions
- Must be an active contributor to a Students' Union program, service or other activity.
- Must not receive a salary or honorarium from the Students' Union for their contributions.
- Academic standing is also a consideration for this award.
Established to perpetuate the memory of Tom Lancaster, General Manager for the Students' Union from 1989-1991. Tom Lancaster brought stability and warmth to the Students' Union through his concern and care for students.
Value of Awards: 4 awards of $1000 each/every year and recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions
- Must have made an outstanding contribution to student life on campus through dedication and a strong commitment to others.
- Must show active involvement and leadership in the Students' Union through volunteer work.
As a component of its lease agreement with the Students' Union, each year Teapsy will provide a one thousand five hundred dollar ($1500.00) award.
Value of Award: 1 award of $1500 every year
Conditions
- Must be a full-time or part-time student at the University of Alberta.
- Must demonstrate a positive impact on the campus community or the community at large by inspiring and enabling others to take action.
This award has been made possible by a generous donation from the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers.
The Violet King Award was established to recognize Violet King Henry, who was a student at the University of Alberta from 1948 - 53.
During her time at the University, Violet was heavily involved in the campus community. She was the first known Black Executive of the Students’ Union, serving as Vice President when Peter Lougheed was President.
Out of 142 students in the Faculty of Law, Violet was one of only three women, and was the only woman in her graduating class. Violet went on to a legendary career as Canada’s first Black woman lawyer, and the first Black lawyer admitted to the Alberta Bar.
To remember her legacy, each year, the Students’ Union will present the award to one undergraduate student who identifies as Black and has demonstrated involvement and leadership in the campus community while at University.
Value of Award: 1 award of $1000 every year with recipient's name engraved on the trophy
Conditions
- Open to all undergraduate students who identify as Black
- Applicants must write an essay of no more than 750 words that describes their experiences as a Black student at the University of Alberta and the ways in which they have contributed to their campus community and demonstrated leadership.
- Preference given to students involved in BIPOC-centred community-based issues or initiatives on campus
- Applicants must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher in the preceding academic terms to be considered for this award
As part of the Single Source Cold Beverage Agreement with the Students' Union, Coca Cola provides awards to recognize academic achievement and student leadership skills, and to assist with financial needs. Fifteen awards will be offered each year, and are open to all FULL-TIME students, be they undergraduate, graduate, or post-doctoral fellow students. Each Coca Cola Student Achievement Award consists of a one thousand dollar ($1000) monetary prize.
Value of Awards: 15 awards of $1000 each/every year
Eligibility
- Be a full-time undergraduate, graduate, or post-doctoral fellow student.
How to Apply
- Complete the application for UASU Involvement, Centenary, and Coca-Cola Awards
- The application form will prompt you about this award; if you are an undergraduate student, indicate on the application that YES, you would like to be considered for the Coca Cola Student Achievement Awards.
The UASU Centenary Awards recognize undergraduate students in their graduating year. Each Centenary Award will be given to one outstanding applicant who embodies the spirit and vision of the specific award. The recipient of each award will receive a monetary award of two thousand ($2000) dollars. Applicants are only eligible to receive each award once in their lifetime.
Value of Award: 1 awards of $2000 each/every year
Eligibility
- Please note that only UNDERGRADUATE students are eligible for the Student Involvement and Centenary Awards.
- To be eligible for Centenary Awards, applicants must be in their graduating year (convocation in Spring or Fall 2024)
- Undergraduate students may apply for up to three (3) Involvement and Centenary Awards, and can be additionally considered for the Students' Union Excellence Award and Coca Cola Student Achievement Awards.
- Under the "Conditions" section of each award are "Must" and "Preference" conditions.
- "Must" conditions have to be mentioned somewhere in the application in order to be considered for the award.
- "Preference" conditions will be given priority in the adjudication process but are not necessary to receive the award.
- Applicants must have a GPA of 1.8 or higher in the preceding academic terms to be considered for Involvement Awards. Where academic consideration is a condition, the minimum GPA required is 3.5 in the preceding academic terms.
How to Apply
- Select the three Awards for which you believe you are most deserving. The selection committee reserves the right to consider you for any additional Student Involvement Awards that you may qualify for.
Established to commemorate the University of Alberta's Centenary in 2008, the Students' Union will recognize one student who showcases outstanding academic achievement throughout their university career.
Value of Award: 1 awards of $2000 each/every year
Conditions
- Scholastic achievement includes any scholarly publications, involvement in academic clubs, research experience etc.
- Academic standing is a consideration
- Preference will be given to academic involvement within a faculty at the University of Alberta
Established to commemorate the University of Alberta's Centenary in 2008, the Students' Union will recognize one student who showcases outstanding athletic achievement throughout their university career.
Value of Award: 1 awards of $2000 each/every year
Conditions
- Must show involvement and contribution to an athletics program
- Must have a reference letter from the associated organization(s)
- Preference will be given to applicants with off-campus participation
Established to commemorate the University of Alberta's Centenary in 2008, the Students' Union will recognize one student who showcases outstanding campus involvement throughout their university career.
Value of Award: 1 awards of $2000 each/every year
Conditions
- Must show significant contribution to a campus organizations(s) and/or be involved in the direction and operation of the organization(s)
- Must have a reference letter from the organization(s) involved
- Academic standing is also a consideration
Established to commemorate the University of Alberta's Centenary in 2008, the Students' Union will recognize one student who showcases outstanding community leadership throughout their university career.
Value of Award: 1 award of $2000 each/every year
Conditions
- Must show outstanding contribution to an off-campus organization(s) that somehow impacts the society
- Must show long term commitment to the organization(s)
- Must have a reference letter from the organizations involved
- Academic standing is also a consideration
Have a great professor? Nominate them for this award for the 2022/23 school year!
SALUTE was developed in 1997 by Students’ Council to promote and encourage excellence in teaching by recognizing faculty members who make outstanding contributions in their roles as undergraduate instructors at the University of Alberta. Students may nominate professors for SALUTE based upon criteria that students consider essential in an excellent teacher. The winners are then selected from a pool of nominees by a panel of students on the Awards Adjudication Committee.
The Students' Union believes that students are the best judges of teaching excellence, as only students can truly know how much they have learned from a teacher, and only students know how that teacher has inspired and encouraged them to learn on their own.
Eligibility
- Students may nominate professors in whose classes they were enrolled in either Fall or Winter Term of the current consideration year: Fall 2023, Winter 2024.
How to Apply
You will be required to complete the nomination form. You will need the following information for the application:
Basic Information
- Your Name
- Your Student ID number
- Your Email Address
- Name of the instructor you are nominating
- Which Faculty does your instructor work for?
- Email of the instructor you are nominating
Nomination Questions
- Please describe the teaching styles and methods used by the instructor in the classroom that enhanced your learning experience. (max 300 words)
- Describe the support the instructor offered to students outside of class time, their extra curricular participation, and their involvement in department affairs and university committees (if applicable). (max 300 words) One (1) letter of nomination. Maximum 500 words. Please indicate teaching style and methods used in the classroom, relationship with students outside of class, extra curricular involvement, involvement in department affairs and university committees.
- Signature sheet of students who support this nomination. (Minimum 10, maximum 25). Full name and student ID must be included. Student signing must be registered in at least one 3 credit undergraduate course at the University of Alberta.
Optional Supporting Documents
- Letters of support. Maximum of three letters, one page in length. These can be from faculty, alumni, students or members of the community who are knowledgeable about the instructor's current contributions to undergraduate teaching.