Shetland College UHI staff recognised in student awards
Two Shetland College UHI based academics have been recognised in the annual HISA (Highlands and Islands Student Association) Awards. Dr Andrew Jennings has been named as the University of the Highlands and Island’s ‘Best Research or Dissertation Supervisor’ whilst Dr Simon Clarke has been named as ‘Best Assessment Feedback’.
Dr Jennings is the programme leader on the MLitt in island studies within the Centre for Nordic Studies as part of the University of the Highlands and Islands, based at Shetland College UHI. He was nominated for the accolade by students and he was praised for providing valuable feedback and encouragement. One student who nominated him explained “He is just as passionate about the fairly unusual topic as I am and looks forward to reading draft chapters, which is a huge encouragement for me.” Dr Jennings said “It's a great privilege to be chosen for this award by the students. I'm over the moon!"”.
Meanwhile, Dr Clarke is a Senior lecturer in archaeology and section head of Creative and Cultural Industries at Shetland College UHI. He teaches mainly at Higher Education level using videoconferencing and computer mediated teaching to support students on networked programmes throughout the partnership. He was nominated by students who praised him for his essay feedback in particular. In one of the nominations a student said “Very specific and detailed about what was done well and what exactly you need to do in order to improve.” Dr Clarke, who has previously won awards three times, said “It’s wonderful to have this recognition from the student body, I very much appreciate nominations that my students took the time to make. Even teachers need the encouragement of a gold star every now and again!”
Both will be presented with a trophy and certificate to recognise their success. Irene Peterson, Acting Principal at Shetland College UHI, said: “I would like to congratulate Dr Jennings and Dr Clarke for their success in the 2016 HISA Awards. The winners were chosen by the people who matter to us most - our students. Each winner, along with the many other nominees, should be proud of the positive impact they’ve had on learners here in Shetland and throughout the University of the Highlands and Islands Partnership.”
The University of the Highlands and Islands was one of the first UK institutions to introduce student-led teaching awards. The initiative, now in its seventh year, recognises excellence in ten categories, with winners coming from around the university partnership. Other staff and students who have received accolades this year are:
- Best Personal Academic Tutor - Dr Finlo Cotter, SAMS UHI
- Best Class Representative - Scott Anderson, Argyll College UHI
- Best Contribution to Clubs and Societies - Sebastianno Galeppini, North Highland College UHI
- Best Online Tutor - Tara Morrison, Inverness College UHI
- Best Support Staff - Kate Mawby, Lews Castle College UHI
- Most Inspiring Lecturer - Dr John Howe, SAMS UHI
- Best Engagement with Student Voice - Ryan Gow, North Highland College UHI and Dr David Green, SAMS UHI
- Most Engaging Video Conference Lecturer - Anna-Wendy Stevenson, Lews Castle College UHI
Dr Iain Morrison, dean of students at the university, said: “You cannot underestimate the impact of these awards on those who received a nomination, let alone those who actually won a trophy. Our wonderfully diverse teaching and support staff have one main thing in common: a desire to ensure that our students get as much as they can from their time at university. Students are at the heart of what we do and it is incredibly rewarding for our staff to know that what we are doing is having such a positive impact on their lives.”
Luke Humberstone, president of the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association, said: “Great staff change students’ lives. These awards are a fantastic opportunity to put the spotlight on some of our very best lecturing and support staff. The nominations have shown us just how outstanding our staff are and how often they go above and beyond the call of duty. These awards also recognise our fantastic class reps and clubs and societies. Many of our students go out of their way to help their peers and make sure everyone has the best experience they can while at the University of the Highlands and Islands. HISA and our students salute them all!”