Inspiring Excellence Awards
Recognises and celebrates a University Academic and Professional staff member for outstanding contributions as a mentor, involving: a record of effective mentoring, exceptional skills in the provision of support and the sharing of knowledge and respect for the development of colleagues as individuals.
The Inspiring Excellence Award is awarded under two categories:
Academic Inspiring Excellence Award
Awarded to an academic staff member who has provided dedicated and valuable support as a mentor, to help foster and develop the careers of other academics.
The nominee must have displayed outstanding passion and commitment in mentoring professionals at a level above and beyond normal job requirements and expectations, and for mentoring staff outside of their direct reporting line.
The successful recipient will demonstrate dedication and excellence in two or more of the following:
- A sustained record of effective mentoring
- Exceptional skills in the provision of support and the sharing of knowledge
- Generously sharing their valuable expertise and time
- Positively and respectfully supporting colleagues in development of their confidence, skills and/or knowledge
- Guiding their mentee(s) towards achievement of specific goals on their path to excellence in research, teaching and/or engagement
Nominations should identify which of the above criteria is being addressed and should define the performance of the nominated mentor in relation to the criteria, up to a maximum of 500 words. Nominations should also include examples which indicate how the mentor has had a sustained impact on a mentee’s career, locally, nationally and/or globally.
Nominations must be submitted by a mentee of the staff member being nominated, and that mentee must be a current University staff member. Only one mentee reference is required, however nominations including references from multiple mentees are strongly encouraged. Nominations will also be strengthened if the mentor is currently part of one of the University’s formal mentoring programs, such as Research Advantage or the Academic Mentoring Program.
Note that excellence in mentoring and supervising PhD or HDR students is recognised within the Research Excellence award.
Professional Staff Inspiring Excellence Award
Awarded to a professional staff member who has provided dedicated and valuable support as a mentor, to help foster and develop the careers of other staff members.
The nominee must have displayed outstanding passion and commitment in mentoring professionals at a level above and beyond normal job requirements and expectations, and for mentoring staff outside of their direct reporting line.
The successful recipient will demonstrate dedication and excellence in two or more of the following:
- Demonstrates commitment to mentoring professional staff and acts as a positive role model, developing trust and respect with the mentee
- Assists with a plan to guide the mentee’s future career path, including defining the purpose of the mentoring and the development of any career goals
- Facilitates the process of a mentee in acquiring the skills and resources needed to succeed as a professional who is making a significant contribution to The University of Newcastle. This may include developing focus areas such as improving effective communication, dealing with workplace challenges, organising work/life balance, increasing self-confidence and gaining leadership skills.
- Acts as a good sounding board and advisor to mentees to improve networks, remove barriers to career development, navigate difficult situations in the workplace such as managing conflict, and addressing social inclusion barriers such as diversity and equity.
Nominations should identify which of the above criteria is being addressed and should define the performance of the nominated mentor in relation to the criteria, up to a maximum of 500 words. Nominations should also include examples which indicate how the mentor has had a sustained impact on a mentee’s career, locally, nationally and/or globally.
Nominations must be submitted by a mentee of the staff member being nominated, and that mentee must be a current University staff member. Only one mentee reference is required, however nominations including references from multiple mentees are strongly encouraged. Nominations will also be strengthened if the mentor is currently part of one of the University’s formal mentoring programs, such as the Professional Staff Mentoring Program.
Excellence Awards
Inspiring Excellence Awards
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.