Award criteria
Nominees must demonstrate excellence in one of the following (max 500 words):
- Inclusive Teaching and Learning: Development of teaching practices, curricula or learning experiences that foster equity, diversity, accessibility, inclusion and belonging for a diverse range of students.
- Community Engagement and Partnerships: Building meaningful partnerships with communities to advance equity, diversity, accessibility, inclusion and belonging, delivering positive outcomes for University priority groups.
- Inclusive Practices and Services: Development or implementation of inclusive and accessible policies, programs, services, systems or initiatives that strengthen equitable access, participation, representation, success or belonging for staff and/or students.
- Leadership, Advocacy and Culture: Demonstrating leadership that fosters inclusive, respectful and accessible cultures through behaviours, advocacy, allyship, capability building, collaboration or role modelling.
- Accessibility and Barrier Reduction: Advancing accessibility by identifying and removing physical, digital, systemic, communication or attitudinal barriers that enable equitable participation across teaching, research, services and campus life.
- Innovation and Systemic Change: Leading or influencing innovative approaches that address structural barriers and create more equitable opportunities and outcomes for underrepresented groups.
Applicants are encouraged to consider how their nomination contributes to one or more of the University's identified equity cohorts as outlined in the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
For examples of previous finalists and the types of initiatives recognised through this award, applicants are encouraged to view last year’s Excellence Awards Finalists.
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.