Policy

Teaching and Learning Awards - Policy

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1.0 Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this policy is to recognise, encourage, and reward sustained excellence in teaching and learning at The University of Queensland.

This policy applies to all staff eligible for awards and those staff involved in the administration of Teaching and Learning Awards and the selection process.

2.0 Principles and Key Requirements

The University of Queensland is committed to activities that attract, support and retain a diverse and inclusive community of high achieving staff and students. Providing recognition for excellent teaching practice encourages innovation and provides a mechanism to recognise high performance in teaching and learning.

The teaching and learning awards for individuals and teams established by the University and administered through the Teaching and Learning Awards Procedure formally recognise teaching and teaching leadership, and encourage and support teachers in their efforts to achieve excellence.

3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Accountabilities

The coordination and administration of the Awards is achieved through a number of identified roles outlined below:

3.1 Institute for Teaching and Learning Innovation

The Institute for Teaching and Learning Innovation (ITaLI) is responsible for the administration of the teaching award schemes and the selection process. ITaLI prepares the Application Information and Instructions, facilitates information and support workshops, provides administrative support to applicants, collates all award submissions, and for providing secretariat support to Shortlisting and Selection Committees.

The Teaching Recognition Coordinator is the point of contact for all award matters.

3.2  Teaching and Learning Committee

The University Teaching and Learning Committee advises the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) on:

a. the recommendations made by the Selection Committees;

b. the eligibility and selection criteria applicable for the subsequent awards round; and

c. the establishment and disestablishment of teaching and learning awards established under the Teaching and Learning Awards Policy.

3.3 Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) approves:

a. the establishment and disestablishment of the University's teaching and learning awards;

b. the eligibility and assessment criteria for the University's teaching and learning award schemes; and

c. the conferral of teaching and learning awards on the recommendation of the Teaching and Learning Committee.

In carrying out their responsibilities the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) may consult with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning), relevant senior executive, and request advice from relevant UQ units as required.

4.0 Monitoring, Review and Assurance

This policy is monitored by the Teaching and Learning Committee through ITaLI and will be reviewed on a three year basis.

ITaLI is responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of the policy annually reporting to the Teaching and Learning Committee.

5.0 Recording and Reporting

ITaLI's Teaching Awards team is responsible for the maintenance of records and all reporting related to the Teaching and Learning Awards in accordance with relevant University Policy. 

ITaLI will also report University Teaching and Learning Awards for recording as relevant.

6.0 Appendix

6.1 Acronyms

ITaLI - Institute for Teaching and Learning Innovation

Custodians
Academic Registrar

Procedures

Teaching and Learning Awards - Procedure

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1.0 Purpose and Scope

This procedure outlines the processes and key requirements for the conferral of the University's Teaching and Learning Awards in accordance with the Teaching and Learning Awards Policy.

This procedure applies to all staff eligible for awards and those staff involved in the administration of Teaching and Learning Awards and the selection process.

2.0 Process and Key Controls

2.1 Award Schemes

The University has established the following award schemes:

Awards for Teaching Excellence (ATE)

Awards for Teaching Excellence (ATE) give recognition to individuals and teams renowned for excellence in teaching and who have made a broad and deep contribution to enhancing the quality of learning and teaching at the University. There are up to five (5) awards granted each year, at the discretion of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic). Each award winner will receive a trophy and a grant of $10,000.

Awards for Programs that Enhance Learning (APEL)

Awards for Programs that Enhance Learning (APEL) recognise learning and teaching support projects, teams and services that make an outstanding contribution to the quality of student learning and the quality of the student experience of higher education. The projects, teams and services that receive these awards must have demonstrated their effectiveness through rigorous evaluation. Up to four (4) awards in total may be granted each year at the discretion of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic). Each award winner will receive a certificate and a grant of $10,000.

Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (COCSL)

Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (COCSL) recognise and reward individuals and teams who make a significant contribution to student learning in a specific area of responsibility over a sustained period, who are widely acknowledged for their achievements within a Faculty or the wider University community, and who have received strong endorsement within their area. There is no limit to the number of Citations awarded. To encourage further development of the winners' contributions to student learning, successful applicants will receive a grant of $4,000.

To enhance opportunities for recognition of outstanding teachers at UQ, University award recipients will be eligible for consideration as University nominated applicants for national award schemes as appropriate.

2.2 Application and Approval Process

In the first instance, eligible applicants will submit an expression of interest in accordance with the instructions provided on the Institute for Teaching and Learning Innovation (ITaLI) website.

A Shortlisting Committee will appraise the expressions of interest according to the published criteria and invite eligible applicants to provide a detailed application by the nominated closing date.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a workshop facilitated by ITaLI where advice and guidance will be given on the format and content of the application.

A Selection Committee will appraise applications according to the published criteria and make recommendations for the conferral of commendations and awards to the University Teaching and Learning Committee for endorsement and recommendation to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) for final approval of the award.

3.0 Key Requirements

3.1 Eligibility and Assessment Criteria

The eligibility and assessment criteria for the award of COCSL, APEL and ATE is approved by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and is published each year in the UQ Teaching and Learning Awards Application Information and Instructions page on the ITaLI website.

To enhance opportunities for recognition of outstanding teachers at UQ nationally, assessment criteria for the UQ Teaching and Learning Awards may be updated to align with relevant national award schemes on an annual basis. Assessment criteria may also be updated to align with University priorities, where appropriate.

3.2 Shortlisting and Selection

3.2.1 Shortlisting

Each Shortlisting Committee will consider expressions of interest against the criteria under the relevant award scheme.

An APEL or ATE expression of interest which is considered to be more closely aligned with the criteria for COCSL may be referred to the COCSL Shortlisting Committee for consideration in the same year. The APEL and ATE Shortlisting Committees must meet prior to the shortlisting of COCSL to allow for expressions of interest to be referred to the COCSL Shortlisting Committee in the same year.

Each Shortlisting Committee will recommend a shortlist to the Selection Committee.

There is no limit to the number of shortlisted expressions of interest to be selected, and invitation to participate in the awards process will be determined by the quality of the evidence provided in the expression of interest.

3.2.2 Selection

Each Selection Committee will consider applications against the criteria under the relevant award scheme.

Applicants whose teaching is considered to be of a very high standard but does not meet the criteria for a COCSL, APEL or ATE may receive a commendation on the recommendation of the Selection Committee and at the discretion of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).

Each Selection Committee will refer its recommendations to the University Teaching and Learning Committee for endorsement prior to the referral to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) for approval. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) may also invite additional information and advice from relevant UQ units as required to support the final decision to award.

3.3 Presentation of Awards

The presentation of The University of Queensland Teaching and Learning Awards to the winners is made at a ceremony in Teaching and Learning week each year.

3.4 Terms and Conditions of Award

All COCSL, APEL and ATE are granted on the condition that all monies associated with the award are used to enhance the career of the recipient with emphasis on their teaching career.

Each award winner will receive a certificate or trophy and a grant which should be expended within two calendar years immediately following receipt of the award. Expenditure must be in compliance with the University's policies and procedures.

4.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Accountabilities

4.1 Institute for Teaching and Learning Innovation

ITaLI is responsible for the administration of Teaching Awards schemes and the selection processes. ITaLI prepeares the Application Information and Instructions, facilitates information and support workshops, provides administrative support to applicants, collates all award submissions, and provides secretariat support to Shortlisting and Selection Committees.

The Teaching Recognition Coordinator is the point of contact for all award matters.

4.2 Shortlisting Committees

The Shortlisting Committees are responsible for considering expressions of interest against the criteria under the relevant award scheme, and recommending a shortlist to the Selection Committee. The membership composition and quorum requirements are specified in Appendix 7.2.

4.3 Selection Committees

The Selection Committees are responsible for considering shortlisted applications against the criteria under the relevant award scheme. The Selection Committees refer their recommendations to the University Teaching and Learning Committee for endorsement. The membership composition and quorum requirements are specified in Appendix 7.3.

4.4 Teaching and Learning Committee

The University Teaching and Learning Committee advises the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) on:

a. the recommendations made by the Selection Committees;

b. the eligibility and selection criteria applicable for the subsequent awards round; and

c. the establishment and disestablishment of teaching and learning awards established under the Teaching and Learning Awards Policy.

4.5 Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) approves:

a. the establishment and disestablishment of the University's Teaching and Learning awards;

b. the terms of reference, composition and membership of the shortlisting and selection committees

c. the eligibility and assessment criteria for the University's teaching and learning award schemes; and

d. the conferral of teaching and learning awards on the recommendation of the Teaching and Learning Committee.

In carrying out their responsibilities the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) may consult with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning), relevant senior executive, and request advice from relevant UQ units as required.

5.0 Monitoring, Review and Assurance

  1. These procedures are monitored by the Teaching and Learning Committee through ITaLI and will be reviewed as required.

  2. ITaLI is responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of the procedures annually for reporting to the Teaching and Learning Committee.

6.0 Recording and Reporting

ITaLI's Teaching Awards team is responsible for the maintenance of records and all reporting related to the Teaching and Learning Awards to the Teaching and Learning Committee. Procedural records, including completed expressions of interest, applications and meeting records including copies of confirmed agendas and papers, application evaluations and outcomes are kept in secure in accordance with the University Information Management Policy.

ITaLI will report the conferral of University teaching and learning awards and commendations to  for recording as relevant.

7.0 Appendix

7.1 Acronyms

APEL - Awards for Programs that Enhance Learning

ATE - Awards for Teaching Excellence

COCSL - Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning

ITaLI - Institute for Teaching and Learning Innovation

7.2 Membership and Composition of Shortlisting Committees

The quorum for Shortlisting Committee meetings is five (5) (not including augmented members). If a member cannot attend a scheduled meeting, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) will be notified by the Chair and invited to nominate a replacement member. If the quorum cannot be reached, the meeting must be rescheduled.

Where appropriate observers may invited to attend committee deliberations.

7.2.1 COCSL Shortlisting Committee

Membership of the COCSL Shortlisting Committee comprises the following:

  • One senior leader from ITaLI (Chair) (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic))
  • President, Academic Board or Deputy President (nominated by President)
  • Two Associate Deans (Academic) or Deputy Associate Deans (Academic) (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic))
  • Two School Directors of Teaching and Learning (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic))
  • Previous UQ Award Winner or AAUT winner, finalist or assessor (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic))
  • Student representative (nominated by The University of Queensland Union).

7.2.2 APEL Shortlisting Committee

Membership of the APEL Shortlisting Committee comprises the following:

  • Director of ITaLI (Chair) (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic))
  • One senior leader from ITaLI (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic))
  • President, Academic Board or Deputy President (nominated by President)
  • Two Associate Deans (Academic) or Deputy Associate Deans (Academic) (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic))
  • Two School Directors of Teaching and Learning (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic))
  • Previous UQ Award Winner or AAUT winner, finalist or assessor (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic))
  • Student representative (nominated by The University of Queensland Union).

7.2.3 ATE Shortlisting Committee

Membership of the ATE Shortlisting Committee comprises the following:

  • Director of ITaLI (Chair) (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic))
  • One senior leader from ITaLI (Chair) (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic))
  • President, Academic Board or Deputy President (nominated by President)
  • Two Associate Deans (Academic) or Deputy Associate Deans (Academic) (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic))
  • Member of the University Teaching and Learning Committee in the category of Recipient of Awards and Commendations for Excellence in Teaching
  • Two School Directors of Teaching and Learning (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic))
  • Previous UQ Award Winner or AAUT winner, finalist or assessor (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic))
  • Student representative (nominated by The University of Queensland Union)

7.3 Membership and Composition of the Selection Committees

The quorum for Selection Committee meetings is five (5) (not including augmented members). If a member cannot attend a scheduled meeting, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) will be notified by the Chair and invited to nominate a replacement member. If the quorum cannot be reached, the meeting must be rescheduled.

7.3.1 COCSL Selection Committee

Membership of the COCSL Selection Committee comprises the following:

  • Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) or representative nominated by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) (Chair)
  • President, Academic Board or Deputy President (nominated by President)
  • Two Associate Deans (Academic) or Deputy Associate Deans (Academic) (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic))
  • Two School Directors of Teaching and Learning (nominated by the Deputy Vice- Chancellor (Academic))
  • One senior leader from ITaLI, Chair of the Shortlisting Committee (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic))
  • Previous UQ Award Winner or AAUT winner, finalist, or assessor (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic))
  • Student representative (nominated by The University of Queensland Union).

The Selection Committee may be augmented by the Dean of the Graduate School and/or Academic Registrar and/or University Librarian as required (approved by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)). The Selection Committee may also invite discipline-based experts as required.

7.3.2 APEL Selection Committee

Membership of the APEL Selection Committee comprises the following:

  • Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) or representative nominated by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) (Chair)
  • President, Academic Board or Deputy President (nominated by President)
  • Two Associate Deans (Academic) or Deputy Associate Deans (Academic) (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic))
  • Two School Directors of Teaching and Learning (nominated by the Deputy Vice- Chancellor (Academic))
  • Director ITaLI, Chair of the Shortlisting Committee (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
  • One senior leader from ITaLI (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
  • Previous UQ Award Winner or AAUT winner, finalist, or assessor (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic))
  • Student representative (nominated by The University of Queensland Union).

The Selection Committee may be augmented by the Dean of the Graduate School and/or Academic Registrar and/or University Librarian. The Selection Committee may also invite discipline-based experts as required.

7.3.3 ATE Selection Committee

Membership of the ATE Selection Committee comprises the following:

  • Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) or representative nominated by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) (Chair)
  • President, Academic Board or Deputy President (nominated by President)
  • Two Associate Deans (Academic) or Deputy Associate Deans (Academic) (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic))
  • Two School Directors of Teaching and Learning (nominated by the Deputy Vice- Chancellor (Academic))
  • Member of the University Teaching and Learning Committee in the category Recipient of Awards and Commendations for Excellence in Teaching
  • One senior leader from ITaLI (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
  • Director ITaLI, Chair of Shortlisting Committee (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
  • Previous UQ Award Winner or AAUT winner, finalist, or assessor (nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic))
  • Student representative (nominated by The University of Queensland Union).

The Selection Committee may be augmented by the Dean of the Graduate School as required. The Selection Committee may also invite discipline-based experts as required.

Custodians
Academic Registrar
Custodians
Academic Registrar