Since 2021 the Provost and Vice-President Academic Awards have provided an opportunity to recognize NWP
excellence and dedication.
During the month of March, faculty members are encouraged to nominate their peers for awards in three distinctive
categories. The nomination packages must be submitted by email to the Provost and Vice-President Academic before
the April 1 deadline. Nomination packages are then sent to a Review Committee by April 15 with the
understanding that the group will meet between May 15 – May 31 to discuss nominations and select award
recipients.
Congratulations to the following 2024 award recipients:
Dr. Craig Smith is well known for his scholarly contributions and active involvement in academia. Since joining NWP as an English instructor, he has led by example, publishing numerous articles, producing an edited collection, and presenting at 24 conferences across North America. Smith was also recognized with a fellowship from the Holocaust Educational Foundation of Northwestern University.
With an ever-growing portfolio of achievements, it is hard to fathom how he could accomplish even more, but somehow, he manages. Closer to campus, his lectures are both informative and engaging. He is passionate about his research and regularly shares findings with his classes in an effort to enrich discussions and deepen understanding of course materials.
In an impressive blend of pure research and practical application, Dr. Smith is steadily enhancing NWP's academic reputation while highlighting the role and value of the humanities within an evolving polytechnic setting.
NWP French instructor, Dr. Raoudha Kallel’s excellence in the classroom is not surprising given the emphasis she places on fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment and building meaningful connections with students.
Dr. Kallel is particularly attuned to the needs of learners who are transitioning from high school to university. Her classes are highly interactive, with continuous observation of language progress, constructive feedback, and the necessary support to excel. She also regularly goes out of her way to help others, dedicating time outside of class to fit into her students' busy schedules and promoting the French Club on campus.
A ‘tour de force’ of compassion, kindness, energy, and encouragement, Dr. Kallel understands the value of language. She sees it as a tool that opens doors, broadens understanding, and builds networks. In her classroom, students learn new vocabulary for travel and employment, as well as valuable lessons about the intricacies of the French language and culture. But equally important, they learn how to be a truly great communicator from one of the best NWP has to offer.
Award Selection Process
The nomination review committee for the teaching awards consists of:
- Provost and Vice-President Academic (Chair)
- Deans of Schools with academic programs
- Four Faculty members, one from each School as appointed by the Provost and Vice-President Academic
- Executive Assistant to the Provost and Vice-President Academic (Secretariat)
The nomination review committee for the research award consists of:
- Provost and Vice-President Academic (Chair)
- Dean that oversees Applied Research
- Three Faculty members engaged in applied research as appointed by the Provost and Vice-President Academic
- Executive Assistant to the Provost and Vice-President Academic (Secretariat)
In the event that any of the faculty committee members are nominees, they will be replaced by a faculty member
selected by the Provost. The Provost has final authority for granting each award. Awards may be withheld at the
discretion of the committee.
It is the nominator’s/nominee’s responsibility to gather and submit all components of the nomination
package as identified in the “Nomination Checklist” for each award. Incomplete nomination packages
will not be reviewed.
Awards Categories
Outstanding Teacher Award
One award may be allotted each academic year to outstanding teachers in each of the following Schools:
- Applied Science and Technology
- Business
- Health and Education
- Skilled Trades
Eligibility:
Criteria:
- The criteria reflect NWP’s Values and Dedication to Teaching.
- A nomination letter should clearly show how the nominee demonstrates outstanding teaching in each of
the following criteria.
- Innovation
- Responsiveness
- Dedication to Teaching
Nomination Checklist:
- Letter of Nomination
- Teaching Philosophy Statement
- personal teaching and learning values and examples of how they are incorporated into
teaching practice,
- summary of courses taught and how they are delivered, and
- teaching and learning professional development activities.
- Summarized Teaching Evaluations from up to the most recent two years of teaching
Nomination Form & Checklist
Distinguished Teacher Award
Distinguished Teacher Awards may be allotted each academic year to outstanding teachers who make
outstanding contributions to their teaching environments as well as to the teaching environments of
other teachers. The Distinguished Teacher excels in their profession and emphasizes the importance of
good teaching at NWP.
Eligibility:
- All tenured faculty – who have not received this award in the past.
Criteria:
- The criteria reflect NWP’s Values, Dedication to Teaching, and Exemplify Leadership in
Teaching and Learning.
- A nomination letter should clearly show how the nominee demonstrates outstanding teaching in each of
the following criteria.
- Innovation
- Responsiveness
- Dedication to Teaching
- Leadership in Teaching and Learning across NWP
Nomination Checklist:
- Letter of Nomination
- Teaching Philosophy Statement
- personal teaching and learning values and examples of how they are incorporated into
teaching practice,
- summary of courses taught and how they are delivered, and
- teaching and learning professional development activities, and
- summary of how they have contributed to the improving the teaching environments of other
teachers at NWP.
- Summarized Teaching Evaluations from up to the most recent two years of teaching
- Letters of Support from three colleagues (must include support from two colleagues not in the same
department as the nominee)
- Abridged CV, focused on teaching
Nomination Form & Checklist
Faculty Research Award
One award is allotted each academic year to an exceptional NWP researcher
Eligibility:
- Any full-time faculty member with at least two years of service at NWP who engages in research
Criteria:
- The criteria reflect NWP’s Values and Dedication to Research.
Nomination Checklist:
- Nominee’s name and discipline
- Describe the nominee’s involvement with research.
- How does the nominee engage students in research?
- If applicable, how does the nominee engage community in research?
- How does the nominee’s scholarly activity support NWP’s institutional research goals?
- Additional comments
- Is the nominee aware they are being nominated?
- Nominator’s signature
Nomination Form & Checklist
Announcements
The Provost will announce the recipients of the Teaching Awards by June 15, with formal recognition at the NWP
Employee Recognition event in August. The awarded recipients receive a framed certificate and are featured in an
NWP communication. The nominees not selected for an award will receive a letter of recognition.
Nominate Now
Click here for more information about the awards. Compile all
the required documents listed above and submit them to VPawards@nwpolytech.ca by April 1, 2023.
