Faculty of Community Services

FCS Award Application Guidelines

Guidelines to help you prepare a successful award application:

• Be aware of the award deadlines and be sure to submit a complete application package on time. Late applications will not be accepted. Most applications require at least one letter of reference and it may take time to prepare. Letters of reference should be included in the package upon submission and not submitted separately by the instructor.
• If possible, type your application. If you must print, be sure it is neat and legible.
• Before submitting your application, prepare a copy of the package for your records. If your application is not received by the appropriate person, it can be reproduced quickly.
  
• Make sure to include your name on each page of your application. The applications are photocopied for committee members to review and this will ensure all pages will remain within the package. 
  
• If you are sending your application by mail, it is suggested to request a delivery confirmation number. Applications will be accepted if proof of delivery by the deadline date can be confirmed. If packages are being hand delivered, request the name of the receiver and ensure the application is date-stamped.
  
• Read the eligibility and application instructions carefully. Apply only for awards that you are eligible for. Although the criteria is generally established by the Faculty/Department, some criteria is set by other governing bodies that students are required to meet.
  
• When listing achievements and qualifications, focus on those that reflect the award criteria. Because the committee spends a lot of time reading and evaluating each award package and follows a weighting system to ensure each application is evaluated equally, additional, non-relevant information cannot be considered.
  
• Provide examples of your achievements and accomplishments that support the award criteria. The committee is interested in your current and/or consistent activities that reflect the award criteria, as opposed to your future actions.
  
• Proofread your application. Spelling, grammar and sentence structure are important. Also be sensitive to page limits and formatting requirements.
  

Letters of Recommendation:

• Letters of recommendations should come from instructors or academic advisors who are familiar not only with your academic abilities, but with your personal interests and background and how those relate to your ability to carry out the program of study you wish to pursue.
  
• A good letter of support provides concrete examples of your strengths and personal attributes.
  
• Discuss your plans with your professors in advance to let them know you are interested in applying for this award and determining if they are a suitable reference.
  
• Provide a written description of the award application and a copy of your personal statement to your instructor.  You may also want to provide a copy of your transcript and/or resume highlighting activities and honors.  Be sure to also give them plenty of time to write the letter, do not wait until the last minute.
  
• Check in with your referees about a week before the deadline just to ensure that your reference letter will be available to submit with your application on time. It is your responsibility to ensure the letter of reference is submitted on time.