New awards for top teachers

Two major new awards celebrating "exceptional achievement" in teaching are being launched as part of the University's Learning and Teaching Strategy.

The new Senate Award for Excellence in Teaching comes into effect during this academic session while the new Chancellor's Award for Lifetime Achievement in Teaching will be awarded for the first time in 2008/9.

Professor James Calderhead, Vice Principal (Educational Development), described the new awards as key elements in the Learning and Teaching Strategy.

"The strategy provides the framework for developing learning and teaching across the University and highlights the importance of sharing good practice and of appreciating and celebrating exceptional achievement," he said.

"The new Senate Award for Excellence in Teaching will recognise outstanding performance in teaching and supporting student learning while the Chancellor's Award for Lifetime Achievement in Teaching will recognise a sustained and substantial contribution to the quality of teaching in the University through such means as personal example, innovation, curriculum leadership and the mentoring of new teachers.

"We are delighted to be able to launch these significant new awards and look forward to receiving and reviewing nominations in the very near future."

Nominations for the Senate Award may be made by students, colleagues or by self-nomination. It is anticipated that up to three awards will be made each year with each winner receiving a certificate of recognition, £3000 and the title of Senate Award Fellow.

Winners of the Chancellor's Award will be entitled to the title of Chancellor's Award Fellow. They will also be invited to an award dinner and have the opportunity to receive their award at the University's graduation ceremony. They too will win a certificate of recognition.

Nominations for the Chancellor's Award will be made by individual schools and considered at college level. Each college will then select one individual to put forward to the Award Panel. A total of four awards, one per college, will be made each year.

The deadline for nominations for the Senate Award is the end of April this year. All nominations should be sent to Dr Lorraine Walsh, Director of Academic Professional Development.

For more information on the awards visit: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/ppd/apd/awards.htm.