Background

The Robert Sutherland Visitorship was established in 1997 by the John Deutsch University Centre, Queen's University, on the recommendation of the Robert Sutherland Task Force. The Task Force recommended, in part:

"That the John Deutsch University Centre establish the Robert Sutherland Visitorship, with the express purpose of bringing to campus a noted speaker each year with expertise in the areas of equity, community diversity and race relations."

Funded by the JDUC, the Visitorship Committee has brought a number of distinguished visitors to the campus since 1998, including: Esmeralda Thornhill, Enid Lee, Ken Wiwa, Patricia McFadden, Faith Nolan, William Commanda and Romola Trebilcock, George Elliott Clarke, Afua Cooper and Lawrence Hill.

Award Criteria

The terms of reference for the Sutherland Visitorship are to bring to campus a noted speaker with expertise in the areas of equity, community diversity and race relations. The Visitor will be expected to:

• attend the campus for several days
• engage with students, staff, faculty and members of the community
• participate in academic activities and/or research workshops, as may be programmed
• deliver a public address on a topic related to the areas of equity, community diversity or race relations

The Visitorship includes food, travel and accommodation (under Queen's University guidelines) and an honorarium (or donation to a charity).

Nomination Process

Any person or group within the Queen's community is eligible to make a nomination. A nomination should include: statement of suitability, topic of public address, biography, proposed programme, university and community partnership potential, and any other relevant information, web links, etc.
Please indicate the role the nominator would expect to play in programme delivery.

Nominations are accepted at any time and considered by the Committee on an annual basis. The 2009 nomination deadline is Friday, 15 August 2008.

Selection Process

Nominations will be adjudicated by the Visitorship Committee, which is composed of Queen's students, staff and faculty, and chaired by the Director, John Deutsch University Centre.

Administration and Reporting

The Visitorship is administered through John Deutsch University Centre. Nominations should be sent to Bob Burge, Director, John Deutsch University Centre, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, bob.burge@queensu.ca. The Visitorship website: www.queensu.ca/jduc/rsv.html