May 24, 2013
Dear colleagues,
Providing academic and financial aid based awards is a key element of providing access to education for our students. As well, awards help to recognize students for their hard work and achievements. As we continue to increase and secure new donations from our stakeholders an analysis has been done on the current administration of the student awards program. After ongoing discussions with key stakeholders, and reviewing best practices, I would like to announce the following enhancements:
- For academic awards (faculty-selected) – the selection for these students generally occurred between May-September. Following a review and discussion with donors around criteria, the call for student selections will occur during first semester of the new academic year (October – November) beginning in 2014.
- For student application based scholarships – the selection for these students generally occurred over the summer. This timing will also shift to the fall timeframe with applications being submitted between October-November beginning fall of 2013.
- For awards that do not align with the new awards cycle timelines, the Advancement Office is reviewing the awards, consulting with appropriate schools and donors, and revising criteria as necessary.
These changes in timing will allow for a greater number of student applicants, a better timeline for faculty decision makers to choose the students, the awarding of funding to students who are in attendance at the college rather than graduates and a streamlined and fair approach to awarding funding to the most deserving students.
As well, in an effort to properly steward and recognize our donors the following changes have been made:
- Moving forward donations to establish named awards or scholarships will require a minimum contribution of $1,000 with a three year commitment. Advancement has begun working with donors in an effort to align with this new threshold.
- Any gifts made below this amount will be contributed to a general student fund established in each school and awarded to students in that particular school. Alternatively, gifts can be contributed to a general college wide award, such as the Board of Governors Award, and distributed amongst deserving students from across the college.
- The existing awards ceremonies will also undergo revitalization and both the timing and the structure of these events will change and are tentatively scheduled to take place in the 2014 winter semester. There will be no award ceremonies the fall of 2013. More detailed information will become available in the coming months following more detailed review.
These changes will allow Humber College to provide financial support that comes in line with the realities of today’s economic climate and the need that our students face. It will allow us to attract and retain students, increase efficiencies and provide enhanced, transparent and accountable stewardship to our donors.
I will be communicating these changes with our donors and supporters in writing shortly.
Further information regarding specific details will be shared through the Advancement Office over the coming months.
Chris Whitaker