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The School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (SGSPA) has received national recognition for an innovative program that gives doctoral students hands-on experience in university administration, preparing them for careers within and beyond academia while helping academic and administrative units advance projects across Queen's.

The has awarded Queen's the 2026 Award for Excellence and Innovation in Enhancing the Graduate Student Experience for the Queen's Doctoral Internship in University Administration (QDIUA). The annual award recognizes innovative programs that strengthen the graduate student experience from recruitment through degree completion.

Launched in 2021, the QDIUA is the first program of its kind in Canada. First conceptualized through collaboration among staff in the Queen's Foundational Leadership Program before being brought to life by Career Services and SGSPA, the program places doctoral students in paid internships across university administrative units. There, they contribute to meaningful projects while gaining mentorship and professional experience.

“As graduate education continues to evolve, universities must prepare doctoral students for leadership and impact across a broad range of careers,” says Dr. Fahim Quadir, Vice-Provost and Dean (SGSPA). “This recognition from CAGS reflects Queen's enduring commitment to developing graduates who are equipped to excel both within and beyond academia. Doctoral candidates apply their research and analytical expertise to real institutional challenges while gaining a deeper appreciation of the university's interconnected missions of teaching, research, and service. By fostering collaboration among graduate students, faculty, staff, and senior leaders, the program strengthens both individual career development and institutional capacity. We are honoured by this recognition and grateful to the many campus partners whose vision, mentorship, and collaboration have made the program such a success."

Since its launch, 54 doctoral students have completed internships in 17 administrative units, including the Principal's Office, Human Resources, Student Affairs, and faculty offices. The program also enables host units to benefit from the expertise of doctoral students while advancing institutional priorities. The program has attracted strong interest from both doctoral students and host units across the university.

“It is evident that doctoral interns contribute substantively to institutional priorities, drawing on advanced research, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills developed through their PhDs to produce work with lasting value for the university” says Alexandra Pedersen, who, in addition to supervising QDIUA interns, was a part of the team that originally conceptualized the program through the Foundational Leadership Program. “At the same time, student interns gain applied experience that translates directly into diverse career pathways. The program represents an exceptional model of reciprocal impact, simultaneously strengthening graduate training and institutional capacity, while distinguishing ���ϳԹ���Դ as a leader in this space.”  

This marks the second time SGSPA has received the CAGS award. The school previously earned the honour for its . As part of this year's recognition, SGSPA has been invited to present the program at the 2027 CAGS Annual Conference in Moncton as a model that other Canadian universities can adapt.

Learn more about the Queen's Doctoral Internship in University Administration.