Awards

Awarded annually to a self-identified Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) graduate student enrolled in a Master’s program in Sociology who is conducting applied research on issues of power and justice which could include a focus on issues such as policing practice, legal and justice practices, the inter-relation or work across core social services, mental health, community wellbeing, and/or Indigenous applications of justice.

Candidates must submit a one-page statement outlining their proposed research related to these areas by January 15th to the Department Office in Sociology. The recipient will be selected by the Department of Sociology Graduate Committee, with at least one representative holding membership in the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. The recipient may continue to receive the award for a second year. This award was established with a generous donation from the London Police Association.

In order to be truly effective and deliver on its core values, policing and the practice of justice is necessarily dependent on the relationships it has with communities. The values of communities and the values of policing should be mutually understood and respected. This is not and has not always been the case especially for Indigenous communities. Establishing this award within the Department of Sociology will provide the London Police Association with the opportunity to learn from within our Indigenous communities.

Value: 1 at $2,500

Deadline: First Friday in February

Send application to: soc-grad-assistant@uwo.ca and soc-grad-chair@uwo.ca

Awarded annually to a graduate student enrolled in a Master’s program in Sociology who is Black or a person of colour, who has experiences hardship, economic disadvantage or discrimination. This student will be conducting applied research on issues of power and justice which prioritize a focus on issues such as policing practice, but may include legal and justice practices, the inter-relation or world across core social services, mental health, community wellbeing, and applications of justice.

Candidates must submit a one-page statement outlining their proposed research related to these areas by January 15th to the Department Office in Sociology. The recipient will be selected by the Department of Sociology Graduate Committee, with at least one representative holding membership in the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. The recipient may continue to receive the award for a second year. This award was established with a generous donation from the London Police Service Board.

In order to be truly effective and deliver on its core values, policing and the practice of justice is necessarily dependent on the relationships it has with communities. The values of communities and the values of policing should be mutually understood and respected. This is not and has not always been the case especially for Black or people of colour. Establishing this award within the Department of Sociology will provide the London Police Service Board with the opportunity to learn from within these communities. The London Police Service Board will receive valuable research and insights through an impartial lens.

Value: 1 at $2,500

Deadline: First Friday in February

Send application to: soc-grad-assistant@uwo.ca and soc-grad-chair@uwo.ca

For Outstanding Achievement by a Sociology Graduate Student

The Ellen Nilsen Award is an annual prize for outstanding achievement by a graduate student in Western's Sociology Department. Students who complete the M.A. or Ph.D. in the year under consideration may be considered for that year's award.

The award consists of the inscription of the student's name on the wall plaque in the Department, and a monetary prize ($700, or $350 in case of a tie).

Criteria for eligibility:

Academic: The student must have completed an M.A. or Ph.D. in the year of consideration, and must have achieved an overall 80% average during the program. The graduate program assistant will supply the selection committee with a copy of the student's transcript.

Other: Consideration will be given for participation in professional associations, departmental and university committees, volunteer work and other involvement in the community.

A complete application should include:

• a current curriculum vitae
• a short statement from the student outlining their extracurricular contributions,
• a recommendation from the student's thesis or research paper supervisor
• up to two more (optional) recommendations solicited by the student or supervisor and sent to the graduate program assistant.

Description:

The Cathy Holtzmann Graduate Scholarship recognizes and supports two incoming Ph.D. 
students who exhibit exceptional academic achievement and outstanding research potential. 
This prestigious scholarship reflects the department’s commitment to fostering excellence in  sociological research and to supporting the next generation of scholars. The scholarship is  intended to support recipients’ academic and research activities during their graduate studies.

Number: 2 annually

Value: $8,000

Application Process

All applicants to the Ph.D. program will be considered for this scholarship. Applications to our PhD program will serve as the application for this award.   

To be eligible for consideration, applications must be submitted by the published application deadline. 

Selection criteria:

Applicants are encouraged to highlight the following elements in the relevant sections of their Ph.D. application materials: 

Academic Excellence, demonstrated through a strong academic record in Sociology or closely related disciplines, Excellence is demonstrated though GPA, academic awards, honours, and distinctions, etc. 

Research potential, reflected in the quality and originality of the research proposal, as well as demonstrated  research  experience—such  as  publications,  presentations,  or  other  forms  of knowledge dissemination. 

Eligible students will be adjudicated on the following criteria:

• Excellence: The overall GPA from their undergraduate studies.
• Potential: The quality and originality of the research proposal and how it relates to existing literature. The clarity with which an important research question is identified.
• Feasibility: The likelihood by which an interesting conclusion will emerge from the research project in the proposal.    

About the scholarship: