Student Affairs invites interested faculty and staff to register to participate in the selection of the Commitment Scholars Award recipients for the fall 2024 incoming class.  

This first-year undergraduate award program celebrates and recognizes demonstrated leadership in, and commitment to, racial justice, social justice, or diversity initiatives by equity-deserving students in their high school or in their community.    

The Commitment Scholars Award provides dedicated financial, academic, and career support to help students who identify as Black, Indigenous, racialized, and LGBTQ2S+, and students with disabilities, complete their degree.  Up to 10 renewable awards of $48,000 ($12,000 x 4 years) are available each year. More details can be found on the Registrar and Financial Aid Services website.  There are currently 29 Commitment Scholars at Queen’s.  

The Commitment Scholars Awards are part of the university’s suite of undergraduate admission awards aimed at increasing access and diversity at Queen’s. Read more about the programs and the Scholars.  

Faculty and staff with lived experience and/or expertise in equity, diversity, inclusivity, and Indigeneity are encouraged to participate.  

Links to individualized online reader packages will be sent in late February 2024 and will be due mid-March.  

Responsibilities of Commitment Scholars Award application readers:  

• Complete an online asynchronous education session of Unpacking Normalized Bias in Admissions, from the Human Rights and Equity Office, before beginning the review process.  
• Review and score approximately 25 applications that include two short essay questions (800 words and 400 words). These will be provided online, along with a scoring sheet and guide. The applications are expected to include inspiring stories of achievement and leadership, as well as discussions of potentially difficult experiences and challenges applicants have faced.  

As student applications for the Commitment Scholars Award can be submitted until Feb. 15, it is not yet known how many volunteers will be needed. Individuals who sign up to review applications may not all be called on to participate, however all expressions of interest are greatly appreciated.  

Please complete this short form by Jan. 31, 2024. You will receive more information in February.  

Please email entrance@queensu.ca with any questions.