1. What is the purpose of nominating new Senior Members?
- The purpose is to nominate individuals who can nurture, stimulate and enrich the Massey College community. These members should demonstrate excellence in their field at their stage of career and contribute to the public good while engaging with the life of the College, especially with graduate students.
2. Who can be nominated as a Senior Member?
- Senior Members include both academics and those who work in applied fields outside the academy. All Senior Members are held to the same criteria and standards of excellence. Self nominations are not encouraged.
3. What are the key criteria for nomination?
- Nominees should:
- Strive for the public good at local, national or international levels.
- Demonstrate excellence in their field, whether academic or applied, appropriate to their career stage.
- Show interest or involvement in the life of Massey College, particularly through engagement with graduate students.
4. What is included in the nomination package?
- A complete nomination package must include:
- A complete nomination package must include:
- A primary nomination letter from a member of the Massey College community (e.g., Junior Fellow, Senior Fellow, Quadrangle Society Member, WSJF Fellow, Visiting Scholar, or staff member)
- A second letter of recommendation from any individual
- An up-to-date curriculum vitae
5. How do Senior Members contribute to College life?
- Senior Members enrich the fabric of the College community, creating a dynamic environment through their unique contributions and shared experiences.
- They primarily engage by coming to College meals and events.
- Propose and collaborate on College events
Engaging with the Junior Fellowship:
- Connect over meals: By regularly dining in Hall at breakfast, lunch and dinner, Senior Members have the chance to build connections and share insights with Junior Fellows (JFs).
- Participate in signature events: Whether it’s joining JFs at High Tables or supporting thought-provoking events like the Massey Grand Rounds, Walter Gordon Symposium or Ursula Franklin Forum, Senior Members actively contribute to the intellectual life of the College.
- Foster mentorship: Mentorship takes shape in many forms; one way is through participating in our formal mentorship program – Meeting of the Minds. Senior Members can also provide informal mentorship by offering guidance, expertise or simply a listening ear by participating in activities organized by the Junior Fellows.
- Celebrate together: Special occasions are opportunities for shared traditions and inclusion. Senior Members are encouraged to invite JFs to join them for holiday meals, whether on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Eid, Passover or other meaningful celebrations.
Contributing to the College’s Well-being:
- Be an ambassador: By identifying themselves as Senior Fellows in their professional circles and including their role at Massey in their bios, they proudly extend the College’s influence and reputation.
- Support governance and fundraising: Involvement in College governance, such as joining Governing Board committees or contributing to fundraising, strengthens the College’s foundations.
- Attend and advocate: Senior Members show up for College events, participate in Senior Fellows’ Luncheons, and champion the College as a premier residence, intellectual and community space for graduate scholars at the University of Toronto.
- Offer support: Whether through financial contributions, recommending new Senior Members, or introducing prospective members to College life, Senior Members provide invaluable support.
Showcasing Massey’s Resources and Facilities:
- Host gatherings: By inviting colleagues or Visiting Professors to the College for meetings, luncheons or special events, Senior Members expand the College’s community and academic influence.
- Utilize College spaces: College venues such as the Private Dining Room and Upper Library offer perfect settings for small conferences, lectures or celebrations, creating memorable experiences with the help of College staff and catering services.
6. What are the diversity goals of the selection process?
- Massey College is committed to diversity and encourages the nomination of individuals from underrepresented groups, including racialized persons, members of the Black community, women, Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and others who can diversify the College’s ideas and disciplines.
7. Are there specific fields or disciplines that Massey College is particularly interested in?
- The College continually seeks to enrich its community by welcoming representatives from under-represented disciplines and ensuring a balanced membership across the four university divisions.
- Each year, our focus shifts to align with the evolving needs and interests of our Junior Fellows and the College community.
8. What is the deadline for submitting nominations?
- The nomination period is now closed, please check back with us in September 2025 for 2025/2026 dates.
9. How competitive is the selection process?
- The selection process is highly competitive, with a significant number of nominations received each year. Nominators should follow the provided guidelines carefully.
- Late submissions or incomplete packages will not be considered by the Selection Committee
10. What happens after a nomination is submitted?
- Nominations are reviewed by a Selection Committee composed of diverse College members, including the Principal, Junior and Senior Fellows, Quadrangle Society Members, and Alumni. The Selection Committee proposes candidates to the Governance and Nominations Committee of the Board, with the Governing Board of Massey College making the final decisions.
11. What is the term of appointment for selected Senior Members?
- Successful candidates will be appointed for an initial three-year term starting on 1 September 2025. Appointments may be renewed thereafter.
12. How should I submit my nomination?
- A complete nomination package (nomination letter, letter of support, and nominee’s CV) must be submitted in a single email to nominations@masseycollege.ca by the specified deadline. (Please attach the documents in a single file.)
Any other questions or concerns can be submitted to Emily Mockler via email or phone (416) 978-6606.
