The Student Leadership Recognition Award (SLRA) celebrates outstanding Saint Mary's University students who demonstrate exceptional leadership within the university community and beyond. Organized in partnership between Career & Experiential Learning and Saint Mary's University Student Association, this annual award highlights individuals who actively contribute to campus life, inspire their peers, and demonstrate the values of service, collaboration, and initiative.
Established in 2012, the SLRA is a highly competitive distinction awarded to a maximum of three students from each Faculty - Arts, Science, Sobey School of Business, and Graduate Studies & Research.
The Student Leadership Recognition Award is more than an honour, it's a testament to the impact and influence of Saint Mary's students who lead with purpose and inspire positive change.
All leadership experiences must be clearly documented and verified on your Experience Record. We strongly encourage you to begin updating your Experience record as early as possible to ensure your record is comprehensive and that all validations are completed before the deadline.
If you have any questions about accessing your Experience Record, adding experiences, or understanding the verification process, please reach out to ccr@smu.ca for assistance or visit the Experience Record webpage.
How to access your Experience Record:
The Letter of Interest is a key component of your application package. We encourage you to write a letter that highlights your leadership capacity through clear examples, achievements, and goals. Be sure to illustrate how your experiences have helped you develop and demonstrate your leadership skills.
Your letter should be written in a direct and professional style, and include the following:
*All experiences referenced in your Letter of Interest must also be documented and verified on your Experience Record in order to be considered as part of your application.
A single letter of reference must be included as part of your application. This letter should be between one and two pages in length and must be written by your supervisor who has overseen your leadership experiences.
The letter should provide a clear and detailed account of your experiences, outlining your specific responsibilities and contributions. The letter should also describe the leadership qualities you exhibited and provide examples of how you demonstrated these in practice.
Additionally, the letter should highlight any measurable impact or outcomes resulting from your leadership, as well as any personal or professional attributes that distinguish you as an emerging leader. The goal is to offer a comprehensive picture of your capabilities, character, and potential for continued growth in leadership roles.
Below is a break down of how your SLRA application will be accessed.
Percentage Allocated
Section in Application
Cumulative GPA
Letter of Interest
Leadership Roles as a Saint Mary's Student:
Letter of Recommendation
Please submit your SLRA Application online through Career360° by selecting SLRA Application on the navigation menu.
The SLRA is highly competitive, with a maximum of three students selected from each of the four faculties, for a total of up to 12 recipients each year.
Recipients of the SLRA:
Applications open January 5, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Applications close February 12, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Log into your Career360° Student account and select SLRA Application on the navigation menu.
Meet some of our past SLRA recipients
Learn about how you can build your Experience Record for the SLRA Application
Complete your SLRA application on Career360°. Applications open in early January each year.