Student Affairs invites interested faculty and staff to register to participate in the selection of the Class of 2026’s Commitment Scholars Award recipients.

This program, launched this past year, celebrates and recognizes demonstrated leadership in, and commitment to, racial justice, social justice, or diversity initiatives by equity-deserving students in their high school or in their community.  The Commitment Scholars Award provides dedicated financial, academic, and career support to help students who identify as Black, Indigenous, racialized, and LGBTQ2S+, and students with disabilities, complete their degree. Up to 10 renewable awards of $48,000 ($12,000 x 4 years) are available each year. More details can be found on the Office of the University Registrar’s website.

Faculty and staff with lived experience and/or expertise in equity, diversity, inclusivity and Indigeneity are encouraged to participate.

Responsibilities of Commitment Scholars Award Application Readers:

• Complete an online asynchronous education session or attend a live session of Unpacking Normalized Bias, from the Human Rights and Equity Office, before the end of February 2022. Details about the session will be emailed in January.
• Review and score approximately 20 applications that include two short essay questions (800 words and 400 words). These will be provided online, along with a scoring sheet and guide. The applications are expected to include inspiring stories of achievement and leadership, as well as discussions of potentially difficult experiences and challenges applicants have faced. 

Timeline:

• Links to individualized online reader packages will be sent in late February 2022 and will be due mid-March.

As applications for the Commitment Scholars Award are still being submitted, it is not yet known how many volunteers will be needed to review materials. Individuals who express interest will not necessarily be called on to participate.

Complete this short form by December 20. Individuals who complete the form will receive more information in January.

Email student.affairs@queensu.ca with any questions.