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Ronald Kent Medal

This award was established in 1979 by President Emeritus H. Ian Macdonald. The award namesake, Ronald Kent, had a unique personal commitment to the University showcased through years of dedicated service. His sincerity and enthusiasm were infectious, and easily spread across other departments. He was considered a true ambassador for York University. A dedicated member of President Macdonald’s staff, Ronald Kent passed away suddenly on campus in the late 1970’s.

The award consists of a silver medal and a small purse. The winner’s name will also be engraved on an annual plaque and displayed in the winner’s home department for one year.

Ronald Kent

Criteria

It is the nominator’s responsibility to provide information reflecting the achievements and exceptional nature of the nominee(s). Be thorough and factual and demonstrate how the nominee(s) excel(s) in each of the following criteria: 

  • Nominee promotes and strengthens collegiality at York University
  • Nominee consistently goes above and beyond what is required of them in their position
  • Nominee promotes the values (excellence, progressive, sustainability, inclusivity, diversity, social justice and equity) and goals of York University

Eligibility

  • A full time and permanent employee at York who has been employed for five continuous years as of December 31, 2024
  • A non-academic staff member (Only members of YUSA or CUPE 1356 are eligible)

Nomination Package

The Chief Nominator is responsible for putting together a nomination file that consists of:

  • Three (3) Letters Maximum
    • One (1) lead nomination letter from the chief nominator
    • Two (2) letters of support
  • Employment Background
    • The nominee's C.V. or work history at York University
    • The job description of the nominee's current position

Please feel free to download this checklist to help you compile the nomination file and to ensure you have met all of the requirements before completing the online nomination form. NOTE: This checklist does not need to be uploaded on the nomination form, and is for your reference only.

Nomination Guidelines

  • One (1) of the letters must be from the nominee’s current Manager
  • The chief nominator and one (1) supporting nominator, OR two (2) of the supporting nominators must be from outside of the nominee’s home department
  • Each letter is from an individual author (multiple authors on a letter are not permitted)
  • Self-nominations are not permitted

Letter Formatting and Content Guidelines

  • Each letter does not exceed a total of three (3) pages, and the total number of pages of ALL letters combined does not exceed nine (9) pages
  • Specific examples are used to describe how the nominee:
    • Contributes to the goals and objectives of their office, division and/or the broader York Community
    • Meets or exceeds each of the award criteria
  • Quotations from other persons are not permitted.
  • No acronyms are used in the letter
  • Do not include any references or confidential documents such as employee performance ratings or evaluations

Excellence is everywhere at York. We encourage you to consider nominating someone from outside your home department.

Applications for the 2024 President's Staff Recognition Awards will open in Winter 2025.