Guidelines for the Awarding of the John Bell Award

A. Preamble

Established in 1988, the John Bell Award recognizes faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding educational leadership while at the University of Guelph.  The award is made in honour of Professor John M. Bell, a distinguished and innovative teacher of classics with a passion for improving student learning and the development of educational goals.  Professor Bell served the University with distinction from 1972 to 1987 and served as Chair of the School of Languages and Literatures (1980-87), and Chair of the Board of Undergraduate Studies (1985-87). Professor Bell received national recognition in 1986 as one of 10 inaugural 3M Fellows, honored for their contributions to teaching and learning.

The Senate Honours and Awards Committee (“the Committee”) shall receive suggestions for and present to Senate nominations for the John Bell Award.  Through its recommendations of outstanding leaders in university education, the Committee will endeavor to reflect the values of the University of Guelph community, as articulated in the University’s mission and strategic documents.

B. General

 1.     Eligibility and Criteria

 1.1  The award will recognize a current individual faculty member who has shown educational leadership at the University of Guelph by demonstrating one or more of the following:

• 1.1.1. Evidence of outstanding contributions in course and curriculum design including the development and assessment of learning outcomes or curriculum improvement processes;
• 1.1.2. Evidence of outstanding contributions to pedagogical innovations including the development of high-impact practices;
• 1.1.3. Substantial evidence of contributions to the scholarship of teaching and learning.

 1.2  It is expected that nominees will have received recognition for these contributions both at the University of Guelph, and in the wider university community.

C. Procedures

2.     Nominations

2.1  An annual call for nominations will be issued to the University community in the fall of year, from the University Secretariat. 
2.2. Nominations may be made by students, alumni or faculty. 
2.3  All nominations will be considered by the Committee, which may put forward the name of one candidate for consideration by Senate. 
2.4  Senate will vote in camera on the acceptance of the nomination in a matter similar to that used for honorary degrees. 
2.5  Previous recipients of the award may be nominated on a subsequent occasion only if the new nomination cities contributions different from those which led to the prior award.

3.     Documentation

The following items shall be included with the nomination:

3.1  Nomination form – available on the University Secretariat website
3.2  Citation or Statement of Nomination – this statement should summarize the nominee’s contributions and their impact on teaching and learning
3.3  Resume or Curriculum Vitae
3.4  Letters of support – a minimum of three and no more than five letters of support must be submitted from individuals knowledgeable about the nominee’s contributions and related impact

4.     Method of Presentation

4.1  Public recognition of recipients of a John Bell Award shall be given at a convocation to which the recipient shall be invited. 
4.2  Normally the award shall not be made in absentia.
4.3  The award will consist of a medal, together with a citation.