13.2 Student Support
Concordia University of Edmonton values the uniqueness, the potential, the integrity, and the well-being of every student that it serves. The Concordia University of Edmonton Graduate Student Association (CGSA) safeguards the interests of graduate students. The Association provides the opportunity for graduate students to support one another and to deal with common concerns. It is from this Association that a representative is drawn to serve on the Graduate Policy Committee (GPC).
Concordia University of Edmonton’s graduate faculty are expected to be committed to the graduate programs and to the intellectual development of graduate students through sustained participation in activities involving graduate students, such as colloquia, conferences, scholarly presentations, and other public lectures and events.
A limited number of teaching and research assistantships may be offered to well-qualified candidates. Information concerning further available assistantships, graduate scholarships, and research grants is regularly published by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
13.2.1 Graduate Financial Aid
For complete information refer to Financial Aid, section 6.0.
13.2.2 Graduate Awards
13.2.2.1 Alberta Scholarship Programs
Funded by a $100-million endowment from the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, the Alberta Scholarship Programs are designed to stimulate the pursuit of excellence by recognizing outstanding achievement and by encouraging and assisting Albertans to achieve their fullest potential – whether intellectual, cultural, social, or physical. A list of scholarships is available from Financial Aid and Awards or through the Student Aid Alberta website, www.studentaid.alberta.ca.
A. Graduate Student Scholarship
Annual $3,000 award to a graduate student who displays outstanding academic achievement. The recipient must have completed a minimum of 80% of a full-course load and achieved a minimum GPA of 3.5 in his/her first year of study, be continuing full-time in the second year of his/her program of study, and be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada and resident of Alberta. No application is required.
B. Indigenous Graduate Award
Annual awards ($7,500 minimum and maximum $15,000) to encourage Indigenous Albertans (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) to pursue graduate studies in Alberta. Concordia University of Edmonton receives a pre-determined funding allocation from Student Aid Alberta.
c. Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship
Annual awards up to $10,800 to graduate students who display outstanding academic achievement and scholarship and research capacity. Recipients must present a minimum GPA of 3.5 in their qualifying year of study, be registered full-time in the first or second year of their program, be citizens or permanent residents of Canada at the time of their application and be Alberta residents as defined by the Alberta Scholarship Programs. Recipients cannot simultaneously hold a Canada Graduate Scholarship. An application is required.
13.2.2.2 Academic Awards — Application required
An annual $1,500 award to a student enrolled in the Master of Arts in Biblical and Christian Studies degree program. There are no restrictions on citizenship. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of superior academic achievement and research potential. Preference will be given to a graduate student who is conducting research in the area of church history.
Donor: Friends and family of Dr. Richard Kraemer and Mount Calvary Lutheran Church. An application is required.
13.2.2.3 Academic Awards — No Application required
A $2,500 award to full-time graduate students (Canadian citizens, Permanent Residents and International Visa students) who are working toward the completion of a master’s degree in MISSM or MISAM. Recipients must have completed a minimum of 80% of a full-course load (12 credits) in the qualifying term; earned a minimum 3.7 GPA; and be registered in a minimum 60% of a full-course load (9 credits) in the subsequent semester in order to receive payment of the award. Concordia University of Edmonton automatically identifies eligible students at the end of each semester. Students may receive this award only once during their degree program. Students on an approved Leave of Absence may request a scholarship disbursement deferral.
A gold medal presented on behalf of and in the name of the Governor General of Canada to the student graduating with the highest academic standing in a graduate (i.e., master’s) degree program. This medal is awarded for academic excellence only.
The selection for the Governor General Gold Academic Medal is the responsibility of the Graduate Scholarship Committee which is comprised of the members of the Admissions and Scholarship Committee and the Dean of Graduate Studies.
The following points shall serve as guidelines for the awarding of the Medal:
- Open to students enrolled in the Masters of Information Systems Security Management, Masters of Information Systems Assurance Management, and the Master of Arts in Biblical and Christian Studies degree programs.
- Normally, only students whose course progression has the greatest integrity are considered; i.e. students who complete their program in the normal length of the program.
- Academic standing is based on both the graduate grade point average (GGPA), calculated using the required credits for degree, the strength of the research record, and/or the strength of the thesis. The strength of the research record and/or the strength of the thesis are based on the recommendations of the Graduate Program.
- Thesis advisors and secondary readers will provide written statements that evaluate the thesis quality based on the originality of the work and the contribution to the field.
MA in Biblical and Christian Studies Entrance Scholarship
A $2,000 entrance scholarship awarded to superior applicants (no restriction on citizenship) who are entering full-time studies in the Master of Arts in Biblical and Christian Studies program. The recipient must be entering their first year of the MA in Biblical and Christian Studies program; present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average of 3.5; be registered in at least 9 credits per semester; and demonstrate academic potential. Concordia University of Edmonton identifies eligible recipients through the admission process, choosing from those who submit their admission Application Forms (including sample essay, statement of interest, and transcripts), before July 1. The scholarship is disbursed in two equal payments. Recipients who interrupt their studies will immediately forfeit subsequent disbursements. Students on an approved Leave of Absence may request a scholarship disbursement deferral.
13.2.2.4 Concordia University of Edmonton Bursary Program
While students are expected to make plans for funding their education through primary sources such as personal and family savings, scholarships and awards, and employment earnings, etc., domestic and international students experiencing financial difficulties while attending Concordia University of Edmonton may apply for bursary assistance to supplement their existing funds. A Concordia University of Edmonton bursary is awarded based on financial need and is meant to supplement, not replace, other financial assistance. For further information on other forms of financial assistance, such as government student loans, see Financial Aid, section 6.0 or visit http://financialaid.concordia.ab.ca.
The bursary amounts can vary, depending on a student situation. Students who have demonstrated financial need but have not applied for government financial
assistance may be eligible for a $500 bursary. Students who are current recipients of government financial assistance may be eligible for a varying amounts up to a maximum of $1,500 per academic year. Students who begin their studies in January will only be eligible for half awards. The lifetime maximum amount of bursary assistance is $6,000.
To be eligible for a Concordia University of Edmonton Bursary, applicants must:
- Demonstrate financial need based on a modest standard of living
- Be enrolled in a graduate degree program.
- Be registered full-time (minimum 60% full-course load)
- Have achieved satisfactory academic standing on their most recent course work at the time of application as defined by their program of study (Academic Standing, section 9.3.4).
- Have not previously declared bankruptcy or defaulted on a student loan.
Student must complete an application online through Services for Students (https://onlineservices.concordia.ab.ca/student) and submit supporting documents by October 15th.