Awards for Faculty Excellence

The University of Alberta is committed to recognizing, celebrating and learning from the in-powered and empowered teaching practices and pedagogies associated with our institution.  Teaching recognition is grounded in the University of Alberta's principles and values, as defined in the Institutional Strategic Plans including: 

The University seeks to recognize inclusive teaching that enriches learning experiences, advances knowledge, inspires engaged citizenship, and promotes the public good. Recognition of teaching celebrates and showcases intellectually rewarding educational environments that benefit all members of the University community and are achieved through diverse instructional activities. For example, teaching that takes place in and beyond traditional classroom, studio, laboratory and clinical environments; teaching may also include supervision, mentoring, emotional work, community engagement, Indigenous ways of Knowing, Being and Doing, experiential and work-integrated learning, and leadership. 

The University of Alberta is committed to the identification and celebration of creativity and innovation in all stages of knowledge creation and dissemination in an inclusive manner that provides pathways for the recognition of faculty, students, staff, University partners, individuals and communities.

The University of Alberta recognizes that awards can replicate existing social inequities. Therefore, the processes application and adjudication for the Awards for Faculty Excellence are designed to celebrate and recognize the significant diversities of the University of Alberta communities.

The University of Alberta acknowledges that language is ever-evolving and that listing categories of self-identification does not constitute commitment in and of itself. Recognition of teaching by members of the following equity-denied groups is central to this policy, including but not limited to: Indigenous peoples, Black people, and people of colour and non-white people, disabled people and people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, gender diverse people, women, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University.


Overview of the 2-phase application process

The university communities are encouraged to support applications for these awards as part of our commitment to inclusive teaching excellence.

Phase 1

Applications are currently open until April 8, 2024 at 12 p.m. MT. Apply now by visiting the individual award pages linked below.

Applicants are invited to submit their application in a modality and language of their choosing. If we haven’t yet thought of the way in which you would like to submit your application, please let us know!

All eligible members of the University community are welcome to apply in Phase 1. 

Phase 2 

The Awards for Faculty Excellence Adjudication Committee is responsible for reviewing applications received in Phase 1 to identify a long-list of applicants from which additional materials supporting the application will be solicited. The Committee will ensure that adjudication follows the principles described in the UAPPOL Awards for Faculty Excellence Policy suite.

At the completion of the adjudication process, the Committee will make recommendations for iterative improvements to the application and adjudication guidelines.

Awards for Faculty Excellence Policy (UAPPOL)

NOTE: Normally, applicants are elligible to receive only one Award for Faculty Excellence in a given year. Please contact us at faculty.excellence.awards@ualberta.ca if you have questions or concerns.


Awards for faculty excellence

University Cup 

The University Cup was created to recognize established academics with sustained excellence in and contributions to research and/or creative endeavours, teaching, and service to the University and the community and by this recognition to provide incentive, encouragement and guidance for others to make significant contributions to their fields. The University Cup is usually a capstone career award. Funds in the amount of $5,000 will be given to recipients along with a replica of the University Cup and name engraved on the base of the original cup. The University Cup is usually a capstone career award.

Eligibility: Any Continuing member of the professoriate at the University of Alberta from the following categories (as outlined in the UAPPOL Recruitment Policy (Appendix A)) may apply: 

  • A1 (Schedule A - Academic Faculty Member, Scheduled F - Administrative and Professional Officers (APO) Member, Schedule B - Faculty Service Officers (FSO) Member, Schedule C - Librarian); 
  • A2.1 (Schedule D - Academic Teaching Staff (ATS) Members (Career, Term 12, Term Recurring))

University of Alberta Distinguished Professor

The title of University of Alberta Distinguished Professor recognizes those exceptional faculty members who are globally recognized leaders and whose teaching, scholarly work and citizenship have made them leaders in their disciplines. Funds in the amount of $20,000/annum will be given for approved research and creative scholarly activities.

Eligibility: Any Continuing member of the professoriate at the University of Alberta from the following categories (as outlined in the UAPPOL Recruitment Policy (Appendix A)) may apply: 

  • A1 (Schedule A - Academic Faculty Member, Scheduled F - Administrative and Professional Officers (APO) Member, Schedule B - Faculty Service Officers (FSO) Member, Schedule C - Librarian); 
  • A2.1 (Schedule D - Academic Teaching Staff (ATS) Members (Career, Term 12, Term Recurring))

Vargo Teaching Chair

Vargo Teaching Chairs at the University of Alberta have been created to foster excellence in teaching at the University. This program is committed to supporting individuals who have a history of educational leadership, teaching innovation, and who are committed to enhancing the learning experience of students at all levels. Funds in the amount of $20,000/annum will be given for approved research and teaching initiatives.

Eligibility: Any Continuing member of the professoriate at the University of Alberta from the following categories (as outlined in the UAPPOL Recruitment Policy (Appendix A)) may apply: 

  • A1 (Schedule A - Academic Faculty Member, Scheduled F - Administrative and Professional Officers (APO) Member, Schedule B - Faculty Service Officers (FSO) Member, Schedule C - Librarian); 
  • A2.1 (Schedule D - Academic Teaching Staff (ATS) Members (Career, Term 12, Term Recurring))

McCalla Professorship

The McCalla Professors are outstanding academics who have made (and continue to make) significant contributions to the integration of teaching and research, and educational leadership. The McCalla Professorship also provides recipients with a venue for further educational leadership through the McCalla Professor Group. Funds in the amount of $20,000 (total) will be available for approved projects and activities.

Eligibility: Any Continuing member of the professoriate at the University of Alberta from the following categories (as outlined in the UAPPOL Recruitment Policy (Appendix A)) may apply: 

  • A1(Schedule A - Academic Faculty Member; Schedule B - Faculty Service Officers (FSO) Member; Schedule C - Librarian; Schedule F - Administrative and Professional Officers (APO) Member);
  • A2.1 Career, Term 12, Terms Recurring (Schedule D - Academic Teaching Staff (ATS) member)

Normally, recipients will have achieved the rank of Associate Professor or equivalent.


Henry Marshall Tory Chair

[award pending review; applications currently closed]

The Henry Marshall Tory Teaching Chairs are expected, through their teaching, research and service, to impact the University and the community. The appointments are intended for outstanding individuals who by their presence will enhance the reputation of the University and who can provide leadership and experience for the strengthening of teaching and research in specific disciplines. Research and teaching in interdisciplinary fields are encouraged. Full-time members of the academic teaching staff may be appointed as a Tory Chair.


For a complete list of academic awards and recipients visit the Faculty Awards database. Use the search tool or navigate to the award you are interested in. For discipline specific awards select the appropriate field of study and determine which award(s) are applicable.