The Academic Awards and Scholarships Sub-Committee

Description

The Academic Awards and Scholarships Sub-Committee (2 vacancies) 

Two new members are sought for this sub-committee that recommends recipients for prestigious awards and scholarships. Members bring their expertise, discernment, and deep commitment to the church’s calling to this meaningful work. 

Mandate 

The mandate of this sub-committee is to provide recommendations to the Joint Grants Committee on awarding scholarships, bursaries, and other academic awards. The sub-committee provides expertise and insight on the suitability of applicants for awards. The Joint Grants Committee oversees appropriate recognition of awardees and may request the assistance of the sub-committee in those celebrations. The sub-committee is responsible for 

• reviewing applications for grants from the McGeachy Senior Scholarship Trust, the V. Blatherwick Trust, the W. Norman McLeod Trust, and other similar long-term funds from time to time
• recommending to the Joint Grants Committee the most suitable candidate for each award, the amount of the award, and the rationale for that amount
• making recommendations to the Joint Grants Committee for improving the application and adjudication processes 

The sub-committee is guided by the terms of each fund, the donor’s intent, and the annual award amount available.  

Membership 

The sub-committee is made up of three to five members, with attention to reflecting the diversity of the United Church, and particular attention to its equity commitments and the presence of both lay people and ministry personnel from across the geography of the church. 

Member Skills and Experience 

Members of the sub-committee will 

• have the capacity to discern and reflect on emerging theological trends and directions within the United Church
• have expert knowledge of theological education and academic excellence; some members will have postgraduate education
• have broad knowledge of The United Church of Canada and be involved in the work of the United Church beyond their community of faith 

Committee members will be  

• active participants in a community of faith or ministry
• passionately committed to the calling of the United Church and willing to discern God’s yearnings for this work 
• predisposed to collaboration and teamwork 
• able to listen and discern 
• committed to right relations, the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the vision of becoming an intercultural church, and the journey to becoming an anti-racist denomination 
• comfortable with and able to participate in electronic meetings 
• able to commit the time required for this responsibility  

United Church Relationship: Active participant or full member 

Expectations and Term 

The sub-committee typically meets via videoconference once a year between April and May. Occasionally, a second meeting is held in the fall (in October or November), also by videoconference. The next meeting will take place by videoconference in spring 2026. 

Before each meeting, members are expected to carefully review and assess all applications, contributing their professional expertise, objectivity, and thoughtful judgment to the discussion. This preparation usually requires 10 to 15 hours per annual granting cycle. 

The term of this appointment is three years, beginning December 2025, with the possibility of reappointment for an additional term. 

For more information about this volunteer opportunity, please see the complete description, below.

To Express Interest

To apply for this vacancy, please express interest or nominate someone.

All submissions will be acknowledged by e-mail. If you do not receive acknowledgement, please contact Member Engagement. Incomplete or late submissions cannot be considered.

For further information or assistance in expressing interest or nominating someone, please contact:

Member Engagement
Toll-Free: 1-800-268-3781
E-mail: 

Downloads

• 45-20 Academic Awards Committee.pdf (255.08 KB) (PDF)