Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning
Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning recognise and reward the diversity of contributions made by individuals and teams to the quality of student learning in higher education. A Citation is awarded to an academic teacher or teaching team (can include professional staff and institutional associates) who have made a significant contribution to the quality of student learning, in a specific area of responsibility over a sustained period.
Citations provide an opportunity for distinctive missions, values and priorities in learning and teaching to be recognised beyond the institution, and are awarded for a range of contributions to student learning, both direct and indirect.
| Award | Max no. of awards | Prize money |
|---|---|---|
| Citation: Student Learning | 100 | Nil |
Eligibility criteria
The following eligibility criteria needs to be met to nominate for this national award:
- Open to academic teaching staff and teaching teams (full-time or fractional | continuing, contract or casual).
- Must be a recipient of an institutional Vice-Chancellor Citation for Student Learning/Student Service or Award for Teaching Excellence (or equivalent teaching recognition)
- Able to demonstrate claims through evidence across a range of stakeholders (eg: students, peers, industry), over a sustained period of no less than three (3) years [two (2) years for Early Career]
NOTE:
- Teams – Team nominations can only include members with a contribution of 10 per cent or higher. This means that the maximum number of team members is 10 either from the same institution or collaborating institutions. All members of the team must be employed by an eligible institution.
- Early Career Citations – Nominees with no more than five years’ experience teaching in a higher education institution may apply for an Early Career Citation. The five years can be non-sequential and must be counted on a semester basis. This includes all tutoring and part-time teaching.
- Past recipients – Individual Citation recipients are not eligible for individual Citation renomination within five years of receiving a Citation (i.e., if a recipient in 2016, they are not eligible to reapply until 2021). The nomination should not substantially replicate the original nomination. Previous recipients of Citations are eligible to renominate within five years of receiving the Citation if they form part of a team nomination and are not the lead nominee. The team nomination should not substantially replicate the original nomination. A past recipient of a Teaching or Program Award (including Carrick, ALTC or OLT Award) can only nominate for a Citation if they form part of a team nomination and are not the lead nominee.
Key information
Application: This award includes the following elements:
- Nomination form: Citation nomination form – 4 pages
- Written statement: Claims against assessment criteria – 4 pages
- Team contribution statement (if applicable) - 1 page
- Two letters of reference – 2 pages (one page each)
- Digital photograph
Time commitment: It is anticipated that applicants should allocate between 20 – 30 hours for the development of a quality application.
Step-by-step process
The AAUT Awards outline two phases – nomination registration and submission upload – and staff members engaging in the process as referred to as nominees throughout. These will be referred to as the external phases and timelines. Federation University has developed additional phases and steps to help keep nominees on track. These will be referred to as internal phases and timelines. The following outlines the schedule, steps, resources, expectations and time commitment associated with both internal and external phases of the process.
Preparation phase (May)
The Preparation phase enables school leadership teams, line managers, peers and individual staff to identify potential nominees, determine eligibility and understand the expectations required, prior to submitting an internal Expression of Interest (EOI) form.
Time commitment: It is anticipated that prospective nominees should allocate approximately 2 – 4 hours to explore the information available, determine eligibility, and complete an internal Expression of Interest form.
Schedule:
| Month | Phase | Activities | Lead |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | Preparation | Advertising. AAUT nomination information packs released | UA, CTIQ and Schools |
| Resources: webinars | online resources | online learning modules | Nominees |
Key documents: Download the following documents
- AAUT 2021 Student Learning - Expression of Interest form (pdf, 882kb)
- AAUT 2021 Citation Nomination Instructions (pdf, 361kb)
- AAUT 2021 Student Learning – Criteria mapping tool (docx, 22kb)
Key resources: Engage with the following support resources
- PLM912 Why apply for a national learning and teaching award
- PLM915 Writing a strong teaching award application
Key Steps: This phase consists of the following four (4) steps
- Step 1 – Identifying eligible nominees. Anyone can identify who excels in their role beyond standard practice. This includes School leadership teams, Dean of Learning and Teaching, line managers, peers and self.
- Step 2 – Understanding expectations. It is highly recommended that prospective nominees download the AAUT Citation Nomination Instructions (see Key Documents) that outlines the specific components and expectations, and complete the professional learning module – PLM912 Applying for a national teaching award (see Key Resources) – to ensure a full understanding of the value, eligibility criteria, process and expectations.
- Step 3 – Choosing category and assessment criteria. Nominees are asked to choose ONE category and address ONE of the assessment criteria, as set out in the AAUT Citation Nomination Instructions. To help nominees identify which criteria to choose to address, complete the AAUT Student Learning – Criteria Mapping Tool (see Key Documents) to help determine where your focus could lie given your available evidence:
- Step 4 – Preparing an internal Expression of Interest form. Regardless of how nominees are identified, an endorsement from the School Dean is a requirement for the submission of an internal Expression of Interest. This is to ensure (a) nominees meet the eligibility criteria, and (b) the time commitment required is supported for successful nominees to create a quality application. Download the AAUT 2021 Student Learning Expression of Interest Form (see Key Documents), and engage with PLM915 Writing a strong teaching award application (see Key Resources) for tips and tricks to complete.
Nomination phase (June)
The Nomination phase starts with nominees submitting an internal Expression of Interest, those EOI’s being assessed, and nominees notified if their nomination is sufficient to progress, or is currently not ready. Approved nominees will commence planning for the Application phase.
Time commitment: It is anticipated that eligible nominees should allocate approximately 6 – 10 hours to collate the necessary evidence to support the application phase, and liaise with their allocated mentor(s), and commence the first draft of their application.
Schedule:
| Month | Phase | Activities | Lead |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | Nomination | Expressions of Interest due Monday 31 May 2021 | Nominees |
| Nominees notified of EOI approval/denial on Monday 07 June 2021 | CTIQ | ||
| Eligible nominees collates evidence to support application | Nominees | ||
| Mentor(s) allocated | CTIQ |
Key Resources: Engage with the following support resources
Key Steps: This phase consists of the following four (4) steps
- Step 1: Submit the completed EOI via the submission portal below as per schedule. Internal EOI'sare reviewed by the Dean, Learning and Teaching on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, within two weeks of submission. This is to determine if the nominee meets the eligibility criteria, and has access to sufficient evidence over a sustained period of time to generate a quality application. Approved nominees will be invited to progress to the application phase. Nominees considered not suitable at this time will be provided with feedback for future attempts. All nominees will be notified of approval/denial via email as per schedule above. Approved nominees are encouraged to notify their line managers, and explore any internal provisions available to support the process of creating a quality application.
- Step 2: Collecting evidence. It is highly recommended that approved nominees engage with two professional learning modules (see Key Resources) to explore the range of ways in which to collect and display the evidence required to support a successful application
- Step 3: Allocating mentor(s). Approved nominees are provided with two mentors – one within CTIQ, and another within their academic or professional portfolio. Mentors are allocated depending on expertise to support nominees through the process by providing advice, critical feedback and recommendations for writing a strong award application. Nominees are encouraged to make time to liaise with mentors early to discuss early plans for the application.
- Step 4: Preparing Draft 1. Focus for Draft 1 should be on commencing a draft of the Written Statement using the template (see Application phase: Key Documents) – as set out in the AAUT Citation Nomination Instructions.
Submission Portal: Access the following link for the submission of the EOI
Application phase (July-August)
The Application phase is the process where eligible nominees develop, enhance and refine three draft applications, utilising the feedback received from their allocated mentors.
Time commitment: It is anticipated that eligible nominees should allocate approximately 3 – 4 hours for the development of EACH draft (ie: 9 – 12 hours), and 3 hours collectively to liaise with their mentor(s) to discuss feedback.
Schedule:
| Month | Phase | Activities | Lead |
|---|---|---|---|
| July | Application | Application draft 1 due Monday 28 June 2021 | Nominee |
| Mentor feedback due Monday 12 July 2021 | Mentor(s) | ||
| Application draft 2 due Monday 26 July 2021 | Nominee | ||
| August | Application | Mentor feedback due Monday 09 August 2021 | Mentor(s) |
| Application draft 3 due Monday 23 August 2021 | Nominee |
Key Documents: Download the following documents
- AAUT 2021 Student Learning - Written Statement Evaluation Criteria (docx, 20kb)
- AAUT 2021 Student Learning - Written Statement Template (docx, 39kb)
- Letter of reference template (docx, 736kb)
Key Resources: Engage with the following support resources
The following external resources can also support the development of a quality application
- Tips for completing citation, teaching and program award application (Curtin University) (pdf, 129kb)
- Teaching awards support: Best practice exemplars form NEW/ACT Promoting Excellence Network (pdf, 957kb)
- Tips on writing a successful application (pdf, 193kb)
- The hidden side of a teaching award application (pdf, 506kb)
- Writing an award-winning account of your teaching practice: Tips for writing an award nomination
- Evidence check list for Teaching Awards worksheet
- Characteristics of excellent teaching: Information to assist with your award nomination
- Australian University Teaching Criteria and Standards Framework
Key Steps: This phase consists of the following four (4) steps
- Step 1: Understanding expectations. It is highly recommended that nominees complete the professional learning module PLM915 Writing a strong teaching award application (see Key Resources) to guide the development of a strong application, along with the other resources provided. Consider also the evaluation criteria used by the Awards Panel. Use the AAUT Student Learning Evaluation Criteria (see Key Documents) as a self-evaluation for each draft submission.
- Step 2: Completing and submitting Draft 1. Focus for Draft 1 should be on commencing the Written Statement using the template (see Key Documents) – as set out in the AAUT Citation Nomination Instructions. Submit Draft 2 in the submission portal below as per schedule.
- Step 3: Completing and submitting Draft 2. Allocated mentor(s) will provide written feedback within two weeks of submitting Draft 1, via the Moodle site. Nominees are encouraged to liaise with mentor(s) regarding any questions on the feedback received, or how to use the feedback to enhance the next draft. Nominees are reminded to utilise the external resources list in the Key Resources. Focus for Draft 2 should be on further development of the Written Statement. Submit Draft 2 in the submission portal below as per schedule
- Step 4: Completing and submitting Draft 3. Continue to liaise with allocated mentor(s) around the feedback provided for Draft 2 and utilise the resources outlined in Key Resources. Focus for Draft 3 should be on further development of the Written Statement, and liaising with the two (2) referees for the development of the Letters of Reference using the template (see Key Documents) – as set out in the AAUT Citation Nomination Instructions. Submit Draft 3 in the submission portal below as per schedule
Submission Portal: Access the following link for the submission of all drafts
Submission phase (September)
The Submission phase completes the awards process for nominees, with the final submission of applications mid-month.
Time commitment: It is anticipated that nominees should allocate approximately 3 – 5 hours for the development of the final version of the Written statement, Reference letters and digital photographs, and 2 hours to liaise with their mentor(s) to make any last minute refinements.
Schedule:
| Month | Phase | Activities | Lead |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | Submission | Mentor feedback due Monday 06 September 2021 | Mentor(s) |
| Nominees final internal submission due Monday 13 September 2021 | Nominee | ||
| Applications endorsed by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) due Wednesday 15 September 2021 | DVCA | ||
| Final submissions uploaded to AAUT Awards Portal by Institutional Contact Officer on Friday 17 September 2021 | ICO |
Key Documents: Download the following documents
Key Steps: This phase consists of the following four (4) steps
- Step 1: Finalising the nomination form. Finalise the Citation Nomination Form (see Key Documents) – as set out in the AAUT Citation Nomination Instructions. This document acts as the cover sheet to your application. NOTE: Obtaining signatures from School Deans and the DVCA will be completed by CTIQ .
- Step 2: Finalising the supplementary documents. Finalise the two (2) Letters of Reference from your referees – as set out in the AAUT Citation Nomination Instructions. Liaise with CTIQ Awards Coordinator to arrange the digital photo to accompany your application – as set out in the AAUT Citation Nomination Instructions. And if applicable, complete the 'Team Statement of Contribution' – as set out in the AAUT Citation Nomination Instructions.
- Step 3: Finalising the written statement. Last chance to liaise mentor(s) to seek their guidance and last minute tips for the written statement of claims against the assessment criteria – as set out in the AAUT Citation Nomination Instructions.
- Step 4: Submitting your AAUT Citation application. Use the Citation Nomination Checklist in the AAUT Citation Nomination Instructions to ensure all components of the submission are completed. It is important to remember that the application has strict guidelines on the components to be addressed, page limits and formatting, as set out in the AAUT Citation Nomination Instructions. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this. The full application contains all components, collated as ONE (1) single PDF file, in this order. Incomplete applications will not be assessed. There are NO EXTENSIONS to this date.
Submission Portal: Access the following link to upload the final submission
Further information
Contact Tulsa Andrews on t.andrews@federation.edu.au or phone: +61 3 5327 9654.