GSA Grants
Here is an overview of the funding offered by the GSA, administrated by either the Student Awards Office or the Graduate Enhancement Fund Committee.
Graduate Students’ Assocation Award of Distinction
(two awards - Student Awards Office using the Student Profile)
This Award of Distinction was established to recognize the commitment of graduate students who actively work to make the Laurier community a better place. Eligible candidates are full or part-time graduate students who are currently registered, are meeting all program requirements, and have completed at least 12 months of study (which may include Co-op terms) at the graduate level of the university. Also eligible are students who have graduated from the university, or who have met all academic requirements for graduation from a graduate program at the university, within the previous two academic terms.
National and International Student Award
(Student Awards Office using the Student Profile)
This award has been established for full or part-time students registered in graduate studies who demonstrate satisfactory academic achievement, demonstrate financial need and are not residents of Ontario. Students studying on exchange are not eligible. Awards will be granted to the applicants who demonstrate the greatest need with special consideration given to those demonstrating outstanding academic achievement and/or community service. Preference will be given to students who have not previously received an award during their current program of study.
Ontario Student Award
(Student Awards Office using the Student Profile)
This award has been established for full and part-time students registered in graduate studies who demonstrate satisfactory academic achievement. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident (landed immigrant) or Protected Person, and be a long-term resident of Ontario. Awards will be granted to the applicants who demonstrate the greatest need with special consideration given to those demonstrating outstanding academic achievement and/or community service. Preference will be given to students who have not previously received an award during their current program of study.
Ray Owens Award
(Student Awards Office using the Student Profile)
This scholarship was created in 1991 in memory of the late Ray Owens, a founding member of the Wilfrid Laurier University Graduate Students’ Association. He was a MBA student at Laurier, an assistant Golden Hawks football coach, and an organizer of the Graduate Students’ Association. This award is open to all full- and part-time Master level graduate students. Special consideration is given to students who participate in campus extra-curricular activities, community involvement, and who demonstrate character and resourcefulness.
Professional Development Supplementary Assistance Program
(Graduate Enhancement Fund Committee - online application March 15th-March 31st)
This opportunity exists to provide supplementary support to students for activities beyond the requirements of their chosen academic programs. The fund provides secondary assistance for academic conference attendance or participation in professional development opportunities, such as workshops on presentation skills, grant-writing, career skills, and second language study. Eligible activities will focus on enhancing the knowledge base of the participant, their skill sets, or improve their career portfolios and options. The fund is intended to enhance other funds already received by the applicant for the same purpose, e.g., from the student’s graduate supervisor, research grants, academic department, or the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies; the fund is not intended and is not able to be used as the primary source of funding for these activities.
Assistance for Academic Events
(Dean of Students Office - first come, first served)
This grant is to strengthen the continued support of graduate students by encouraging graduate students to enhance the quality of their experience. Funds allocated toward this endowment are intended for out-of classroom academics. Disbursements of these funds are to be used for academic events held at Wilfrid Laurier University, such as inviting speakers or hosting conferences.
Assistance for Social Events
(Dean of Students Office - first come, first served)
This grant is to strengthen the continued support of graduate students by encouraging graduate students to enhance the quality of their experience. Funds are intended for out-of classroom non-academic events that contribute to the development of student success. Disbursements of these funds are to be used for non-academic events held at Wilfrid Laurier University that are open to all graduate students, such as a board games tournament, hosting a TEDLaurier event, or hosting a charity event.
