The Chancellor’s and President’s Excellence Awards at Mount Royal University honour the exceptional contributions of employees, students and community members who embody the spirit and values of Mount Royal. The Chancellor’s and President’s Excellence Awards celebrate individuals who demonstrate outstanding service, leadership and commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community.
Nominations
Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award
The Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award recognizes University employees who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to Mount Royal and its community, contributing significantly to our mission and values over time. This prestigious award honours individuals who go above and beyond in their roles, making a significant positive impact on colleagues, students and/or the broader University environment.
All employees with a minimum of 10 years of continuous employment at Mount Royal University are eligible to be nominated for the Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award.
Nominees for the Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award will be assessed based on their demonstration of the following criteria in their contributions to the University and its community:
- Exceptional service: Consistently provides outstanding service to the University, its employees and students, going above and beyond in their role.
- Commitment to excellence: Demonstrates an exceptional work ethic, professionalism and a commitment to the University’s mission and values.
- Longevity of service: Maintains a continuous service employment record of at least 10 years with the Mount Royal, demonstrating commitment to the institution.
In addition to these primary criteria, the Selection Committee may also take into account factors that further highlight the nominee’s ability to inspire progress, foster strong working relationships and implement creative solutions in the University environment such as:
- Collaboration and teamwork: Fosters a spirit of collaboration, working effectively with others to achieve shared goals and enhance community engagement.
- Innovation and initiative: Displays creativity and initiative in problem-solving and enhancing University processes or programs.
President’s Leadership Award
The President’s Leadership Award recognizes outstanding employees who demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and make significant contributions to the Mount Royal community. This award celebrates individuals who inspire others through their vision, collaboration and commitment to excellence. Recipients of the President’s Leadership Award strive to create an inclusive and empowering environment, fostering growth and innovation within the University.
All employees with a minimum of two years of continuous employment at Mount Royal University are eligible to be nominated for the Leadership Award.
Nominees for the Leadership Award will be assessed based on their demonstration of the following leadership competencies in their contributions to Mount Royal and its community:
- Integrity and inclusion: Demonstrate respect, honesty, transparency, and ethical decision-making and create an environment where all voices are valued and heard.
- Empowerment: Empower team members by delegating responsibilities and trusting in their abilities, and encourage skill-building and professional growth.
- Visionary leadership: Provide and seek regular coaching and constructive feedback to support individual and team growth and set clear performance expectations.
- Engagement and support: Listen attentively to team members’ needs and concerns and allocate resources effectively to support team success.
- Innovation and risk-taking: Encourage creative thinking and idea generation and foster an environment where calculated risks and systems thinking are encouraged for innovation.
In addition to these primary criteria, the Selection Committee may also take into account factors that further highlight the nominee’s ability to inspire progress, foster strong working relationships, and implement creative solutions in the University environment such as:
- Collaboration: Fosters a spirit of teamwork and collaboration, building relationships across departments and disciplines to achieve common goals.
- Mentorship and development: Actively supports and mentors colleagues, promoting professional growth and development within the Mount Royal community.
- Sustained excellence: Demonstrates a sustained commitment to excellence in leadership over time, with a track record of success in their role.
- Innovative problem-solving: Applies creativity and innovation to address challenges, implementing effective solutions that enhance the university experience.
President’s Community Connections Award
The President’s Community Connections Award recognizes employees who have made significant contributions to building and strengthening relationships between Mount Royal and the surrounding community. The award celebrates individuals who actively foster collaboration, partnerships and programs that enhance Mount Royal’s role as a positive force in the community. Recipients of the President's Community Connections Award exemplify the values of service, engagement and commitment to social responsibility, making a meaningful impact both on campus and beyond.
All employees who demonstrate a commitment to community engagement and outreach are eligible to be nominated for the President’s Community Connections Award.
Nominees for the President’s Community Connections Award will be assessed based on their demonstration of the following criteria in their contributions to the University and our community:
- Engagement with the community: Actively participates in community service initiatives, outreach programs, or partnerships that promote collaboration between Mount Royal University and local organizations.
- Building relationships: Fosters strong, positive relationships between the University and invested community members, including non-profit organizations, businesses, government entities and/or other post-secondary institutions.
- Positive impact: Demonstrated measurable positive outcomes resulting from their efforts to engage the community, enhancing Mount Royal’s reputation and visibility.
In addition to these primary criteria, the Selection Committee may also take into account factors that further highlight the nominee’s ability to inspire progress, foster strong working relationships and implement creative solutions in the university environment such as:
- Advocacy and leadership: Acts as an advocate for community needs and interests, showing leadership in addressing social issues or challenges faced by the community.
- Inclusivity: Promotes inclusion through community engagement efforts, ensuring that all voices and perspectives are considered and valued.
- Sustainability of efforts: Develops initiatives that are sustainable and have a lasting impact on both the University and the community, contributing to long-term improvements.
- Collaboration and teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues and community members fostering a spirit of teamwork and shared purpose.
President’s Impact Award
The President’s Impact Award recognizes outstanding individuals within the Mount Royal University community who have made significant contributions that foster innovation, collaboration and positive change. This award celebrates those who demonstrate exceptional leadership and influence, making a lasting impact on Mount Royal University and beyond.
All employees, regardless of role or tenure, are eligible to be nominated for the President’s Impact Award.
Nominees for the President’s Impact Award will be assessed based on their demonstration of the following criteria in their contributions to Mount Royal and its community:
- Innovation: The nominee has developed or implemented a creative solution, program, or initiative that significantly benefits the Mount Royal community.
- Collaboration: The individual actively collaborates with others across departments, fostering a spirit of teamwork and inclusivity.
- Influence: The nominee’s work has positively affected others, inspiring colleagues, students or the broader community.
- Sustainability: Contributions that have led to lasting change or practices that continue to benefit Mount Royal long-term.
In addition to these primary criteria, the Selection Committee may also take into account factors that further highlight the nominee’s ability to inspire progress, foster strong working relationships, and implement creative solutions in the University environment such as:
- Community engagement: Efforts to connect with the broader community or external stakeholders, creating partnerships that enhance Mount Royal’s mission.
- Leadership: Demonstrates exemplary leadership qualities, whether through formal positions or informal influence.
- Inclusivity: Creates an environment where all voices are valued and heard.
President’s Student of the Year Award
The President’s Student of the Year Award honours students who exemplify a commitment to excellence both academically and in their co-curricular activities. This award celebrates those who inspire their peers through their involvement, initiatives and passion for making a positive impact on the Mount Royal community.
Any student in their second year or above at Mount Royal University, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, is eligible to be nominated for the President’s Student of the Year Award.
Nominees for the President’s Student of the Year Award will be assessed based on their demonstration of the following criteria in their contributions to the University and its community:
- Academic achievement: Maintains a strong academic record, demonstrating a commitment to personal and intellectual growth (minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0).
- Leadership: Exhibits outstanding leadership qualities in MRU student organizations, varsity teams, clubs, or other co-curricular activities, taking initiative and inspiring others.
- Impact on the University community: Makes significant contributions that enhance the intellectual, social, cultural, or athletic fabric of the University, promoting inclusivity and engagement.
- Positive role model: Serves as a positive role model for fellow students, embodying the values of the University and encouraging others to get involved.
In addition to these primary criteria, the Selection Committee may also take into account factors that further highlight the nominee’s abilities:
- Volunteer service: Actively engages in volunteer service that contributes to the university community, showing a commitment to social responsibility.
- Collaboration and teamwork: Works effectively with peers and/or faculty/staff, fostering a sense of community and collaboration across diverse groups.
MRU Community Ambassador Award
The MRU Community Ambassador Award recognizes outstanding individuals who have significantly contributed to Mount Royal University and the surrounding community. This award is open to alumni, retired employees and community members who have demonstrated exceptional service and advocacy for Mount Royal’s mission. Through their dedication, these ambassadors enrich the Mount Royal experience for students and employees alike, enhancing Mount Royal’s reputation and strengthening the connection between the institution and its communities.
Individuals who have retired from Mount Royal service in all employment categories, alumni and community members are eligible to be nominated for the MRU Ambassador Award.
Nominees for the MRU Community Ambassador Award will be assessed based on their demonstration of the following criteria in their contributions to the University and its community:
- Commitment of time and expertise: Willingness to share time, knowledge and passion to advance Mount Royal’s mission and higher education in general.
- Reputation building: Efforts that enhance Mount Royal’s reputation and raise its profile, both locally and beyond.
- Strengthening community connections: Initiatives that forge strong relationships between the University and various communities, promoting collaboration and mutual benefit.
In addition to these primary criteria, the Selection Committee may also take into account factors that further highlight the nominee’s abilities:
- Exceptional service: Proven track record of significant contributions to Mount Royal University through community service and involvement that have had a wide-ranging impact.
- Enhancement of University experience: Actions that improve the lives of students and employees, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
Nominations Process
- An email announcing the nomination process is sent to all employees ahead of the nominations opening on March 3rd. Links to the nomination forms are provided on the Celebrate U website. Nomination forms will be open until April 30.
- All Chancellor’s and President’s Excellence Awards candidates must be nominated (self-nominations are not permitted).
- Nominators must obtain the consent of the individual whose name is being put forward for all Chancellor’s and President’s Excellence Awards.
- The Awards Selection Committee receives and reviews all nominations.
- All nominees and nominators receive a decision letter from the selection committee.
- Award recipients are announced by Sept. 30 and will be celebrated at the fall Employee Recognition Dinner.
Nomination requirements
- Nominations must be submitted to the Office of Human Resources using the provided nomination form.
- A @mtroyal.ca email address is required to complete a nomination form. Anonymous emails or testimonials will not be accepted.
- Nominations can be made by current employees or students who have known the nominee and their work for at least one year, ensuring an understanding of the nominee’s contributions.
- Nominations must include a statement outlining the reasons for the nomination, clearly demonstrating alignment with the award criteria (maximum 500 words).
Questions
If you have questions, contact humanresources@mtroyal.ca.