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 twice a year. Fall nominations open in early to mid鈥慡eptember and close in early to mid鈥慜ctober, with a three-week nomination period. The winter cycle opens in early to mid鈥慗anuary 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.
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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 . This should be completed by a student nominator.
- Upload the Nominator Signature Form with the names and signatures of the lead nominator and 4听additional student nominators.
Deadline
Nominations for the Winter 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 semesters must be submitted by the听by February 20, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.