Policy Title: Special Recognition Awards
Policy Owner: Registrar
Effective Date: February 1, 2014
Last Revised: May 17, 2022
On this page:
- Purpose
- Application and Scope
- Definitions
- Principles
- Accountability and Compliance
- Rules
- Policy Revision Date
- Attachments
- Specific Links
1. Purpose
Consistent with its values and commitment to active citizenship, Mohawk College, through its Board of Governors, has a long-standing tradition of acknowledging distinguished service to the College, and the community, by an individual or organization with the presentation of special recognition awards.
This policy outlines approaches and criteria for recognizing outstanding service to the College and the community by an external organization or individual.
2. Application and scope
This policy applies to all staff, students, internal and external members of the College community and external College contributors. Special recognition awards consist of student recognition and awards (non-monetary), graduate awards, staff awards and community member awards.
3. Definitions
“Awards” are awarded to recognize outstanding service to the College or Community (Refer to Appendix A for definitions of specific awards).
“Citation” is an official document, or speech, that praises somebody’s actions, accomplishments or character.
“Convocation” is an official ceremony for awarding of diplomas, certificates, and when applicable, special recognitions.
“Credential” refers to a successfully awarded Mohawk College certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or graduate certificate, awarded at Convocation.
“Liripipe” was first used in Europe during the Middle Ages as a mark of distinction and academic achievement. A Master would take the tail of his Master’s Hood and present it to his student as a recognition that the student has successfully completed the training period and was now accepted into the Guild.
“Program of Studies” is an official list of all of the required courses embracing all semesters of levels of an approved diploma or certificate program, successful completion of which leads to a Diploma or Certificate.
4. Principles
College medals and awards are bestowed to students who achieve distinction in several segments of College life and demonstrate leadership qualities. Acknowledgement of internal and external members of the College community supports the College’s strategic priorities. Acknowledging employees and recognizing external contributors to the College ensures quality programs and facilities, and cultivates an innovative, Future Ready College and community.
5. Accountability and Compliance
5.1 Accountability Framework
This policy has been approved by the Senior Leadership Team.
5.2 Compliance
The Registrar is responsible for monitoring this policy and ensuring compliance.
6. Rules
6.1 Nomination and Selection
The Registrar’s Office is responsible for requesting graduate clearing confirmation and issuing calls for nomination to members of the college community at appropriate points in advance of presentation dates and, when applicable, convocation ceremonies. The Call for Nomination for Special Recognition Awards (Appendix A) will be made based on established timelines, with submissions received through an online application.
The Director, Enrolment Services and Systems will notify the recipients of the Special Community Recognition Awards. The Registrar’s Office will finalize the logistics for the award recognitions.
6.2 Nature of the Awards
Awards will be presented with a citation, when applicable, highlighting the recipient’s eligibility criteria. A printed copy of the citation and certificate signed and sealed by the appropriate College staff will be presented to the individual. For awards presented at a Convocation ceremony, the citation will be conveyed when the award is presented.
The Registrar’s Office is responsible for approving the final submitted citation for convocation purposes, preparing the printed citations and securing appropriate signatures.
6.3 Student Awards
6.3.1 Graduate
Students who have successfully completed their current graduating program of studies for diploma and certificate programs, and are deemed clear to graduate, with no holds on their account, will be awarded the appropriate credential. Students attending a Convocation ceremony will have a Liripipe bestowed on them by the Vice President, Academic and receive their credential. Graduates not attending a Convocation ceremony will have their credential mailed to them following their Convocation. Returned or unclaimed credentials will be destroyed after 5 years.
6.3.2 Senior Student Ambassador
The award is available to students who have successfully completed the first and second semesters of their program, a minimum of 20 hours of co-curricular involvement and completed the MoCrew Academy. Recognition will be a school ring presented at a Deans’ celebration.
6.4 Graduate Awards
6.4.1. Governor General’s Academic Medal
The Collegiate Bronze medal is awarded to the student who achieves the highest cumulative average upon graduation from a diploma level, full-time postsecondary program with minimum two year duration. Recipient must have no failing grades at the College. One medal is presented annually to a recipient at a Convocation ceremony on behalf of, and in the name of, the Governor General. The College is responsible for inscribing the winner’s name on the certificate and providing the recipient’s name to the Chancellery immediately after presentation.
6.4.2 Graduate Medals
Awards are given to one student per faculty who achieved academic distinction while maintaining honours academic standing, with no failures. The medals are awarded to the graduating student with the highest grade point average of each faculty, according to the established criteria.
6.4.3 Outstanding Achievement Award
Award is granted to graduates who achieve distinction in every segment of College life and demonstrate traits which set an example for fellow students. Recipients will have maintained a minimum 75% GPA academic standing and will have proven community involvement and extracurricular activities that contributed to the enhancement of College and community life. The Convocation, Recognition, Awards and Medals’ Team receives nominations and recommendations from academic faculty areas. The Call for Nominations will be made based on established timelines, with submissions received through an online application.
6.4.4 Posthumous Diplomas
The award will be given to recognize students who have passed away after completing a minimum of 75% of their program requirements within a timeframe established by the Registrar. Academic staff is responsible for requesting a posthumous diploma to be considered.
6.4.5 W.K. Warrender Award
The award recognizes the distinguished contribution of recipients to student life throughout their time at the College. The Call for Nominations will be made based on established timelines, with submissions received through an online application.
6.5 Staff Awards
6.5.1 Emeritus
When appropriate, the Board of Governors’ Chair, or the President, will bestow the title Emeritus to retired or honourably discharged College community members from active professional duty and retaining the title of their office or position.
6.6 Community Member Awards
6.6.1 Appreciation Award
When appropriate, the Board of Governors’ Chair, President or designated member of the Board of Governors, will officially recognize external individuals or organizations providing distinctive, outstanding service to the College, or to the College system in general. Members of the Board of Governors and Advisory Committees are eligible to receive this award.
6.6.2 Distinguished Fellow Program
The program recognizes successful members of the community who make a meaningful contribution to the College and represents a strategic initiative to extend the College's outreach in the community. The program encourages the involvement of seasoned leaders, supports the strategic growth and academic excellence of the College, ensures continued successful momentum in fundraising and enhances the corporate networks that are essential for viable applied research projects. Participation in the program is by invitation only and the title will be conferred and service recognized at Convocation. It represents the highest honour bestowed upon individuals to recognize their invaluable contributions to Mohawk in significant ways, including academic advisement and student engagement, community outreach, and strategic advisement to Mohawk’s senior leadership team.
Distinguished Fellow: When appropriate, the Chair, President or designated member of the Board of Governors will bestow a Distinguished Fellow title to individuals who make invaluable contributions to the College in significant ways, including academic advisement and student engagement, community outreach, and strategic advisement to Mohawk’s senior leadership team. Through outstanding professional achievement, expert status within their profession and proven business acumen, the distinguished recipient will be highly respected within and beyond the communities served by the college. Distinguished Fellows serve appointments of three to five years, with an opportunity for renewal. Recipient will be recognized at Convocation, with hooding, and will be the ceremony guest speaker.
Distinguished Fellow – Adjunct Professor: When appropriate, the Board of Governors’ Chair, President or designated member of the Board of Governors will confer the title of Distinguished Fellow – Adjunct Professor on individuals whose contributions support applied research initiatives undertaken or planned by the College. Recipients will have made a significant contribution in an area of specific expertise, for which he or she is renowned and of particular benefit to the academic directions of the College. The distinction will be conferred with the bestowal of a College hood as a symbol of recognition. Recipient will be recognized at Convocation, with hooding, and will be the ceremony guest speaker.
Distinguished Fellow – Honorary Diploma: When appropriate, the Board of the Governors’ Chair, President or designated member of the Board of Governors will confer the title of Distinguished Fellow – Honorary Diploma on individuals whose contributions were invaluable in advancing the College’s mandate in research, teaching or life long learning. All of the aforementioned Distinguished Fellow qualities apply as per the two previous categories.
6.6.3 Fellow of Mohawk College
The inaugural Fellow of Mohawk College award was granted in June 2012. Future Fellows will be recognized under 6.6.2.
Recommendation for the honour will be by the Board of Governors’ Chair, President or designated member of the Board of Governors. The title bestowed upon an individual contributing to the advancement of the vision, mission and values of the College. Support would include contributing to academic excellence through mentoring; guest lectures; collaboration with faculty; and those who act as College ambassadors within the community, support the work of the Mohawk College Foundation and/or assist with strategic planning for the College.
6.6.4 Friend of Mohawk College
When appropriate, the Chair, President or designated member of the Board of Governors will bestow the title upon individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities in supporting the College and the community. The recognition will be bestowed at a signature event as determined by Mohawk Executive Group.
6.6.5 Honorary Certificate and Diploma
When appropriate, the Chair or designated member of the Board of Governors will confer an Honorary Certificate or Diploma on an individual who has made a significant contribution in an area of specific expertise, for which he or she is renowned, that is of particular benefit to the academic directions of the College. The distinction will be conferred at Convocation with the bestowal of the Liripipe as a symbol of graduation.
7. Policy revision date
7.1 Revision Date
May 2027
7.2 Responsibility
The Registrar is responsible for monitoring this policy every five years or more frequently in response to feedback from the College Community.