The Donald Mordell EUS Teaching Excellence Award was established in 2025 by Don Nilson, in memory of his father-in-law, the late Professor Donald L. Mordell, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering from 1957 to 1968. It will be given each year to a professor, faculty lecturer, or course lecturer who has made an extraordinary contribution to teaching in the fields of Engineering, Architecture, and/or Urban Planning.
Eligibility & nomination process
Eligibility
Candidates must have held a full-time or part-time undergraduate teaching position in the Faculty for at least two years and have taught in the summer, fall and/or winter semesters of the last academic year. The award will be given to a new recipient each year, with the option to be considered again after a five-year period has passed.
Criteria
The following criteria will be considered to evaluate the instructors nominated for the award:
- Design engaging and interactive lesson plans that cater to diverse learning styles and needs.
- Design engaging and interactive lesson plans that cater to diverse learning styles and needs.
- Create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment where students feel valued and respected.
- Use a variety of assessment techniques that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and practical application of knowledge.
- Incorporate technology and innovative teaching strategies to enhance learning experiences.
- Be sensitive to and inclusive of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Regularly reflect on their teaching practices and seek feedback to continuously improve.
- Prioritize student needs and interests, while being approachable and available for additional support, mentoring, and guidance.
- Actively engage in professional development opportunities and collaborate with colleagues to share best practices and improve teaching quality.
Nominating procedure and schedule
The award will be given out once a year. Fall nominations open in early to mid‑September and close in early to mid‑October, with a three-week nomination period. The winter cycle opens in early to mid‑January and closes in early February, again allowing three weeks for nominations.
Any full-time undergraduate student registered in the Faculty of Engineering may submit a nomination.
A sub-committee of the Engineering Committee on Faculty Awards, the EUS - Engineering Committee on Faculty Awards will oversee the adjudication of this award.
The award recipients will be announced at a ceremony held before the annual student banquet in early April and/or at a Faculty of Engineering event.
Winter 2026 nomination
Only activities associated with courses during the nomination period of January 1 - December 31, 2025 will be considered.
To nominate an instructor, please:
- Access and fill out the Nomination MS Form. This should be completed by a student nominator.
- Upload the Nominator Signature Form with the names and signatures of the lead nominator and 4 additional student nominators.
Deadline
Nominations for the Winter 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 semesters must be submitted by the Nominator MS Form by February 20, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.