University of Melbourne Awards FAQ's
1. What types of University Teaching Awards are available?
There are three categories of discipline–based University of Melbourne teaching awards that recognise excellence in teaching. Other awards in support of teaching and learning are also available in: research higher degree supervision; staff mentoring; service to students; and programs supporting teaching and learning. Awards are granted annually. Details are available in the Awards List
2. Am I eligible to apply for a University Award?
The following principles apply:
- Discipline–based Teaching Awards and the Supervision Awards are open to academic staff with teaching or supervisory responsibilities.
- The Patricia Grimshaw staff mentoring awards are open to both professional and academic staff.
- The Norman Curry program award is for a program supporting teaching and learning rather than the individual(s). Programs may have been developed by academic and/or professional staff.
- The Gerry Barretto service to students awards are open to professional staff only.
- Teams will be considered for most awards, as appropriate (see question 3).
- Applicants should normally be currently employed by, and working in, the University for at least 2 years. In case of the ‘mentoring’ awards this is 3 years.
- Full–time, part–time, or sessional staff are eligible. Honorary staff may be eligible for specific awards in certain instances.
3. Can my team apply for an award?
Team applications are encouraged for teaching awards, program awards and service awards. Teams including a mixture of academic and professional staff are also eligible for program and service awards.
4. How do I get nominated for an Award?
Sometimes an individual or team will wish to nominate themselves and will approach a colleague or discuss their potential nomination with their Department Head. In other instances members of the University community initiate the nomination. This can include colleagues, students, managers, heads or deans. Once nominated you can then prepare and write your application.
5. Do I need the formal support of my Dean or Head of Department?
The nomination must have the support of the Department Head, and Dean or Organisation Unit Head. From 2010 if there is more than one application from a School, Faculty or Organisation Unit the Dean or Head will be invited to grade the applications. This will assist the University Awards Selection Committee in their decision–making.
6. Are there guidelines and selection criteria I should address?
Yes. It is essential that you address the selection criteria. Each award has detailed information and advice in the corresponding Guidelines available from the CSHE website . All selection criteria will be given equal consideration by the University Awards Selection Committee. It is important to provide evidence of claims against the selection criteria. The Selection Committee will also consider the extent of creativity, imagination and innovation demonstrated.
7. What do I need to do to prepare ahead?
You may wish to discuss nomination with a mentor or your Head in advance. Some Departments and Faculties have their own internal awards and you might have already applied for one of these before applying for a University award.
In preparation for writing your application it is helpful to become familiar with the Guidelines and selection criteria. You might also begin to document the evidence you have in support of the criteria, consider any gaps and decide on how you might gather additional evidence.
8. When are applications due?
Applications are normally due in early March each year. The date will be advertised on the CSHE website and widely publicised throughout the University well in advance. This deadline is necessary to fit in with the national Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) as both University and national award nominations are considered together by the University Awards Selection Committee in one process.
9. What benefits do recipients receive?
Each recipient will receive a substantial grant; details of the amounts for each award are listed in the individual Guidelines and Awards List. The grants will be paid to the relevant departments for the use of the recipient. Traditionally, recipients are publicly acknowledged for their significant contributions and are acknowledged and presented with their awards at the Vice-Chancellor’s Colloquium on Teaching and Learning at the end of each year.
10. If I am successful are there any conditions attached?
Generally, award recipients can use their grant money to support any project related to their academic work or professional development. Further details on spending grants are available in the individual award Guidelines. It is customary for teaching award recipients to give a short presentation at the Vice-Chancellor’s Colloquium on Teaching and Learning. Award recipients may also be called upon to give advice and occasional presentations in their area of expertise. Successful University Award recipients will also be considered for nomination for a national award.
11. Will I also be considered for a national Award?
The University Awards Selection Committee also determines the University’s nominees for the national Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT). There are three types of national awards:
- Citations for Outstanding Contributions for Student Learning
- Awards for Teaching Excellence
- Awards for Programs that Enhance Learning
You may submit an ‘expression of interest’ on the University Awards application form to be considered for a national award. The selection criteria for the University teaching awards is the same as the national AAUT awards. This minimises the work
needed should an applicant be selected as a nominee for the national awards.
12. If I am unsuccessful do I receive feedback?
All applicants are offered the opportunity to receive feedback on their application. A member of the University Awards Selection Committee will be delegated to provide this to you and you will be invited to approach them if you wish.
13. I was unsuccessful before. Should I reapply?
Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to reconsider applying at a later date. It is not uncommon for successful recipients to have applied two or three times before receiving an award.
You may wish to reconsider applying in the following year or at a later time with more experience and evidence. Feedback from the University Awards Selection Committee and discussing reapplication with a trusted mentor or your Head may assist you with this decision.
14. Who should I contact for further information?
Please contact Leanne Howard in the CSHE for clarification or further advice.