XI. Graduate Awards & Financial Assistance

College of Arts Internal Awards

The University reserves the right to amend awards subject to the availability of funds.

Nancy Bailey Graduate Teaching Prize (School of Literature and Performance Studies in English)
In honour of retired Prof. Nancy Bailey in recognition of her excellence as a teacher, an annual prize of $100 is made each Winter semester to an outstanding graduate teaching assistant in the department. All School of Literature and Performance Studies in English students who provided teaching assistance in the previous Winter, Spring and/or Fall semesters are eligible. No application is necessary.
Alexander H. Brodie Memorial Award (Scottish Studies)
Gifts from friends of the late professor Alexander H. Brodie make possible financial assistance to an MA (or, if none are eligible, PhD) student for thesis research overseas related to Scottish studies. Application should be made to the Interdepartmental Committee on Scottish Studies by March 15.
Canadian Federation of University Women - Guelph (Studio Art)
An annual scholarship of $1000 will be presented to a Master of Fine Art student whose work in studio and/or art history classes is considered outstanding. Preference will be given to a practicing female artist. Applicants should submit portfolios to the Chair of the Fine Art Department by January 15. This award is funded by the Guelph Chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women, which assists women to obtain higher education.
Robert Carr-Wiggin Prize (Philosophy)
This $200 award was established by the Guelph Philosophical Society in memory of Robert Carr-Wiggin, one of the first students to graduate from the PhD program in Philosophy. It is given to the graduate student in philosophy for the best paper that has been submitted to either a scholarly journal or a scholarly conference during the preceding year. Applications must be submitted to the Chair of the Department of Philosophy by May 1 each year.
Lin Coburn Memorial Graduate Scholarship
This award, of up to $4,000, is provided by the family, colleagues and friends of Lin Coburn, with the assistance of the Ontario government's OSOTF program. The award is for an entering full-time English PhD student, within the School of English and Theatre Studies, who embodies and inspires a dedication for and a love of learning. Selection criteria include financial need for the first year of doctoral study and all academic performance in the previous degree of study. The School of English and Theatre Studies Awards Committee will review applications received from Student Financial Services and contact selected applicants for copies of their academic portfolios, including but not limited to reviews of grades in courses completed to date, essays and papers submitted for those courses etc. Students may hold the award only once. Apply to Student Financial Services by January 10, with a completed Financial Need Assessment Form and a letter (maximum of two pages), expressing interest in the award and listing any essays and/or other written materials from courses completed in the previous degree of study. ACCESS AWARD.
Ted Cowan Scholarship (Scottish Studies)
Prof. Cowan, for many years chair of Scottish studies in the Department of History, made major contributions to raising the awareness of Scottish studies both in the academic world and among the public as a whole. The award funds were raised by private donations and a grant from the Scottish Studies Foundation. In even numbered years, $500 is awarded to support research travel for a Guelph student in Scottish studies. PhD students who have completed or anticipate completing their qualifying examination, and MA students who have completed two semesters, may submit an application, including proposed research trip budget and statement of research plan, to the graduate coordinator of the department of registration by September 1. Preference will be given to PhD students.
College of Arts Graduate Research Bursary
Supporters of the College of Arts, with the aid of the Ontario government's OSOTF program, have established a $500 bursary to assist a graduate student with demonstrated financial need with the costs associated with a special activity, such as research travel or conference attendance. Applicants should submit a completed Financial Need Assessment Form to Student Financial Services, and a letter outlining the importance of the proposed activity and the associated expenses to the Chair of the College of arts Awards Committee, by January 10. The award may be divided between two students at the discretion of the Committee and may be awarded retroactively for travel in the previous semester. See ACCESS AWARDS.
Department of English Outstanding Thesis Prize (English)
The department has an annual book prize to recognize outstanding achievement in the MA thesis, including the creative thesis option. No application is necessary
John Galt Scholarships (History)
The John Galt Scholarships were established by the faculty of the Department of History with the aid of the Ontario government’s OSOTF program, to attract the most promising graduate students to the MA and PhD programs in History. Two scholarships of $1,500 each are available. They will be awarded to students who demonstrate financial need who have maintained a minimum cumulative 80% average. A student can be awarded more than one scholarship and these may be paid over more than one year, but the offer may be made only at the point of entry into the program. The payment of the scholarship in succeeding years will be conditional on continued financial need and on the maintenance of a minimum cumulative 80% average in the previous two years. Apply with a completed Financial Need Assessment Form to Student Financial Services by January 10. See ACCESS AWARDS.
Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry Scholarship
In honour of Constance Rooke`s leadership of the MFA in Creative Writing program, three scholarships of up to $2,500 were established by Scott Griffin, Chairman and founder of The Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry, to support students focusing their studies on poetry. Graduate students entering or registered in the Master of Fine Art in Creative Writing will be considered automatically for these awards and selection will be based on academic merit as determined by quality of the individual student’s admission application portfolio and/or academic performance in their first year of study.
William and Nona Heaslip Graduate Bursary
The William and Nona Heaslip Graduate Bursary has been established by Nona Heaslip with matching funds from the Ontario government’s OTSS program. Students registered in a Master’s or PhD program in History with greatest financial need are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to a student whose primary research is on Rural History. Apply by October 7 by submitting a Financial Need Assessment Form to Student Financial Services and a thesis summary to the chair of the History Department. See ACCESS AWARDS.
Department of History Graduate Prizes (History)
$100 prizes will be awarded in May to students who have written (i) an outstanding thesis, (ii) an outstanding major paper, and (iii) an outstanding course essay during the preceding twelve months. Students do not apply; all theses and major papers will be considered. Instructors will nominate course essays. Prizes may not be given out in each category every year.
The William Hughes Memorial Scholarship in Philosophy
Friends and family of the late Professor William (Bill) Hughes have endowed this $1,000 scholarship for students entering the PhD program in Philosophy. Professor Hughes was the founding member of the Philosophy Department at the University of Guelph, a professor from 1965 until his retirement in 1997. Selection will be made on the basis of the student's admission application materials and high academic standing. No application is required.
Betty King Memorial Graduate Scholarship (English)
The $500 award commemorates the work of Betty King, a staff member in the former Department of English and the School of Literatures and Performance Studies in English from 1990 to 1998. Betty was particularly caring and helpful to graduate students in the College and significantly contributed to a supportive work environment for colleagues. Currently registered full-time MA students in the School of English and Theatre Studies (SETS) who are entering the third semester of study will be considered annually, if they have not received internal and/or external awards totalling $5000 or more during their first year of MA study. The student assessed as having the highest academic performance (both in completed courses and in research progress to date) after the first two semesters of study in the program are completed, will be recommended by the SETS Graduate Awards Committee to the College of Arts Awards Committee. No application is necessary.
Lambda Foundation Scholarship in LBGT Studies
The Lambda Foundation/Fondation Lambda, along with other donors, provides this $1,000 scholarship to encourage research on the subject of lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgendered (LBGT) peoples. The scholarship is based upon areas of research pertaining to the history, contributions, and issues by or about LBGT peoples. Eligible students include all students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program with a thesis, a research proposal, essay, independent research project or course work programs pertaining to LBGT studies, as broadly defined by the applicant. Preference will be given to an applicant who is involved in the LBGT community as demonstrated by a record of volunteer activities, active civil society memberships, or as attested by a letter of recommendation from a community group, or as evidenced by related previous academic pursuits. This scholarship may be awarded to a given student only once. Projects must have been completed or research proposals accepted within the past calendar year. Apply to the Dean of Arts by December 15 including the research proposal or completed project, curriculum vitae, and any supporting letters referencing involvement in the LBGT community and/or faculty support.
McClelland & Stewart Scholarship
This $2,500 scholarship is awarded to a student registered full time in the MFA Creative Writing Program. The recipient will be selected on work to date and anticipated major project. No application is necessary.
Edward Y. Morwick Graduate Scholarship in Creative Writing
Edward Y. Morwick, honorary alumni, Barrister and Solicitor, of Hamilton, Ontario, created this scholarship to encourage and reward a student entering the Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing Program with high academic performance and who is dedicated to developing skills in the craft of creative writing. The value of the award is $7,000 payable over 6 semesters. No application necessary.
The Jane Nelson Stirling Cairns Grier Scholarship in Scottish Studies
Established by Ms. Jane Nelson Stirling Cairns Grier, this $1000 scholarship will be awarded to a student in his/her first or second year of graduate study in the field of Scottish Studies within the MA or PhD programs in History who demonstrates a keen interest in Scottish history and has a minimum academic standing of 80% upon entry to the program or after the first year of study. The scholarship has been established to encourage and support the study of Scottish History in Ontario, and particularly to recognize those students from other provinces who choose the University of Guelph for their graduate studies in Scottish History. No application is necessary.
Helen O'Reilly History Scholarship (History)
To commemorate Helen O'Reilly, a mother who entered university as a mature student and went on to pursue graduate studies in history, her family, with the aid of the Ontario Government's OSOTF program, has established a scholarship of up to $1000 annually for a graduate student in the Department of History who has superior academic standing and demonstrated financial need. Apply to Student Financial Services with a completed Financial Need Assessment Form by January 10. See ACCESS AWARDS.
Ruth and Eber Pollard Doctoral Scholarship in History
Ruth and Eber Pollard were passionate supporters of Canadian history research and in their estate they endowed funds to establish the Pollard Doctoral Scholarship in History. The two $10,500 scholarships will be awarded to students entering full-time doctoral study in History in May, September or January following the deadline date. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative average of 80% over their graduate studies. Preference will be given to students studying Canadian history. Selection will be based on high academic achievement and research performance, as demonstrated by transcripts, publication record and participation in scholarly activities such as conferences and symposia. No Application is necessary.
Margaret Priest Graduate Scholarship (Studio Art)
Margaret Priest, University of Guelph Professor Emerita and accomplished artist, provides this $3000 scholarship to a student entering the Master of Fine Art program with a minimum cumulative academic standing of 80% and demonstrated exceptional studio work (drawing and architecture) as evidenced by portfolio submitted with application to the Master of Fine Art program. No application is necessary.
Connie Rooke Scholarship (Creative Writing)
The Master of Fine Arts - Creative Writing Scholarship valued at $5,000 per year, is awarded in equal semester payments, to entering graduate students, who will be registered full-time in the Creative Writing Program. The recipients must have demonstrated significant achievement in creative writing through submission of their portfolio to the Master of Fine Arts Creative Writing admissions committee. No application is necessary.
The Constance Rooke/HarperCollins MFA in Creative Writing Scholarship
The Constance Rooke/HarperCollins MFA In Creative Writing Scholarship, valued at $5,000, is awarded to an entering graduate student, who will be registered full-time in the Creative Writing Program. The recipient must have excellence in creative writing through submission of their portfolio to the Master of Fine Arts Creative Writing admissions committee. No application is necessary.
St Andrew's Society of Montreal Research Travel Grant in Scottish Studies (History)
The St Andrew's Society of Montreal offers a $2,000 grant to a graduate student studying in the field of Scottish Studies to undertake a research trip to Scotland. All students in the program are eligible, but preference will be given to students from Quebec. Applications should be made to the Scottish Studies Foundation Chair by February 1st detailing the research plan, itinerary and costs. Upon completion of the research trip, a report must be submitted to the St Andrew's Society of Montreal for publication in their newsletter.
Tony Scherman Graduate Scholarship (Studio Art)
Tony Scherman, Adjunct Professor of Fine Art, friend of the University and accomplished artist, provides this $2000 scholarship to a student entering the Master of Fine Art program with a minimum cumulative academic standing of 80% and demonstrated exceptional studio work (specifically in painting) as evidenced by a portfolio submitted with application to the Master of Fine Art program. No application is necessary.
Shuebrook Graduate Scholarship (Studio Art)
This $500 award was established in honour of Ron Shuebrook, Chair in the Department of Fine Art 1988 to 1993 and past Graduate Coordinator of the MFA program. Colleagues and friends, with the aid of the Ontario government's OSOTF program, have created this award to celebrate his passionate commitment and devotion to the development and well-being of the School of Fine Art and Music. Entering or continuing MFA students who have a minimum average of 80% in the previous year of undergraduate or graduate study and who submit at least ten slides of their creative work are eligible. Apply to Student Financial Services by January 10 and include a completed Financial Need Assessment Form. Submit slides to the MFA committee of the School of Fine Art and Music. See ACCESS AWARDS.
SOLAL University of Ghana Graduate Exchange Student Scholarship
The School of Languages and Literature (SOLAL) University of Ghana Graduate Exchange Student Award of $1,500 is available to graduate students registered in the Modern Languages Department at the University of Ghana who are enrolled at the University of Guelph for an exchange term. Apply by March 1, with a current curriculum vitae (including publications) and a research statement (not more the two pages). The award is based on highest academic achievement as evidenced by academic standing and research interest for their exchange term.
Carole Stewart Arts Graduate Scholarship
Alumni, friends and colleagues have endowed this annual $4000 entrance award in recognition of Carole Stewart’s contributions to the College of Arts from 1966 to 2001, including terms as Chair of the Department of Philosophy, from 1985 to 1992, and Dean from 1993 to 2001. All full-time graduate students entering the College of Arts are eligible. Awards will be made based on academic achievement and will be rotated among programs in the following order: the School of Fine Art and Music, the Department of History, the Department of Philosophy, and the School of Literatures and Performance Studies in English. The College of Arts Awards Committee on the recommendation of the Department offering the award in any given year will automatically consider applicants who have attained a consistently high level of academic achievement.
The Edward Stewart Scholarship in Scottish Studies
This scholarship was created by friends and family of the late Dr. Edward Stewart, former Deputy Minister of Education and Secretary of Cabinet in the Ontario Government, to honour his lifelong interests in higher education, Scottish culture and history. The scholarship will provide $5,000 to a graduate student in the first or second year in the field of Scottish Studies (MA or PhD Programs in History) with a minimum cumulative average of 80% upon entry to the program or after the first year of study. Selection will be based on highest cumulative average. No application is necessary.
TransCanada Institute Graduate Essay Prize
To recognize research excellence, The TransCanada Institute Graduate Essay Prize recognizes notable scholarship which investigates postcolonial and diaspora theories, especially in relation to, though not exclusively about, Canadian literature and as such has provided a $500 prize annually. All graduate students in SETS are eligible and the selection will be made based on the quality of an essay as demonstrated by its original and methodological treatment of its subject and submitted by the student’s graduate adviser or graduate instructor. Submissions should be forwarded in writing to the Dean of Arts by April 30 by a student’s graduate instructor or supervisor along with three copies of the chosen essay.
The Tri-University Doctoral Program Annual Prize for the Best Historiographical Paper(History)
This $100 prize will be awarded each fall to the graduate student in the Tri-University doctoral program in History who has authored the highest quality historiographical paper submitted in a Tri-university seminar during the previous Fall, Winter, or Spring semesters. The selection committee may decide not to give the award in any year where, in the committee's judgement, there is not a paper of sufficiently high quality. Selection will be made by the Program Coordinating Committee.
The Tri-University Doctoral Program Annual Prize for the Best Scholarly Paper or Article (History)
A $100 prize will be awarded each fall to the graduate student in the Tri-University Program in History who has authored the best scholarly paper or article submitted for consideration by a conference or journal during the preceding academic year. Apply to the Chair, Department of History, by September 1, submitting a copy of the paper or article and proof of its submission to a journal or conference. Selection will be made by the Program Coordinating Committee.
Paul M. Waters Memorial Award (English)
The Paul M. Waters family, in honour of Paul Waters (MA '89), has established a $650 award for a student who has completed two semesters in the English MA program and who has gained the respect of fellow graduate students both by demonstrating a high level of commitment to academic and community activities and by a light-hearted perspective toward all endeavours. Graduate students currently enrolled in the Department of English should submit their nomination to the chair, Department of English, before March 15. Selection of the winner will be made by the College of Arts awards committee and the Assistant VP of Graduate Studies. Completed applications, accompanied by a transcript of record, should be made to the Dean of the College of Arts by June 1.
Frank Watson Travel Scholarship (Scottish Studies)
Dr. Cecily Watson and the Scottish Studies Foundation provide this $1000 Scholarship for MA and PhD students in the Scottish Studies Program who intend to visit Scotland for their thesis work. Applicants will be eligible after the successful completion of their comprehensive examinations. Preference will be given to PhD students, but if no PhD students qualify, MA students with a minimum cumulative average of 80% (A-) will be considered. Selection will be based on relevance of intended travel to the student thesis work. Apply by February 1 for travel between April of current year and April of the following year to the Chair of Scottish Studies with an outline of the purpose and duration of travel to Scotland.
D.S. Wilson Entrance Scholarship
The D.S. Wilson Scholarship is a $2,000 graduate scholarship available to a student entering the Master of Theatre Studies program with high academic performance and who is dedicated to developing his/her skills through the program. No application necessary.
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