Awards and Grants - Academic Excellence

Internal Awards

President’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teaching & Learning More Information

The President’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teaching and Learning recognizes those who, through innovation and commitment, have significantly enhances the quality of their students’ learning experience.

Leadership in Teaching & Learning Fellowships More Information

Thanks to a generous donation from Paul R. MacPherson, this Fellowship recognizes faculty members who have demonstrated exemplary teaching practices and who show leadership qualities.

Online Learning Fellows More Information

The Online Learning Fellows Program is a nomination-based award that aims to support instructors and course developers in creating online/hybrid courses to enhance flexible learning opportunities at McMaster. The program is a collaborative effort between the Office of the Vice-Provost, Teaching and Learning and the MacPherson Institute and operates under the Digital Learning Strategic Framework (DLSF).

MSU Teaching Awards More Information

The MSU Teaching Awards were established in 1978 by the McMaster Students Union (MSU) to recognize and encourage excellence in teaching through awards presented on behalf of all MSU members.

External Teaching Awards

Global Teaching Excellence Award Read More

Awarded in 2018 by the Higher Education Academy in partnership with Times Higher Education, the Global Teaching Excellence Award recognizes McMaster’s long history of providing the best possible learning experience for our students.

3M National Teaching Fellowship More Information

Sponsored by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education and 3M Canada, this national teaching award recognizes exemplary teachers who are also active in promoting excellence in university teaching to others.

D2L Innovation Award More Information

Established in 2012, the D2L Innovation Award in Teaching and Learning celebrates and recognizes up to five post-secondary collaborative teams each year for their innovative approaches that promote student-centred teaching and learning.

OCUFA Teaching & Academic Librarianship Award More Information

OCUFA recognizes outstanding teachers and academic librarians in Ontario who have made exceptional contributions to the higher education community.

External Grants

Virtual Learning Strategy Grants Recipients

Announced on December 11, 2020, the VLS is an historic $50 million investment by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) intended to drive growth and advancement in virtual learning across the province’s post-secondary institutions. The strategy will expand the possibilities of traditional and life-long learning through the accelerated use of both online and hybrid learning.

In 2021, McMaster University received $2.4 million to fund 28 projects.

Training, Equipment, and Renewal Fund Grants Recipients

The Ontario government has committed to investing $583 million over three years to help colleges and universities provide a modern and safe learning environment for students, faculty and staff, both virtually and on campuses.

McMaster received $1 million grants in 2021 and 2022 – the maximum amount awardable to an institution.

Micro-Credential Challenge Fund Recipients

To accelerate the development of micro-credentials and expand program offerings, Ontario is providing $15 million through the Ontario Micro-credentials Challenge Fund.

McMaster University was awarded $650,000 in 2021 to support the development of four micro-credentials.

eCampus Funding Recipients

McMaster educators have received over $250,000 to support improvements to teaching and learning, including work on open educational resources, accessibility, and inclusion.