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2026 SU Teaching Excellence Award Winners
2026 SU Teaching Excellence Award Winners 800 533 admin

Yesterday, the Students’ Union (SU) announced the professors, instructors, and teaching assistants being honoured through the SU’s annual Teaching Excellence Awards (TEA). Awards and honourable mentions were given to 39 exceptional members of the university community to highlight their commitment to student success over the past academic year.

The annual TEA is the SU’s campus-wide recognition program giving undergraduate students the chance to honour and thank those instructors, professors, and teaching assistants who have supported and made a lasting and positive impression on their students. All nominees and winners and determined exclusively by students.

The students of the University of Calgary are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of excellent educators that do their best to bring a top-tier experience to this campus. The impact that this year’s winners have made in student lives does not go unnoticed and it is a privilege to be able to recognize their hard work with this year’s Teaching Excellence Awards.

The SU received over 1,000 nominations this year and shortlisted 135 educators for the committee to review. Award winners received an Apple Award and a framed certificate. The SU will also donate $5,000 to the Taylor Institute for Teaching & Learning in recognition of the contributions made by the award winners and to support the professional growth of instructors to address the changing needs of students.

TEA is an event that has been funded in part due to the Quality Money program. The funding that TEA provides is not only used to host the awards ceremony but also to offer further training and workshops to UCalgary instructors and facilitate an environment where high quality of teaching becomes a standard for all students. From the start, the awards were intended to give undergraduate students the opportunity to provide feedback on the quality of the university instruction they receive. With the University ending the Quality Money program, this may be one of, if not the last, renditions of TEA, so we are grateful to this year’s crop of educators just a little bit more than usual.

For more information about the SU TEA program, please visit www.su.ucalgary.ca/TEA.

The SU wishes its sincerest congratulations to all of the winners and honourable mentions. The complete list of award winners and honourable mentions is available below.

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Media inquires may be directed to:
Nathan Ross
Manager, Communications and Government Relations
Nathan.ross@ucalgary.ca
All photos must be credited to Gene Baines

Teaching Excellence Awards – Teaching Assistants

  • Matthew Chu
  • Mr. Tyler Hiltermann
  • Kaylin Husband
  • Wesley Joyce
  • Aimee Koristka
  • Ms. Katelyn Le
  • Mr. Jonah Nelson

Teaching Excellence Awards

  • Dr. Tiffany Boulton (Cumming School of Medicine)
  • Dr. Aliya Kassam (Cumming School of Medicine)
  • Dr. Victoria Fast (Faculty of Arts)
  • Dr. Brittany Lindsay (Faculty of Arts)
  • Jessica Ruffolo (Faculty of Arts)
  • Dr. Lucia Vojtassak (Faculty of Arts)
  • Coleman Vollrath (Faculty of Arts)
  • Dr. Saied Jalal Aboodarda (Faculty of Kinesiology)
  • Dr. Howard Kislowicz (Faculty of Law)
  • Dr. Carol A. Kroeker (Faculty of Nursing)
  • Dr. Joe Harrison (Faculty of Science)
  • Dr. Ann Quinney (Faculty of Science)
  • Dr. Mayada Khalil Shahada (Faculty of Science)
  • Krista Osborne (Faculty of Social Work)
  • Justin Knibbe (Haskayne School of Business)
  • Dr. Hussein Ahmed Warsame (Haskayne School of Business)
  • Dr. Ricardo Moya-Barbera (School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape)
  • Dr. Maryam Badv (Schulich School of Engineering)
  • Dr. Ismael Foroughi (Schulich School of Engineering)
  • Dr. Schuyler Hinman (Schulich School of Engineering)
  • Catherine Burwell (Werklund School of Education)

Teaching Excellence Awards – Honourable Mention

  • Dr. Jalel Azaiez
  • Dr. Maureen T. Duffy
  • Allen Habib
  • Dr. Craig Jenne
  • Rosalind Kang
  • Danika Lipman
  • Mr. Grant Maheu
  • Tina Petrick
  • Jerrod M. Smith
  • Prof. David V. Wright

Hall of Fame Award

  • Dr. David R.M. Pattison

Hall of Fame, Dr. David R.M. Pattison (Science)

Winner in Teaching Excellence, Dr. Saied Jalal Aboodarda (Kinesiology)

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Clubs Week, Pet Therapy, Den Fest, and Q Centre Welcome
Clubs Week, Pet Therapy, Den Fest, and Q Centre Welcome 600 350 admin

Hi UCalgary,

I’m back with your need-to-know events for weeks two and three.

Wednesday, Sept. 10

  • Pet Therapy – Come and meet our friends from P.A.L.S. in That Empty Space on Wednesday from 12 – 1:30 p.m.
  • Den Fest – Join us for an immersive tasting event showcasing Calgary’s craft beverage scene. Check out local breweries, tasting stations, prizes, a live DJ, and The Den’s new food items! The fun starts at 5 p.m.
    Email theden@su.ucalgary.ca to make a reservation.

Thursday, Sept. 11

  • Drop by and learn about events, resources, and more at the Q Centre welcome event between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m.

Next week, don’t miss Clubs Week, presented by BMO, Monday through Friday in Mac Hall. Check out hundreds of different clubs, explore your interests, and make some new friends. You can preview the whole Clubs list here, or just drop by Mac Hall North and South Courtyards all week.

And just a quick reminder about your SU Health and Dental Plan: if you don’t have alternate health and dental coverage, the SU’s got you covered. The deadline to opt-out, add family, or re-enroll is Sept. 19 and you can do so by clicking here. (Note that family must be added yearly). If you’ve already opted out, you’re set – you only have to opt out once during your university career.

I’ll be back soon but in the meantime, make sure you find and follow us @SUUofC on Instagram and TikTok.

Your SU President,
Naomie Bakana

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Mac Hall Expansion Survey
Mac Hall Expansion Survey 2560 1440 admin

Hello UCalgary,

The fall semester is coming up fast! Here at the SU, we have been busy all summer getting ready for fall events like Welcome Fair, Clubs Week, and Pet Therapy.

But we have also been looking ahead and thinking about the future of your student building, Mac Hall. It’s been 23 years since the last significant expansion of Mac Hall, and it’s time to think about how Mac Hall can continue to grow and improve alongside a growing student population.

Right now, we are asking students to voice your opinions on a future Mac Hall expansion. Take the survey now, and enter to win one of two $100 VISA gift cards or one of 50 $10 Mac Hall food court vouchers.

I’ll be back soon with more details on our September events. In the meantime, make sure you find and follow us @SUUofC on Instagram and TikTok.

Your SU President,
Naomie Bakana

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Welcome (or welcome back!)
Welcome (or welcome back!) 2560 1499 admin

Hello UCalgary,

Welcome (or welcome back) to campus! Hopefully, your summer gave you a chance to rest and recharge. This week literally kicks off the year – here’s what’s going on:

This Friday, August 29, look for the SU’s Kick-Off Checkpoint table at the south doors of Mac Hall beginning at 3 p.m. Say hi, pick up some swag and some snacks, and we’ll point you in the right direction to McMahon Stadium where you can cheer on the Dinos as they take on University of Regina Rams.

Next week, on Tuesday and Wednesday, we’ll be set up in Mac Hall right outside the SU office all day for a huge Welcome Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn about SU programs and services, enter to win instant prizes (or bigger draw prizes), and make sure you drop by our sponsor tables to check out back-to-school offers.

First Year Students:

Is this your first year? I hope to see you at the Pep Rally on Thursday, and the SU’s Get to Know Us sessions on Thursday and Friday as part of your first year orientation. Make sure to register for these sessions and join us to learn all about the SU’s services, how to join clubs, volunteer opportunities, and ongoing advocacy work.

I’ll be back soon but in the meantime, make sure you find and follow us @SUUofC on Instagram and TikTok.

Your SU President,
Naomie Bakana

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President’s Message: Changes to SU Clubs and SU Living Room Movie Times
President’s Message: Changes to SU Clubs and SU Living Room Movie Times 150 150 admin

Hello UCalgary,

April is almost here, and we have a few more notes on events and programs to wrap up this winter term. We’ve also made a pretty big change that affects both existing SU Clubs and new club applications.

SU CLUBS MANDATORY RE-REGISTRATION: MARCH 20 – MAY 15, 2024

Attention SU Clubs: important, time-sensitive changes are coming to SU Clubs Mandatory Requirements. These changes impact both existing SU Clubs and new club applications.

All clubs wishing to maintain active status for the 2024-25 academic year must complete the Re-Registration Form through ClubHub by May 15. All applications to form new clubs for the 2024-25 academic year must be received through the Register an Organization process through ClubHub by May 15. There will be no exceptions for clubs who do not re-register within this time period. Details on the SU Clubs Page.

SU COMMITTEE POSITIONS AVAILABLE

We are looking for students-at-large for two different SU Committees. The Program and Services Committee helps to adjudicate awards and supports SU programs, and the Refugee Student Program Committee helps sponsored students integrate into university life. You can learn more and apply on the SU website. 

SU VACANCIES: FACULTY REPRESENTATIVES POSITIONS

Three faculty rep positions remain vacant after the SU General Election: Veterinary Medicine, Werklund School of Education, and Nursing. These positions will be filled by appointment for a term from May until October. Learn more and apply by March 27. 

SUPER HERO TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE DEN: TUESDAY, MARCH 26

Join us for Super Hero Trivia night at the Den: Tuesday, March 26, from 6 – 8:30 p.m. Reserve your table by emailing theden@su.ucalgary.ca.

LETTERKENNY STAND-UP COMEDY AT MAC HALL: MARCH 30

Letterkenny: A night of stand-up comedy featuring comedians from the Letterkenny family, Saturday, Mar. 30 in MacEwan Hall. Tickets at https://www.showclix.com/event/letterkenny-presents-a-night-of-stand-up-

SU LIVING ROOM: APRIL 3

Take a study break with us! Drop by That Empty Space any time April 3 for complimentary movies and snacks. We’re showing Wonka at 9:30 a.m., Barbie at 11:45 a.m., and The Creator at 2:00 p.m. Plus the first 200 students to drop by can grab a special SU goodie bag to help get you through the exam period.

LOCKERS

Make sure you clean out your locker by April 23. If you leave anything behind, you’ll be able to retrieve it at a cost of $10/bag at Bound and Copied. Unclaimed items will be donated to local charities. Please visit the locker page on our website for more information. If you need a locker for the spring or summer semesters, they will be available to rent starting April 1.

CONSIGN YOUR USED TEXTBOOKS

If you need to get rid of some of those textbooks from your locker, consign them and make some money. Bring your used textbooks to Bound and Copied, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Check out Bound and Copied’s website for more information.

Good luck with your final projects and exams – you’ve got this.

You’ll hear from me again soon, but in the meantime the best way to stay up to date is to follow the SU on Instagram or TikTok at @SUUofC.

Your Students’ Union President,
Shaziah Jinnah Morsette

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President’s Message: Pet Therapy, C of Red at the Den, Work with US
President’s Message: Pet Therapy, C of Red at the Den, Work with US 150 150 admin

Hello UCalgary,

With only four weeks left of regular classes, we are on the home stretch! Here are a few ways to help lift some of that end-of-semester stress:

Fun nights coming up at the Den and Mac Hall Concerts:

  • C of Red at the Den: Thursday, Mar. 14. Join us for Calgary Flames giveaways and Den specials. The fun starts at 4:30 p.m. – see you there!
  • Superhero Trivia night: Tuesday, Mar. 26 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. Reserve your table by emailing theden@su.ucalgary.ca
  • Letterkenny: A night of stand-up comedy featuring comedians from the Letterkenny family, Saturday, Mar. 30 in MacEwan Hall. Tickets at https://www.showclix.com/event/letterkenny-presents-a-night-of-stand-up-

Pet Therapy in That Empty Space: Mar. 20

Join our fluffy friends from P.A.L.S. on Wednesday, Mar. 20 in That Empty Space.

Work with US as a Volunteer Coordinator: Apply by March 15

The SU is hiring student staff coordinators for our Volunteer Services programs (Q Centre, SU Campus Food Bank, and more!) These positions run mid-August to next April, 2025. The deadline has been extended to Friday, March 15. See the position descriptions and how to apply on our website.

Ramadan hampers

Until April 4, the SU Campus Food Bank is offering a special food hamper for those campus community members who may need a little support to celebrate the occasion this year. Request a Ramadan Hamper through the SU Campus Food Bank by emailing foodbank@ucalgary.ca

Food and Housing Insecurity at the University of Calgary Research Survey

The GSA is conducting an online survey about food and housing insecurity at UCalgary and we are helping to get the word out to more undergrads! Please see this message from the research team about the survey:

Share your experiences with food and housing security with us by participating in an online research study! Given the demands placed on students and the rising costs of living, it can be difficult to meet basic needs. We are conducting a research study to understand food and housing security in the University of Calgary student population. Your voice will help us advocate for supports to ensure all students have access to food and housing. The University of Calgary Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics Board has approved this research study (REB 23-1211). The Principal Investigator is Dr. Erin Spring (erin.spring@ucalgary.ca). To participate in the research study survey, please click HERE.

Your Students’ Union President,
Shaziah Jinnah Morsette

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President’s Message: Last chance to nominate your teacher, or complete the SU Survey
President’s Message: Last chance to nominate your teacher, or complete the SU Survey 150 150 admin

Hello UCalgary,

Just a quick reminder that Teaching Excellence Award nominations close this week on Friday, Feb. 16 at 4:30 p.m. Teachers always tell us how much these awards mean to them, because they are nominated by students in their classrooms. If you have great teacher this semester, nominate them for a Teaching Excellence Award. It’s quick and easy: just complete a short online form.

SU Survey: complete the survey by Feb. 16

Have you had a chance to fill out the SU Survey? You could win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards just for letting us know what you think of the SU’s programs, services, and advocacy. Take the survey now.

SU Club Awards (nominations due Feb. 16)

Nominations for SU Club Awards close Friday, Feb. 16. Help us recognize excellence in team leadership, service, sustainable practices, advocacy, and innovation. Nomination forms can be found here.

Food and Housing Insecurity at the University of Calgary Research Survey

The GSA is conducting an online survey about food and housing insecurity at UCalgary and we are helping to get the word out! Please see this message from the research team about the survey:

Share your experiences with food and housing security with us by participating in an online research study! Given the demands placed on students and the rising costs of living, it can be difficult to meet basic needs. We are conducting a research study to understand food and housing security in the University of Calgary student population. Your voice will help us advocate for supports to ensure all students have access to food and housing. The University of Calgary Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics Board has approved this research study (REB 23-1211). The Principal Investigator is Dr. Erin Spring (erin.spring@ucalgary.ca). To participate in the research study survey, please click HERE.

And finally, Term Break is Feb. 18-24! This time is intended to be free of compulsory academic events and assessments for students, so take some time to reassess, reach out, and recharge. Check out some resources from the Student Success Centre.

Enjoy your break, UCalgary!

Your Students’ Union President,
Shaziah Jinnah Morsette

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President’s Message: Fines-for-Food, Black History Month movies, and SU Election details
President’s Message: Fines-for-Food, Black History Month movies, and SU Election details 150 150 admin

Hello UCalgary,

February is just around the corner and it’s going be another busy month around the SU – here’s what we have lined up for just the first half of the month:

Support the SU Campus Food Bank: Fines-for-Food runs Feb. 5 – 11

We are excited to continue our partnership with UCalgary’s Parking and Transportation Services – it’s called Fines-for-Food. Have you got outstanding parking fines? Pay them between Feb. 5 – 11, and half of the revenue will be donated to the SU Campus Food Bank!

All tickets paid during this period will be included in the program, regardless of when they were originally issued. Not sure how to pay your tickets? Visit parking.ucalgary.ca.

Black History Month Movies and Short Films: Feb. 8

Join us for a selection of feature-length films and National Film Board short films in celebration of Black History Month. This event runs Feb. 8 in That Empty Space, with Selma at 10 a.m., NFB short films at 12:15 p.m., and Summer of Soul at 1:00 p.m.

SU General Election and Referendum: important dates

  • Do you have questions about running, or what life is like as an SU elected official? Join us for an election orientation session, happening in Council Chambers at 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 31 and online at 2 p.m. on Feb. 1. Zoom link is available on the SU website.
  • Nomination Days are from Feb. 12 – 14. If you have decided you’re going to run for a position, download the nomination package here, and make sure to drop it off at the designated times. The Elections team will accept nominations virtually from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day (zoom link on SU website, or in person at the SU Main office (MSC 251) from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Voting days will be March 5, 6, and 7 through your my.ucalgary.ca student centre.
  • The General Election will include a referendum question about merging the SU Constitution and SU By-laws into one document. You can read the question and learn more here.

Sex Week (Feb. 12 – 16)

Join us in the Mac Hall North Courtyard on Monday for a resource fair/carnival, and all week long for trivia, and arts showcase, speakers, and other events throughout Mac Hall. Check out the full week of events here.

SU Survey: complete the survey by Feb. 16

Got a few minutes to fill out a survey? You could win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards just for letting us know what you think of the SU’s programs, services, and advocacy. The survey is open until Feb. 16. Take the survey now.

Students for Literacy Book Sale: Feb. 5 – 9

Browse through a tonne of books for just $1 – $3 from February 5 – 9, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the South Courtyard, Mac Hall. All proceeds will go directly towards supporting literacy in our community.

Student Strike Info Session: Feb. 1

Learn about the student strikes – the history, impact, and how the student strike process works. This info session runs Feb. 1 from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. in Cassio (next to Mr. Pretzel in Mac Hall).

Teaching Excellence Awards: nominate your teacher by Feb. 16

Last (but not least) – do you have an exceptional prof or a TA this semester? Show them you appreciate their efforts and nominate them for a Teaching Excellence Award! The deadline for all TEA nominations is February 16.

You’ll hear from me again soon, but in the meantime the best way to stay up to date is to follow the SU on Instagram or TikTok at @SUUofC.

Shaziah Jinnah Morsette
Your Students’ Union President

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President’s Message: Nominate your prof (or your club!), and take the SU Survey
President’s Message: Nominate your prof (or your club!), and take the SU Survey 150 150 admin

Hello UCalgary,

Just a few quick reminders and events happening next week. Not that anyone’s counting, but as of today you are only a week away from term break! Hang in there – you’ve got this.

Sex Week (Feb. 12 – 16)

Join us in the Mac Hall North Courtyard on Monday for a resource fair/carnival, and all week long for trivia, an arts showcase, speakers, and other events throughout Mac Hall. Check out the full week of events here.

SU Survey: complete the survey by Feb. 16

Have you had a chance to fill out the SU Survey? You could win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards just for letting us know what you think of the SU’s programs, services, and advocacy. The survey is open until Feb. 16. Take the survey now.

SU Club Awards and Eric Lahoda Scholarships (nominations due Feb. 16)

We are accepting nominations for SU Club Awards now until Feb. 16. Help us recognize excellence in team leadership, service, sustainable practices, advocacy, and innovation. Nomination forms can be found here.

Teaching Excellence Awards: nominate your prof by Feb. 16

Do you have a prof that has been going the extra mile this semester? Or a TA that makes it worth getting up for an 8 a.m. lab? Show them you appreciate their efforts and nominate them for a Teaching Excellence Award! The deadline for all TEA nominations is Feb. 16.

 Upcoming SU General Election and Referendum

This year’s General Election will include a referendum question about merging the SU Constitution and SU By-laws into one document. You can read the question and learn more here.

Nomination Days are from Feb. 12 – 14. If you have decided you’re going to run for a position, download the nomination package here, and make sure to drop it off at the designated times. The Elections team will accept nominations virtually from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day (zoom link on SU website, or in person at the SU Main office (MSC 251) from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

You’ll hear from me again soon, but in the meantime the best way to stay up to date is to follow the SU on Instagram or TikTok at @SUUofC.

Shaziah Jinnah Morsette
Your Students’ Union President

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President’s Message: The SU Survey, Pet Therapy, Clubs Week, and Trivia Nights at the Den
President’s Message: The SU Survey, Pet Therapy, Clubs Week, and Trivia Nights at the Den 150 150 admin

Happy New Year, UCalgary!

Welcome back. In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Shaziah Jinnah Morsette, your Students’ Union President. I have a few updates on SU programs and events to kick off the winter semester.

Take the SU Survey

Take the annual SU Survey now and enter to win one of ten $100 Amazon.ca gift cards. It’s your chance to voice your thoughts on the SU and your student experience – we want to make them even better, but we can’t do it without your help. It only takes 10 minutes: take the survey now.

Fun nights coming up at the Den

  • Music Bingo: Tuesday, Jan. 16 from 6 – 9 p.m.
  • Barbie Trivia night: Tuesday, Jan. 23 from 6 – 8:30 p.m.
  • C of Red at the Den: Thursday, Jan. 25. Join us for Calgary Flames giveaways and Den specials. The fun starts at 4:30 p.m. – see you there!

Work with US: Run in the SU General Election 

Have you ever thought about taking on a leadership role at the SU? The SU General Election is coming soon. Official nomination packages will be available at the end of the month – but in the meantime, we’re regularly updating our election webpages with important information and deadlines. Save the date for election orientation sessions, happening at 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 31 and 2:00 p.m. on Feb. 1!

SU Clubs Week: Jan. 15 – 17

Clubs Week is back! Stop by the North and South Courtyards in Mac Hall – there’s bound to be one or more clubs that’s a perfect fit for you.

Pet Therapy in That Empty Space: Jan. 17

The puppies are back! Pet Therapy returns on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 12 p.m.

SU Volunteer Fair: Jan. 24

Are you looking for your volunteering niche? Join us in the Mac Hall North Courtyard on Wednesday, Jan. 24 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to connect with volunteer organizations from across Calgary.

Mac Hall Concerts

Have you ever been to a concert in Mac Hall? Follow us at @macewanhall on Instagram, or subscribe to our email list to make sure you never miss a show.

Health and Dental Plan Deadline (Opt-out and Family Add-on): Jan. 26

If you are a new student this semester, you should know that you are automatically enrolled in the SU’s health and dental plan. If you have alternate coverage, you may opt out by Jan. 26.

If January is your enrolment anniversary (you are not a new student but you started at UCalgary in a previous January), then this is also your annual deadline for adding family members. Details and forms are all here at: https://www.mystudentplan.ca/uofcalgary

You’ll hear from me again soon, but in the meantime the best way to stay up to date is to follow the SU on Instagram or TikTok at @SUUofC.

Shaziah Jinnah Morsette,
Your Students’ Union President

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