Sociology Prizes

Bernard Blishen Prize in Canadian Sociology
Awarded in: Spring

Established by the family of Professor Bernard Blishen, CM, to honour him as a leading sociologist of his time. He was instrumental in advancing sociology as an academic discipline in Canada. As the founding chair of Trent’s Department of Sociology, Prof. Blishen set the direction for a strong program grounded in an understanding of Canada through empirical and theoretical scholarship. This prize is to be awarded to a Sociology student in thier final year with the best paper in Canadian sociology, as determined by the faculty.

Mary Magill Memorial Prize in Sociology
Awarded in: Fall and Winter Semesters as Applications Arrive

To be used to support undergraduate students who are conducting research as part of their Sociology degree (major or minor). Promoting a good education at Trent University, Department of Sociology is the intent of the Mary Magill Memorial Prize in Sociology.

Prize Criteria & Administration

These funds will be used based upon Trent University policies and the following criteria, which may vary over time:

Criteria and Process:

1. To support undergraduate students who are conducting research as part of their Sociology degree (major or minor).
2. Students are eligible to be considered for this award if they are enrolled in courses involving various kinds of research: 4th year thesis projects, community or university-based research practicum, or course-based projects involving literature review and analysis.
3. Costs eligible for support include but are not limited to: local or regional travel for the conduct of interviews, for site visits in ethnographic research, research materials such as refreshments for focus groups, transcription services, costs of printing posters for presentation of research, travel for presenting one's research.
4.  Other student-based, research-related costs can be covered, at the discretion of the Awards Committee of the Department of Sociology.

Application Procedures:

1. To be eligible a student must have academic achievement of 80% or higher.
2.  Each applicant must submit a proposal to sociology@trentu.ca which will include:
   1. A description of the project (maximum 1000 words) outlining the research question, how it relates to an identified body of literature, why the researcher thinks it is important and the work required to complete the project.
   2.  A budget estimating as accurately as possible the specific costs of each research item.
3.  Each application shall be accompanied by a letter from the student's thesis supervisor indicating
   1. That the expenses are necessary or justifiable
   2. Their judgment of the student's capability for completing the outlined project.

Background Information on Mary Magill

Mary Magill left her family in Ireland in 1924 at age 23 and travelled alone to Canada to find a new life. Her working life was spent in the service industry in the homes of wealthy families, vacation lodges, universities and restaurants. Mary valued university education above all else though it was unattainable for her during her life because of the need to finish grade school and start work. Her saying regarding a good education was “very light, easily packed and you can carry it with you all your life". It was her response on news that her grandchildren were able to attend university in Canada. Promoting a good education at Trent University, Department of Sociology is the intent of the Mary Magill Memorial Award in Sociology. May the students pack it up and carry it with them all their life.

Otonabee College Sociology Prize
Awarded in: Spring

In recognition of a graduating student enrolled in the Sociology program for their outstanding contributions to the Department and College Life. Awarded based on the department’s recommendation. This prize is presented at the annual Otonabee College Graduation Dinner.

Rodney White Memorial Prize

Awarded in: Spring

Two prizes of $100 each are awarded annually by the Department of Sociology to majors who demonstrate excellence in the study of sociology. One is awarded to the student with the highest mark in SOCI2110H, and the other to the student with the highest academic average upon entering Honours Fourth Year. Prizes are awarded after the final grades have been received in May and will be mailed to the recipient’s home.

Established by alumni, family, and friends in memory of Rodney F. White, professor of Sociology. Awarded by preference to Sociology majors. OSOTF guidelines apply.

OSOTF Eligibility Guidelines

Students, or their parents, or spouses must have lived in Ontario for at least 12 consecutive months, without being a full-time post secondary student, prior to the beginning of their current full-time post-secondary studies: or Students must demonstrate financial need and be in receipt of OSAP to qualify for OSOTF bursaries and awards

Roy T. Bowles Sociology Research Prize

Awarded in: Fall and Winter Semesters as Applications Arrive

The purpose of the Roy T. Bowles Sociology Research Prize is to support the research of 4^th year honours students in research necessary to the completion of honours theses in the Sociology Program in Peterborough or Oshawa.

1. Annual prize(s) to be awarded to 4^th year student(s) completing theses in the Sociology Program.
2. The number of prizes and the amount of each prize awarded in any year shall be determined by the Department Chair in consultation with appropriate departmental committee members.
3. Funds awarded in any prize are intended to assist the recipient with the expenses required to complete or report the research for an honours thesis. Small prizes may be awarded for small projects or larger amounts if the project justifies.
4. Expenses may include travel, recording equipment, printing or copying costs, acquisition of specialized resource material or other costs judged by adjudicating faculty to be necessary for the student's project. Expenses for travel to report the thesis results at a conference may also be included.

Application Procedures:

1. To be eligible a student must have academic achievement of 80% or higher.
2. Each applicant must submit a proposal to sociology@trentu.ca which will include:
   1. A description of the project (maximum 1000 words) outlining the research question, how it relates to an identified body of literature, why the researcher thinks it is important and the work required to complete the project.
   2. A budget estimating as accurately as possible the specific costs of each research item.
3. Each application shall be accompanied by a letter from the student's thesis supervisor indicating
   1. That the expenses are necessary or justifiable
   2. Their judgment of the student's capability for completing the outlined project.

Awards Given Externally

Outstanding Graduating Sociology Student - The Canadian Sociological Association

In the spring of 2013, the CSA-SCS launched an initiative to assist Canadian University and College Sociology Departments in recognizing their top graduating Honours, MA, and PhD students.

Departments may select one top student in each of four academic levels (Undergraduate, Honours, MA, and PhD) who has graduated or will be graduating by June. The selection process is up to the department; however it is hoped that the strength of the student’s research is a priority in the decision.  For Trent University, students will be chosen from both campuses.

An award certificate and letter of congratulations from our President for each award recipient will be mailed to the department or student for distribution to the students. Recipients will be acknowledged publicly on the CSA-SCS website.