University of Toronto Student Leadership Award

UTSLA continues U of T's long-standing tradition of recognizing exceptional student leadership, begun with the Gordon Cressy Student Leadership Award (1994–2019), named after former Vice-President of Development and University Relations, Gordon Cressy. Over its 25-year history, the Cressy Award celebrated more than 4,000 students. UTSLA recipients now join this legacy community of honorees. The award recognizes students — either undergraduate or graduate — in their final year of study who have demonstrated sustained, high-impact volunteer leadership within the U of T community (not paid positions, and not external/off-campus volunteering).

Formal recognition as a University of Toronto Student Leadership Award recipient

Inclusion in the distinguished community of past Cressy Award and UTSLA honorees

Public recognition (annual published list of recipients)

(Note: the official page does not list a specific monetary award amount — this is presented primarily as a leadership/service recognition award rather than a cash scholarship; some faculties, like Rotman Commerce, note that UTSLA winners are NOT eligible for their own Director's Leadership Award, but may still apply to other Director's Awards)

Must be a student currently enrolled at the University of Toronto (undergraduate or graduate)

Must be nominated by a member of U of T staff, faculty, librarians, or alumni (a student cannot nominate another student)

Must expect to convocate from their current program in June 2027 or November 2027 (i.e., final year of study)

Must not have previously received this award or the Gordon Cressy Student Leadership Award, as either an undergraduate or graduate student

Must be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA (CGPA) of 2.70 (B-) at the end of the previous academic session prior to the nomination period opening (exceptions considered only in extraordinary circumstances, at the nominating division's discretion)

Must have at least ONE full year of consistent U of T volunteer leadership throughout the academic year prior to, and up to, the current nomination period (exceptions considered for students absent from campus due to programs like PEY or study abroad)

Contributions must be volunteer-based only — paid positions (e.g., research assistants, work-study students, Residence Dons/Assistants) are not eligible and should not be listed

Only U of T-related volunteer leadership/service is considered — external community volunteering does not count