Academic Awards

For personal tutors who have gone above and beyond in helping their tutees to grow as people. They might have helped you to realise your academic strengths, or encouraged you to recognise your areas for improvement. They might have supported you in accessing academic and non-academic services, helped with choosing a module or placement, or offered advice for career and personal development.

Good feedback does not just show you what you did right or wrong. It gives pointers that make it clear how to improve, encourages you to reflect, and motivates you to do even better next time. This can be done in all sorts of engaging ways.

For Aston staff who excel in some or all of the following areas:

• Providing clear and detailed feedback that is easy to understand.
• Using innovative methods to keep feedback engaging.
• Giving students a clear picture of what needs to be done to improve.

Used well, technology makes work more interactive and more like the world of work, and helps widen participation by letting students take part wherever they are. This award is for a lecturer, supervisor, tutor or teaching assistant who has championed the combination of pedagogy and technology to encourage interactive, engaging learning. For Aston staff who excel in some or all of the following areas:

• Using technology and ICT in an innovative way to make teaching more engaging.
• Using technology to encourage participation and reflection from diverse groups of students.

Does your lecturer's passion for their subject come across in their teaching? Do they make you eager to challenge yourself and learn more, push you to debate your ideas, or simply make their content come alive? For Aston staff who excel in some or all of the following areas:

• Putting student engagement and interaction at the heart of their teaching.
• Using innovative teaching approaches to keep students engaged and interested.

If you are working on an extended research or practical project, your supervisor can offer valuable insight that makes your work stand out. An outstanding supervisor might direct you to literature you have not considered, encourage you to critically examine your methodology and research questions, and keep you motivated, even when you reach 'dissertation hell' and are tempted to give in.

Aston needs more than lecturers to be the outstanding institution that it is. Hundreds of staff work behind the scenes to keep your timetables correct, your computers working, and your library well stocked, and to help when something goes wrong. If a member of staff in this kind of role has gone out of their way for you, or consistently provides an excellent service, nominate them for this award.

For a lecturer, supervisor, tutor or teaching assistant who has provided you with the excellent learning resources you need to support your learning. Staff from other eligible departments include, but are not limited to, Library Services and e-Learning.

For that hard-working member of staff tucked away behind the scenes, almost unnoticed, but whose work has a real impact on the quality of your life at Aston. Staff from eligible departments include, but are not limited to, Library Services, Faculty Staff, Administrative staff, and Estates and Facilities.

For an exceptional staff member who has led environmental and social change at Aston by building sustainability into their curriculum. They have helped students understand the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and embedded sustainability into departmental and faculty functions. For example, making events sustainable, creating a sustainability business plan, making departments paperless, ensuring labs are efficient, or enhancing green space across the institution.

For Student Representatives who have done outstanding work this year, regularly going the extra mile so their coursemates know where to go with feedback, following up on action points, and closing the feedback loop so students know they have been heard. They attend as many relevant meetings as they can and show commitment to their role throughout the year.

For Student Representatives who have worked together to effect change, enhancing the student experience for themselves and their fellow students. The team could be a whole Staff-Student Committee representative team, or as few as two Student Reps who worked together to make a change at the university.

For Student Representatives who have had a significant win as a result of their work. If you know a Rep who identified an issue, built support and pushed for change, resulting in a positive change to students' academic experience, then nominate them for this award.

Given to a student rep who is consistently involved and keeps up steady communication with both the SU and their cohort. This could be someone who regularly asks for your feedback in person or online. The award recognises the reps who are always willing to get involved and raise concerns.

For a Student Rep who would qualify for all four of the awards above.

This award is for Aston London students only. Please ensure that only Aston London students are nominated in this category.

Recognises an exceptional Aston London Student Rep who has gone above and beyond in representing and supporting their community. They have shown outstanding commitment to enhancing the academic and social experience of Aston London students through proactive communication, meaningful engagement, and strong advocacy. They listen to student concerns, collaborate well with staff, and work to implement positive changes for their peers.

For School Reps only.

For someone who is a beacon of leadership and takes initiative to organise impactful events that enhance the institution's image. With strong communication skills, they advocate for student interests, excel in teamwork, and bring innovative ideas to improve the student experience. They foster community, uphold ethical standards, and show adaptability and resilience, positively influencing student life, academic experience, and campus culture.

For School Reps only.

For a school rep who stands out as a true leader, going above and beyond their core responsibilities. They take initiative to organise impactful events and campaigns that elevate the institution's reputation while building a strong sense of community. With excellent communication and an innovative approach, they advocate for student needs, create positive change, and foster collaboration, making them a role model for others in leadership and representation.

Recognises a school rep or student rep who has gone above and beyond in supporting fellow reps or students in their school. They show a genuine commitment to helping others by offering guidance, sharing resources, and creating a collaborative, supportive environment. Approachable and empathetic, they work to ensure their peers feel heard and empowered, making a significant positive impact on their school community.

Celebrates a student or school rep who has played a key role in fostering a strong sense of community within their course or school. They have organised events, facilitated discussions, or implemented initiatives that bring students together, creating an inclusive and supportive environment, and showing exceptional leadership, collaboration, and dedication to building connections.

For an academic society that has significantly contributed to enhancing your academic journey. The nominated society should show exceptional engagement with students by organising activities that creatively combine academics with fun, career development, and social engagement. Whether through insightful events, networking opportunities, or a supportive environment, this society has made a lasting impact on its members' university experience.