Student Experience Excellence Award Finalists
Recognises and celebrates the outstanding contribution individuals or teams have made to enhance the quality of the student experience beyond the formal teaching environment.
Individual: Debra Donnelly
College of Human and Social Futures
Dr Debra Donnelly is committed to improving student experiences, developing graduate outcomes, and preparing students for work integrated learning, particularly those impacting our most vulnerable students. She conceptualised and implemented the 'Teach Ready Program' in the School of Education. It involves a triage approach to address the needs of students at risk of not meeting teacher professional standards or students who want additional support and practicum preparation. The successful multi-faceted approach to supporting education students involves simulation and psychological support.
Individual: Hugh Gordon
Academic Division
For more than thirty years, Hugh Gordon has shown an exemplary commitment to the student experience through his enthusiastic approach to nurturing and mentoring student performers. Hugh provides students with support and opportunities to add to the vibrancy of the University’s campuses while gaining real work experiences. Hugh’s supportive and collaborative approach is regarded highly by the many students he works with and colleagues across the University.
Team: Alison Hillier, Andrew Steinbeck, Claire Pemberton, Emma Joel, Fran Baker, Jennifer Goh, Kylie Clarkson, Michael Paver , Nicole Gammie, Ruth Cameron , Sally Turbitt, Tracey Cox, Tracy Whitby , Zoe Mathers , Karla Brandstater Angus Hunt , Christy Farr-Forrest, Emma Drake, Hayden Russell, Keely Godwin, Rebecca Partridge, Sarah Jenkinson
SOS (Successful Online Study)
The Successful Online Study (SOS) team brought together staff from ITS, Library and Academic Learning Support to deliver ten online sessions for students in Semester 2. The program responded to students’ requests for support and connection. Sessions covered online study strategies, accessing support from home, online reading and note-making, connecting with other students and valuable IT tools and apps for study. The sessions provided a vital mechanism for students to remain connected to the University of Newcastle. Student participants valued the support offered in one "place” from the three contributing units.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.