Nominations open for staff and students awards

14 March 2018

The annual Aberystwyth Students’ Union Teaching Awards, re-branded this year as the AberSU Celebrates: Staff and Students Awards, are open for nominations.

Now in their seventh year, the awards are organised by Aberystwyth Students’ Union, and supported by the University, and offer the opportunity to recognise the contribution of staff (both teaching and non-teaching), academic representatives across the University and student volunteers for the work they do throughout the academic year.

Three new student-focused categories have been introduced this year in order for Aber students to nominate and recognise student volunteers, volunteer officers and student mentors that work hard to represent and support students all year.

Students are currently being invited to recognise staff and fellow students by nominating individuals or departments for one of thirteen awards. 

The award categories for 2018 are:

·        Lecturer of the Year

·        Support / Service Staff Member of the Year

·        Academic Representative of the Year

·        Student Volunteer of the Year

·        Volunteer Officer of the Year

·        Student Mentor of the Year

·        Supervisor of the Year - Postgraduate

·        Supervisor of the Year – Undergraduate

·        Department of the Year

·        Hyrwyddwr yr Iaith Gymraeg (Welsh Language Champion)

·        Postgraduate Teacher of the Year

·        Innovative Teaching Award

·        Personal Tutor of the Year

·        Outstanding Feedback Award

·        Next Step Award

·        Leading Equality Award

A Special Mentions category is also included, which allows the judging panel to recognise outstanding work or contributions to student life which may not fit clearly into one of the other categories.

Commenting on the success of the Awards, Emma Beenham, Academic Officer at the Students’ Union, said: "Our Staff and Students Awards have undergone an exciting makeover this year, with three additional student-focused awards being added. This prompted our name change from the ‘Student-Led Teaching Awards’ to ‘AberSU Celebrates: Staff and Students’, in line with the rest of our Celebrates week. We now have a total of 16 awards and I'm excited to see students being more involved in these awards. 

“I can't wait to hear about all the fantastic things that are happening on the ground here in Aberystwyth, whether that be that lecturer or tutor that always goes the extra mile, that member of support staff who is always happy to help with a big smile, or the Academic Rep who makes sure your voice is heard."

Professor John Grattan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience commented:  "These awards are so important, they are your opportunity to recognise and celebrate my colleagues who have made a difference in your journey here at Aberystwyth University.  For me the event is the highlight of the year because it brings together the Aberystwyth community and showcases what I believe is the best partnership between staff and students anywhere in the world."

Students wishing to nominate can do so at: https://www.abersu.co.uk/aboutaber/celebrate/

The nomination period for the AberSU Celebrates Awards closes on 30 March 2018.  Nominations will then be judged by a panel of staff and students, with a winner and highly commended individuals chosen for each category.

The winners will be announced at a celebration evening at Aberystwyth Arts Centre on Thursday 26 April.

 

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