Nominations Open for Advising Excellence Award 2025
Student Affairs is excited to announce the opening of applications for the UM Advising Excellence Award, aimed at recognizing the outstanding achievements of academic advising staff. This prestigious award highlights the dedication and innovation of advisors who play a crucial role in the academic and personal success of students.
This award was set up by Wendy McLean (former First Year Centre Academic Advisor) and recognizes exceptional advising with an award of $500 donated to the UM Food Bank in the recipient’s name.
“As an advisor, Wendy’s greatest joy was to see growth; in both the students she advised and in the staff she mentored. In fact, when I was first an academic advisor in University 1 in 2010, Wendy was instrumental in helping me to see the transformational impact academic advising has on students.”, says Ali Wood-Warren, Director, Student Transitions and Success Centre. “Now as a leader in that same academic advising unit, I know that Wendy’s influence on advising at UM is still felt.”
Nomination Process
Nominees must be current UM staff members in continuing roles which provide direct support of students through academic or student advising, within academic or support units. Any member of the UM community (Faculty, Staff or registered UM Student) can nominate an advisor for this award by submitting the following:
- a completed nomination form
- a letter of support detailing the nominee’s contributions and demonstrating how they meet the award’s eligibility criteria (1 page maximum)
- at least two letters of recommendation from staff and/or learners who can attest to the nominee’s contributions and impact as a mentor, coach, or advisor.
Criteria for Consideration
The selection committee will evaluate nominees based on several key criteria, including:
- Improvements to processes and procedures
- Advancements in collaboration and/or teamwork excellence
- Notable creativity and innovation in advising techniques
- Outstanding efforts with individual students
- High levels of student engagement resulting from innovative practices
- Creative programming for advising students
- Productive use of university or community resources
Student Affairs looks forward to celebrating the exceptional work of UM advisors and supporting their impact on students through this award, says Ali Wood-Warren. “We are so grateful to Wendy McLean as the establishment of this award allows us to both celebrate excellence in advising and provides direct support to the students that we, as advisors serve.”
Application deadline for 2025 award: December 23, 2025
Award presentation: February 2, 2026
For more information, please visit the Wendy McLean Advising Excellence Award SharePoint site.