Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

The submission window for the 2026 Becker Undergraduate Award is now open. The deadline to submit is April 28, 2026. Please refer to the criteria and instructions below, and be sure to download the nomination form. 

About 

This undergraduate award commemorates Yvonne Becker and highlights her invaluable contribution to the Department. The award fund totals $500. If the selection committee agrees that two submissions are equally deserving, the award may be divided between the two students. During the annual Becker Colloquium, the certificate(s) of achievement will be presented. A celebratory lunch with the colloquium speaker and Linguistics faculty will also be offered. 

Submission content and format

• Content must pertain to concepts in the field of linguistics.
• Submissions can take a number of written formats, for example research proposals, literature reviews, linguistic arguments, instructional materials, or articles on linguistics for a general audience.
• File type: Microsoft Word. Note that submissions can be created using free software such as Google Docs; please then export and submit as a Word file. 
• Word limit: 1,250 to 5,000 words. 

Eligibility criteria

The student must be actively enrolled in one of the following programs:

• Linguistics program (including Major, Joint Major or Extended Minor)
• Indigenous Languages undergraduate program
• Linguistics discipline within the Cognitive Science program
• Certificate in the Linguistics of Speech Science
• Focus in Post-Baccalaureate Diploma program that includes a Linguistics course

The submission must be supported by an instructor's nomination:

• If the submission is a result of coursework, it should be supported with a nomination from the instructor who taught the course.
• If the submission is independently composed, please seek a nomination from one of your previous instructors.
• Download the nomination form here. 

Selection criteria

• Originality of ideas
• Understanding of linguistic concepts
• Clarity of expression

Submission instructions

Please email your submission as a Word file to lingchr@sfu.ca and lingasst@sfu.ca and ensure that you attach the nomination form completed by your nominating instructor. The deadline to submit is April 28, 2026.