Student Affairs Awards

Student Award Student Affairs Participation Award

Each year students at the University of Manitoba balance their student engagements with their studies. Volunteering both on and off campus, members of the University of Manitoba student community are active and contribute to building a better environment for their peers. The Student Affairs Participation Award seeks to recognize students who manage to balance these voluntary commitments. Every year since 1992, the award has honoured a student who has maintained high academic achievement while demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities, making a significant voluntary contribution to the University and/or broader community.

Past recipients and news stories

Staff Award Dr. Donald W. Stewart Award for Excellence in Student Affairs Mentorship

Donald Stewart Profile Picture

Purpose of the award

This award celebrates the outstanding contributions of Dr. Donald (Don) W. Stewart, who was a member of the Student Affairs team from 1991 to 2024. Professor Stewart served in Student Affairs as a Counsellor, the Director of the Student Counselling Centre, the Professional Practice Leader in Psychology and, for eleven years, as the Executive Director, Student Support. Throughout his career Don’s dedication to fostering the professional growth and personal development of staff and learners had a lasting positive impact on the people he mentored and the supportive environment we strive to uphold in Student Affairs at the University of Manitoba.

The Dr. Donald W. Stewart Award for Excellence in Student Affairs Mentorship embodies the spirit of Don’s influence by acknowledging the vital role of mentorship in the professional and personal growth of staff and learners at the University of Manitoba. This award is presented annually to a Student Affairs staff person who, as a trusted advisor, guide, and role model has contributed significantly to the learning and development of a staff person and/or learner through their ongoing mentorship, coaching, and support. 

Eligibility

Nominees must be current Student Affairs Staff members in continuing roles at any level of the organization. Nominees have demonstrated significant contributions in the areas of mentorship, coaching, and support for current and former staff and/or learners, including:

  • A demonstrated commitment to mentoring staff and learners, adapting their approach to the individual, their needs and goals as required.
  • Evidence that the nominee takes a holistic approach to mentorship, encouraging personal and professional development through self-reflection, critical thinking and a commitment to lifelong learning.
  • A demonstrated commitment to provide staff and/or learners with tangible opportunities to develop competencies, tackle new challenges or opportunities, and contribute in new ways to the organization, profession, and/or institution.
  • Evidence that the nominee connects with staff and/or learners to professional networks, experiential learning opportunities, and/or community contacts.
  • Evidence that the nominee has had a positive impact on the performance and professional growth of staff and/or learners through coaching efforts.
  • Recognition as a respected, dependable and trustworthy resource within the Student Affairs community.
  • Evidence of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages the learning and growth of learners and/or staff.

Nomination Process

Any UM employee or registered UM student may submit a nomination, which will include:

  • a completed nomination form
  • a letter of support detailing the nominee's contributions and demonstrating how they meet each of the award's eligibility criteria
  • at least two letters of recommendation from staff and/or learners who can attest to the nominee's contributions and impact as a mentor, coach and support

Selection Process

  • A selection committee chaired by the Vice-Provost (Students) or their designate will be comprised of representatives from the division of Student Affairs, previous award recipients, and relevant stakeholders.
  • The committee will review all nominations and select a recipient based on the stated criteria.

Award Presentation

  • The award will be presented annually by the Vice-Provost (Students) at a gathering of the Student Affairs team.
  • The recipient will receive a certificate of honour, their name will be listed on a commemorative plaque displayed in the Office of the Vice-Provost (Students), they will be featured in a UM Today story, in the Student Affairs Loop, Student Affairs Annual Report, and on the Student Affairs website.