In-Course and Renewal Award Regulations
- In-Course Awards are monetary and non-monetary awards allocated on the basis of academic standing and, in some cases, other forms of earned merit. Non-monetary awards such as medals and books as well as monetary awards of nominal value (currently $100 or less) are called prizes.
- In-Course Awards are available to full-time and part-time students enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (excluding the Physician Assistant and M.D. Programs), at the time of award application and selection, who are returning to McMaster to continue their studies.
- In-Course Awards requiring full-time status are available to students enrolled full-time or equivalent in both the fall and winter terms.
- In-Course Awards requiring part-time status are available to students who are not enrolled full-time in the fall and/or winter terms. In addition, true part-time awards are only available to students who have completed at least 50% of all units attempted at McMaster on a part-time basis.
- In-Course Awards are available to all domestic and international students.
- In-Course Awards are not available to second degree students unless the terms of a donor award specify eligibility and they have not received the award previously.
- In-Course Awards are not available to students in their graduating term.
- In-Course Awards may also consider other forms of earned merit. To evaluate earned merit, students may need to complete one or more additional requirements, including, but not limited to, submitting an application.
- In-Course Awards requiring an application that are determined by Cumulative Grade Point Average require a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 8.0 on at least 18 graded units, while those determined by Fall-Winter Average require a minimum Fall-Winter Average of 9.5 on at least 18 graded units.
- In-Course Awards adjudicated without need of an application that are determined by Cumulative Grade Point Average require a minimum 8.0 on at least 24 graded units, while those determined by Fall-Winter Average require a minimum 9.5 on at least 24 graded units.
- For nursing specific In-Course awards, due to the structure of the program, they are open to full-time and part-time course loads with a minimum of 24 Cumulative Units.
- Available averages, units upon which averages are calculated, program level, and enrolled units, may be used to break any ties in an award competition.
- To be considered for an In-Course Award by application or by nomination, students must submit a complete application by the specified deadline date.
- In-Course Award applications which meet award eligibility criteria are forwarded to a selection committee for review and ranking.
- Some In-Course Awards are renewable.
- Entrance, Indigenous Entrance, and In-Course Award renewals determined by Cumulative Grade Point Average or Fall-Winter Average require a minimum 8.0 on at least 18 graded units.
- All In-Course Award payments are disbursed through the McMaster Student Account and applied to outstanding charges. A few exceptions to this regulation may be approved by the Office of the Registrar, Aid & Awards.
- In-Course Awards are typically disbursed no later than the end of September.
- In-Course Awards will be disbursed if the recipient continues to be enrolled in a McMaster degree program, or a specific McMaster program, when explicitly required by the terms of the award, or the student’s record reflects they are on exchange, on letter of permission, or participating in a coop or internship opportunity at McMaster University.
- In-Course Award recipients will have their awards noted on their University transcripts. Entrance and In-Course renewals are not noted on transcripts.
- Registration in, or transfer to, another program of study and/or a change in course load may result in forfeiture of an In-Course Award or Entrance or In-Course Award renewal. Students are advised to consult with the Office of the Registrar prior to making any changes to their program of study or course load.
- If a student is approved to graduate or transfers to graduate in the fall, after the awarding decision and/or disbursement is made, the student will forfeit the award.
- Students withdrawing from courses without failure by default will forfeit their In-Course Award or Entrance or In-Course Award renewal.
- Students who forfeit their In-Course award will have their award cancelled and their transcript notation removed if forfeited in first year of payment only. Students must return the In-Course Award or Entrance or In-Course Award renewal funding to their McMaster Student Account.
- Forfeiture of a renewable Entrance or In-Course Award also cancels all future instalments of the award.
- Students wishing to defer the stated value of an In-Course Award or Entrance or In-Course Award renewal to the next academic year should make the request in writing to the Office of the Registrar, Aid & Awards. Approval is not automatic and deferments are not normally granted for more than one academic year.
- Students holding renewable Entrance or In-Course Awards who choose to accelerate their program and to complete their degree earlier than normal by completing Spring/Summer courses and who wish to employ the benefits of their renewable Entrance and/or In-Course Awards to defray the tuition and compulsory fees for those courses should make the request in writing to the Office of the Registrar, Aid & Awards.
- The University may choose not to grant an In-Course Award in the absence of a suitable candidate; may choose to limit the number of recipients selected where funding is limited; may choose to limit the number of recipients selected where too few suitable candidates exist; and/or may choose to generate applicant pools where complete applications have not been received.
- The University may remove specific In-Course Awards from the University Calendar, may revise the terms and stated value and/or suspend the granting of In-Course Awards (e.g. donor funds).
- In-Course Awards supported by donor funds may have additional eligibility and renewal requirements.
Automatically Assessed
A completed common application submitted through AwardSpring is required for nominated awards.
Open to Two or More Faculties
The James Robertson Carruthers Memorial Prize
Established in 1984 in memory of James Robertson Carruthers (Class of ‘74) by his family and friends.
Requirements: To be awarded to the student who, in the judgment of the Department of History, attains notable standing in HISTORY 2R03 or HISTORY 2RR3 (United States History).
Typically Available: 1 x $425
The Environmental Issues Prize
Established in 1993 by the Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth in recognition of Metal Recovery Industries and Philip Environmental, Industrial Filter Fabrics Ltd., and Laidlaw Waste Systems.
Requirements: To be awarded to the student who attains the highest grade in GEOG 4MT6 A/B (or GEO 4R06).
Typically Available: 1 x $100
The Neil Forsyth Prize
Established in 1992 by The Steel Founders’ Society of America in honour of Neil Forsyth, president of the organization in 1990 and 1991, in recognition of his outstanding service to the steel castings industry.
Requirements: To be awarded to the student who attains the highest grade in MATLS 3E04.
Typically Available: 1 x $120
The Gilmour Memorial Prize
Established in 1927 by Year ‘27, in memory of Dr. Joseph Leeming Gilmour, Honorary President of their first year in 1923, and subsequently enlarged by his children.
Requirements: To be awarded to the student who attains the highest standing in POLSCI 4D06 A/B RELIGST 2HH3.
Typically Available: 1 x $125
The Latin Prize
Established in 1987 by Dr. John B. Clinard.
Requirements: To be awarded to a student who, in the judgment of the Department of Classics, has demonstrated notable achievement in LATIN 1Z03 and LATIN 1ZZ3.
Typically Available: 1 x $150
The Provost’s Honour Roll Medal
Established in 2005.
Requirements: To be awarded to students named to the Provost’s Honour Roll.
Typically Available: Variable number of medals
The University Prizes for Special Achievement
Established in 1973.
Requirements: Two prizes to be awarded in each Faculty and other academic units to individual students who exhibit exceptional skill and originality in a creative project (such as an essay, poem, sculpture, mathematical or scientific problem, engineering design) or a related series of such projects.
Typically Available: 2 per Faculty x $500
The R.M. Wiles Memorial Book Prize
Established in 1975 in memory of Professor Roy McKeen Wiles by his friends and colleagues.
Requirements: To be awarded to the student who, in the judgment of the Department of English and Cultural Studies, has written the best essay on a topic relating to English literature of the period 1660-1800.
Typically Available: 1 x $250 for books
Open to the Faculty of Health Sciences
The Dr. Garth Boulter Memorial Award
Established in 2007 by G. Stanley Boulter, B.A. (Class of ‘49) and Irma E. Boulter in memory of their son, Garth E. Boulter, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the School of Medicine.
Requirements: A variable number to be awarded to students who have completed an overseas’ clinical placement elective in Level 3 of the Midwifery program and who, in the judgment of the Midwifery Program, have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership and social awareness. Preference will be given to students who have completed their electives in Africa.
Typically Available: 11 x $1,000
The Class of 1966 Nursing Scholarship
Established in 2012 by the School of Nursing, Class of ‘66.
Requirements: One scholarship to be awarded to a student in the School of Nursing who, in the judgment of the School of Nursing, has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in any level.
Typically Available: 1 x $1,000
The Excellence in Midwifery Student Leadership Scholarship
Established in 2020 by members of the midwifery community.
Requirements: To be awarded to undergraduate students enrolled in the Midwifery Education Program who identify as Indigenous or racialized, attain high averages, and demonstrate excellence in one of three areas: 1. exemplary client care, 2. innovative community outreach, or 3. exceptional engagement in campus life. Students may only receive this award once. This award is open to second degree students.
Typically Available: 1 x $2,500
The Hutton Kaufman Midwifery Scholarship
Established in 2018 by clients, colleagues, friends, and family of Dr. Eileen Hutton in celebration of her retirement and to recognize her high impact career. This award recognizes the profound influence of both
Dr. Hutton, assistant dean of the Midwifery Education Program at McMaster from 2007-2018 and of founding assistant dean of the program, Dr. Karyn Kaufman who served from 1993-2006. Together with their peers, these two luminaries paved the way for midwifery care, midwifery education and midwifery research in Canada.
Requirements: To be awarded to undergraduate students, including those taking a second degree, enrolled in Level 3 of the Midwifery Education Program who attain high averages.
Typically Available: 1 x $1,500
The Lorie Scott Nursing Scholarship
Established in 2016 by Lorie Scott, B.Sc.N. (Class of ‘79) CD.
Requirements: To be awarded to students in the School of Nursing who have completed at least Level I and who, in the judgment of the School of Nursing, have demonstrated a significant commitment to community through service, teaching, advocacy and/or health promotion in Canada. This award is open to second degree students.
Typically Available: 1 x $5,000
The Corelene Helen Tostevin Scholarships
Established in 1998 by bequest of Corelene Tostevin.
Requirements: To be awarded to students enrolled in an accelerated BScN program and who, in the judgment of the School of Nursing, have demonstrated notable academic achievement.
Typically Available: 5 x $250
Open to the Faculty of Humanities
The Comparative Literature Prize
Established in 1988.
Requirements: To be awarded to a student who, in the judgment of the Department of English and Cultural Studies, has achieved notable standing in Level 2 comparative literary studies courses.
Typically Available: 1 x $250
The Cranston Prizes
Established in 1958 by William H. Cranston of Midland in honour of his parents, J. Herbert Cranston (Class of ‘05) and Eva Wilkins Cranston (Class of ‘07).
Requirements: Two prizes to be awarded for excellence in the study of Canadian literature: (a) one for the highest grade in ENGLISH 2G06 A/B, and (b) one for the highest grade in ENGLISH 2C03.
Typically Available: 2 x $175 each
The Eleanor Dornbush Marples Prize in Art History
Established in 1985 by Mrs. Barbara Niedermeier and her family in memory of her sister.
Requirements: To be awarded to a student who, in the judgment of the School of the Arts, has demonstrated outstanding achievement.
Typically Available: 2 x $175
The Eleanor Dornbush Marples Prize in Theatre & Film Studies
Established in 1987 by Vaughan W. Marples in memory of his wife.
Requirements: To be awarded to a student in Level 2 of a Theatre & Film program who, in the judgment of the School of the Arts, has achieved academic excellence.
Typically Available: 1 x $125
The H.W. McCready Prize in British History
Established in 1981 in memory of Professor H.W. McCready, a member of the Department of History from 1943 to 1975, by former students, colleagues, and friends.
Requirements: To be awarded to a Level 2 student who, in the judgment of the Department of History, attains notable standing in British History courses.
Typically Available: 1 x $100
The Noel Sandusky Memorial Prize
Established in 1994 by family and friends in memory of Noel Sandusky.
Requirements: To be awarded to a student who has completed Level 1 and an additional 30 - 45 units of a program in History who, in the judgment of the Department of History, attains notable academic standing in at least nine units of History courses.
Typically Available: 1 x $150 for books
The Larry Sayers Prize in East Asian History
Established in 1983 in memory of Larry P. Sayers (Class of ‘82) by his friends.
Requirements: To be awarded to the student who, in the judgment of the Department of History, has demonstrated outstanding achievement in at least six units of courses work in East Asian history.
Typically Available: 1 x $275
The John Toth Memorial Prize
Established in 1983 in memory of John Toth by his friends.
Requirements: To be awarded to the student who attains the highest average in any six units of Level 3 or 4 Latin courses.
Typically Available: 1 x $50
The John H. Trueman Scholarship
Established in 1989 as a tribute to Professor John H. Trueman by his many friends, colleagues and students on the occasion of his retirement from McMaster University.
Requirements: To be awarded to the student who has completed Level 1 and who, in the judgment of the Department of History, has achieved notable academic standing in medieval history.
Typically Available: 1 x $250
Open to the Faculty of Social Sciences
The Citizen Action Group Award in Memory of Harry Penny
Established in 1984 by the Citizen Action Group, Hamilton, to honour Professor Harry L. Penny, founding Director of the School of Social Work and Board Member of Citizen Action Group.
Requirements: To be awarded to the student in a program in Social Work who achieves the highest grade in SOCWORK 4O03.
Typically Available: 1 x $1,000
The Sam Lawrence Prize
Established in 1957 by the East Hamilton Independent Labour Party C.C.F. Club in honour of Sam Lawrence.
Requirements: To be awarded to the student who, in the judgment of the Department of Economics, has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in courses in labour economics.
Typically Available: 1 x $200
The MacGibbon Scholarship
Established in 1970 by bequest of Professor Duncan A. MacGibbon (Class of ‘08).
Requirements: To be awarded to the student in a program in Economics who, in the judgment of the Department of Economics, stands highest in courses in economic history.
Typically Available: 1 x $500
The William MacKenzie Memorial Prize
Established in 1977 in memory of Professor William MacKenzie by his friends and colleagues.
Requirements: To be awarded to the student who, in the judgment of the Department of Economics, has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in either ECON 3T03 (Economic Development: Agriculture and Population) or ECON 2F03 (Globalization and Economic Development) or, in exceptional circumstances, for work in a related area.
Typically Available: 1 x $425
The Audrey Evelyn Mepham Award
Established in 2001 by Gordon W. Mepham in loving memory of his wife Audrey Evelyn Mepham.
Requirements: To be awarded to a student graduating from an Honours program in the Department of Health, Aging and Society who, in the judgment of the Department of Health, Aging and Society, has demonstrated notable academic achievement. Preference will be given to a student who has completed a thesis or course paper on issues relating to Alzheimer’s disease.
Typically Available: 3 x $5,000
The Kenneth W. Taylor Book Prize
Established in 1976 by his children in memory of Dr. Kenneth W. Taylor (Class of ‘21), LL.D. (Class of ‘50).
Requirements: To be awarded to the student who, in the judgment of the Department of Economics, has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in courses within the areas of monetary economics and financial institutions, and of public finance.
Typically Available: 2 x $100 for books
The Melinda Wapshaw Achievement Award
Established in 1993 by the Labour Studies Student Association and the Labour Studies Program.
Requirements: To be awarded to a student who has completed Level 1 and an additional 60 - 75 units of an Honours Program in Labour Studies and who, in the judgment of the Committee of Instruction, demonstrates outstanding achievement.
Typically Available: 1 x $300
The Ralph Weekes Scholarship
Established in 1994 by the Investors Group Financial Services to recognize the accomplishments of Ralph Weekes (Class of ‘73).
Requirements: To be awarded to a student enrolled in a program in Economics who, in the judgment of the Department of Economics, has attained notable standing. Preference to be given to a student pursuing studies on a part-time basis.
Typically Available: 1 x $800
Awards by Application
Open to Two or More Faculties
The Achievement Awards of Excellence
Established in 1998.
Requirements: A variable number of scholarships to be awarded to students who, in the judgment of the Student Accessibility Services (SAS), demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. Preference will be given to first-degree students. Students who wish to be considered for this award must be enrolled with the Student Accessibility Services (SAS). Applications may be submitted at the end of Levels I, II, III & IV (or V if in a 5-year program).
Typically Available: 1 x $800
The John D. McNie Achievement Award of Excellence
Established in 2001 by David O. Davis in honour of John D. McNie.
University salaried pension plan who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement.
Requirements: To be awarded to a student with a visual impairment who, in the judgment of the Student Accessibility Services (SAS), demonstrates notable academic achievement.
Typically Available: 2 x $800
Students who wish to be considered for this award must be enrolled with Student Accessibility Services (SAS).
The Connie O’Shaughnessy Memorial Prize
Established in 1988 by family, friends and associates of Connie O’Shaughnessy (Class of ‘88), a part-time student who chose to return to complete her degree on a full time basis.
Requirements: To be awarded to a student who has completed at least Level 1 and who, in the judgment of a Selection Committee has made a significant contribution to the University life of part-time students.
Typically Available: 2 x $425
The Drs. Jolie Ringash and Glen Bandiera Renaissance Award
Established in 2012 by Drs. Jolie Ringash and Glen Bandiera. The award, with its emphasis on experiential learning, is intended to create transformative opportunities for students from all Faculties and programs, from undergraduate to graduate and professional.
Requirements: The recipient of the award shall be an individual who wishes to engage in a 4-12 month, self-directed, enrichment experience outside his/her chosen program of study, and who wishes to explore a project of personal significance that will amplify the recipient’s University experience while engaging in experiential learning at home or abroad.
Typically Available: 1 x $25,000
Open to the Faculty of Social Sciences
The Barbara and Ronald Bayne Award
Established in 2001 by Barbara and Ronald Bayne to provide support to students who are engaged in practical learning experience as part of their undergraduate studies.
Requirements: To be awarded to a student who has completed at least Level 3 in an Honours program in the Department of Health, Aging and Society, has demonstrated outstanding performance in a field experience course and who, in the judgment of the Department, has demonstrated notable academic achievement and qualities of leadership at McMaster or in the community.
Typically Available: 1 x $750
The Ellen Bouchard Ryan Scholarship
Established in 2000 by the McMaster Centre for Gerontological Studies, and supported by family, in recognition of Dr. Ellen Bouchard Ryan’s outstanding contribution to the field of aging.
Requirements: To be awarded to a student who, in the judgment of the Department of Health, Aging and Society, has demonstrated high academic achievement and leadership in ages related community activities.
Typically Available: 2 x $400
The Larry Sefton Scholarships
Established in 1985 by the Hamilton Steelworkers Area Council in memory of Larry Sefton, area supervisor (1946-53) and director of District 6 (1953-73) of the United Steelworkers of America, to recognize his commitment to education, to working people, to unions and to the City of Hamilton.
Requirements: Three scholarships to be awarded to students in the Labour Studies program who, in the judgment of the Committee of Instruction for Labour Studies, have achieved notable standing in any level.
Typically Available: 3 x $500 each
Open to the Faculty of Health Sciences
The Janet McKnight Award
Established in 1994 by faculty, friends and students in memory of Janet McKnight, beloved colleague and teacher, a recognized expert in educational methodology and small-group, problem-based learning.
Requirements: To be awarded to a student entering Level 4 of a program in Nursing who, in the judgment of the School of Nursing has demonstrated notable academic achievement and leadership in clinical and educational aspects of gerontology or, problem based, self-directed learning in nursing education.
Typically Available: 2 x $600
The McMaster Nursing Alumni Memorial Prize
Established in 1984 and augmented in 2001 by the McMaster Nursing Alumni Branch to recognize graduates from the McMaster University School of Nursing.
Requirements: To be awarded to a student who, in the judgment of the School of Nursing, has demonstrated leadership while participating in undergraduate activities.
Typically Available: 1 x $300
The Grace Senra-Fontes Memorial Prize
Established in 1989 by the graduating class (Class of ‘88) in association with the McMaster University Nursing Society and the McMaster Nursing Alumni Executive in memory of Grace Senra-Fontes (Class of ‘88) of Toronto.
Requirements: To be awarded to a student in Level 3 or 4 of the Nursing program and who, in the judgment of the School of Nursing, best demonstrates excellence in scholarship and leadership, and has served as a valuable role model for those qualities deemed important to success in a nursing career. Preference will be given to students enrolled in Level 4 of the Nursing Program.
Typically Available: 1 x $250
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