How to Apply

Nominees may only be considered for one category per year. Previous winners of the Community Connections Awards are not eligible. Individuals and groups who can demonstrate their exceptional service to the University of Alberta through the impact of their community involvement, and who meet the following criteria, can be nominated for the following Community Connections Awards:

Community Scholar Award

Recognizes U of A tenure track faculty, sessional instructors, and/or lecturers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to community research and scholarship by sharing and translating their area of expertise for the betterment of the community.

Community Leader Award

Recognizes U of A employees, post-doctoral fellows, and/or students who have embraced opportunities to build, enhance, and sustain engagement with the broader community.

University of Alberta Advocate Award

Recognizes a member or team from the broader community who has contributed to the betterment of the U of A experience. Though not U of A employees or students, their efforts have enhanced the U of A's reputation and raised its profile with neighbouring communities near and far.

Nominations for the Community Connections Awards must include the following:

• Completed nomination form
• Form can be downloaded as a PDF or completed online
• One typed, signed, and dated impact statement from the nominator*
• Two typed signed, and dated letters of support that describe the nominee's specific contributions to the community and their merit for the award nomination*

*See " Guidelines for Supporting Documents" for details.

Guidelines for Supporting Documents

All impact statements and letters of support must provide specific examples that detail how the nominee has demonstrated their commitment to connecting communities near and/or far to the University of Alberta through their community service efforts. Impact statements and letters of support should be as specific as possible and should include concrete examples that speak to the nominee's community contributions and their significance to the University of Alberta. Where applicable, evidence of the value and extent of the nominee's work, as well as the time frame of their nominated activities, should be included. All supporting documents should be TYPED, DATED, and SIGNED by the author(s). The following formatting guidelines must be followed:

• Maximum length: two pages
• Page size: Letter (8.5 x 11 inches)
• Margins: 1 inch minimum
• Font Size: 11 points or larger
• Line Spacing: 1.5 line spacing

Additionally, the letters of support must contain the nominee's name and the referee's name and contact information.

Material over the two-page maximum for supporting documentation will be disregarded.

Incomplete letters of support and/or impact statements may result in disqualification.

The university reserves the right to contact referees to verify the information submitted.

Selection Process

Nominations for the awards will be reviewed by a selection committee that includes representatives from across the university as well as members from the broader community.

Award recipients and their successful nominators will be contacted in early 2024. The recipients will be recognized for their contributions at a community event in the spring.