2006 winners of the VC's Excellence Awards

• Excellence in Teaching
• Excellence in Professional Service
• Excellence in Postgraduate Research Training and Supervision
• Excellence in University Engagement
• Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Excellence in Teaching

Highly Commended - Dr Janice Hall

As a senior lecturer in the School of Education, Dr Janice Hall has researched key issues in contemporary pedagogical approaches to quality learning and teaching, specifically in relation to the education of gifted and talented learners. As the academic partner of Liverpool West Public School, Dr Hall has offered her expertise and knowledge of recent research which has positively impacted on 86 per cent of their teachers and their teaching practice.

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Excellence in Professional Service

Winner - School of Nursing: Clinical Education Unit

The UWS School of Nursing is the largest school of its kind in Australia – accommodating about one eighth of the overall number of Australian undergraduate nursing students. The Clinical Education Unit within the School of Nursing has shown excellence by giving high quality service to its 13 000 annual intake of students. The team’s dedication and management of many complex issues makes them a worthy winner of the 2006 Award for Professional Service.

Highly Commended - Anne Elias

Anne Elias has been acting in the role of Fees Manager for three years. The development of course fees involves analysis of data from other institutions and close dialogue with key internal stakeholders. For international fees, recommendations are then presented in a report of 1600 lines listing all applicable courses. The Fees Report is considered to be of high quality and accuracy, and is an important tool in understanding income generation at UWS.

Commended - Baden Chant

As lead Graphic Designer, Baden Chant has responsibility for the implementation of the University’s visual identity and its application to the myriad items that support UWS business activities and branding. Baden delivers exceptional services with aplomb and intelligence and has received recognition from distinguished independent parties.

Commended - Office of Planning and Quality

The Office of Planning and Quality (OPQ) has developed significantly over the past three years and is a highly professional and responsive group. UWS now has the capacity to use an array of data to inform its decision-making and the framework for quality improvement. Implementation of the Complaints Handling System has ensured timely and equitable complaints resolution, and has been described by external practitioners as 'best practice'. OPQ handled the complex task of coordinating the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) audit in a professional and inclusive manner which has enhanced the support of colleagues across UWS in the AUQA process.

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Excellence in Postgraduate Research Training and Supervision

Highly Commended - Dr Christine Halse

Dr Christine Halse has had 14 student completions since 1998 – a completion rate that exceeds the national average. Her students praise her collaborative research with NSW Department of Education and Training, the Asia Education Foundation and AusAID. Dr Halse’s articulated and structured approach to supervision is reflected in her high student publication rate. With an output that includes 12 books, 12 book chapters, 89 journal articles, and one film, Dr Halse has achieved a publication rate that is notably higher than average.

Highly Commended - CCR Research Training and Supervision Group

The CCR Research Training and Supervision Group has developed a training program which is structured to support the candidates’ progress in a timely manner, and to create an integrated and stimulating higher learning environment which fosters excellent outcomes and experiences. The success of the program is reflected in the increase of student completions since its implementation. Between 2003 and 2005, there were 22 completions, and with nine completions in 2005, this group was responsible for the highest number of completions for any school or centre at UWS.

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Excellence in University Engagement

Winner - Fast Forward Team

The Fast Forward Team has developed an innovative program which aims to provide educational opportunities for disadvantaged students from Greater Western Sydney. 11 schools are now enrolled in the program, while many more seek inclusion. Both UTS and UNSW are now assessing the program for implementation within their respective communities. More importantly, tertiary education is now being viewed as a realistic and viable post school option by more students particularly from low socio economic areas within our region - fulfilling one of our fundamental University engagement objectives at UWS.

Highly Commended - Learning through Community Service

Initiated in 2006, the Learning through Community Service program combines academic credit with community service. With eight project strands, each featuring a different topic of engagement, the unit connects students with diverse communities in Greater Western Sydney. 106 students are now enrolled while the program continues to impact several areas of UWS and its community including the School of Languages and the Maltese community, the School of Communication Arts, the International Office, the Learning Skills Unit, and mature-aged students.

Commended - Associate Professor Deirdre Russell-Bowie

Dr Deirdre Russell-Bowie has developed an excellent creative arts partnership with Banksia Road Primary School. She has demonstrated community leadership in successfully integrating creative arts teaching, research and community service sustained over a number of years. This has resulted in the school winning the 2006 Director General’s Award for Excellence in Creative Arts partnerships with the University and community.

Commended - Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn

The Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn (LLLL) team has developed the Maximising Potential in Macarthur (MPM) Community Engagement Leadership Model which is having an extraordinary impact on the youth in the Macarthur area. Its mission is to enhance regional wellbeing and to maximise the leadership potential of young people. With over 240 coaches and participants trained in leadership development, and an additional 30 UWS students, the MPM youth leadership project is achieving significant outcomes with the 17 high schools they currently work with.

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Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Highly Commended - Dr Diana Whitton

Diana Whitton has been the outstanding faculty advisor for the UWS Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team for the past three years. SIFE is part of a global organisation of universities from various countries participating in the development of students and their communities by encouraging them to work in ‘service learning.’ In 2005, one of her students was selected as the most outstanding student, and in 2006, UWS SIFE was placed second in their league and received the Best Team Sustainability Strategy Award.

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