The University of Melbourne’s Awards for Excellence Norman Curry Award for Innovation and Excellence in Educational Programs GUIDELINES 2015 Recognising a wide variety of programs and initiatives, all of which demonstrate innovation and
excellence in support of, and service to, teaching and learning. The Norman Curry Award* recognises excellence in programs, demonstrating: distinctiveness, coherence and
clarity of purpose; a positive influence on student learning and student engagement; breadth of impact; and
concern for equity and diversity. The Norman Curry Award is an open category - all programs and initiatives which meet the above definition are
equally eligible. In addition, however, all applications for the Norman Curry Award will also be considered for nomination for the
national awards for excellence conducted by the Office for Learning and Teaching. To assist the Selection Committee in this process, applicants are asked to consider which (if any) of the following categories are appropriate to their program: • Widening participation • Educational partnerships and collaborations with other organisations • The first-year experience • Flexible learning and teaching • Innovation in curricula, learning and teaching • Postgraduate education • Services supporting student learning The Norman Curry Award is open to individuals and teams providing projects or services relating to teaching and learning within any organisational unit of the University. The application of programs involving professional staff members of the University is encouraged, as are programs involving collaboration with partner organisations. The University usually confers one Award annually. The award includes a trophy and a grant of $10,000. An end-of-year award ceremony is held to acknowledge and
celebrate recipients’ success in the various categories of University Awards for Excellence. The grant monies may be used to extend or further develop the project or service for which the Award is given, or to support any project related to the career development of the individuals involved in the program. The
grants monies are paid directly to the relevant University organisation unit, for use by the winners. Eligibility The individuals named in association with the program should be University staff, whether full-time, part-time or sessional. Individuals or teams may apply. It is strongly encouraged that professional staff involved in projects apply for this award. Named individuals should have been employed at the University for at least two years. (Note: while past winners of the Norman Curry Award are not eligible to re-apply, they are strongly encouraged to apply
for the national award nomination). Norman Curry Award for Innovation and Excellence in Educational Programs - GUIDELINES 2015 Page 2 of 4 Application process All applications require endorsement from the relevant Dean of Faculty/Division. Multiple applicants from
faculties are encouraged, in which case Deans are invited to rank applicants. It is noted that while typically only
one award is made, all applicants are considered when the University selects nominations for the national
awards (for which there are additional categories and award types). Selection criteria 1. Distinctiveness, coherence and clarity of purpose Extent to which the program has clear objectives and systematic approaches to coordination,
implementation and evaluation. 2. Influence on student learning and student engagement Extent to which the program targets identified needs and directly or indirectly enhances student
learning, student engagement and/or the overall student experience of higher education. 3. Breadth of impact Extent to which the program has led to widespread benefits for students, staff, the institution, and/or
other institutions, consistent with the purpose of the program. 4. Concern for equity and diversity Extent to which the program promotes and supports equity and inclusiveness by improving access,
participation and outcomes for diverse student groups. All four selection criteria will be given equal consideration by the Selection Committee. The Committee will also
take into consideration contributions made by applicants in key institutional priority areas. Applicants’
achievements in these areas should be included in the written statement under the appropriate criteria. The
institutional priority areas are: •
•
•
•
internationalising the curriculum creating an intercultural education embedding graduate attributes innovation and effectiveness in e-learning In assessing applications, the Selection Committee will take into account: •
evidence of the effectiveness of the program in formal and informal evaluation; •
the degree of creativity, imagination or innovation; and •
evidence of the sustained effectiveness of the program. Norman Curry Award for Innovation and Excellence in Educational Programs - GUIDELINES 2015 Page 3 of 4 The portfolio of documentation for application (essential information for applicants) Applicants prepare a written application, consisting of the following: An application cover sheet, completed by the applicant(s) and signed by the applicant(s) and Dean of Faculty/Division (form available from the CSHE website www.cshe.unimelb.edu.au ). A written statement prepared by the applicant, is a core component of the application. The written statement must include: o A synopsis of 150-200 words and written in the third person. The synopsis should cover a description of the program and its teaching areas, the program’s contribution to student learning and engagement, and the program’s impact on students. o The four selection criteria (see Page 2 of these guidelines), each addressed individually, in the order shown, and with supporting evidence. The written statement, in total, is limited to ten A4 pages (minimum 11 point type in Arial,
Times New Roman or similar font) Two references: o One of these must be from the applicant’s Head of Department or School, or Dean of Faculty. o The second referee may be external to the University, but should be able to comment specifically on the program in consideration for the award. Referees should address the selection criteria (Page 2), from the perspective appropriate to their
position. Each reference is to be a maximum of one A4 page in length (minimum 11 point type in
Arial, Times New Roman or similar font). The references are provided to the applicant for inclusion in their application. Where the application is for a team, the references should apply to the team. A curriculum vitae outlining the applicant’s educational qualifications, career history, University positions, and teaching or related experience. The CV is limited to three A4 pages (minimum 11 point type in Arial, Times New Roman or similar font). Teams may allow one additional page per extra team member i.e., a team of three may have five pages (3+2). Supporting material is optional only, and limited. Selection is based primarily on the written statement addressing the selection criteria, with consideration also given to the references. However, applicants may also include two exemplary
samples of related material supporting their claims against the selection criteria. The relevance of any
such material must be made clear in the written statement. These examples must be readily accessible,
and may be in the form of: a website (URL); media files in accessible format (e.g. .MP3; .MOV); or the
equivalent of up to ten pages of material (in PDF format). Submission of the application Application documentation must be sent directly to the CSHE by the due date (page 4). Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit the complete application electronically, as either a single PDF
(ideally) or individual, named files for the various portfolio components. Print documents, such as references and
the signed application form, should be scanned and saved as PDF. Any documents not available in electronic format may be submitted in print form, and must include a copy of the
application form for the purpose of identification and processing. Norman Curry Award for Innovation and Excellence in Educational Programs - GUIDELINES 2015 Page 4 of 4 Selection process The Selection Committee for all University of Melbourne Awards for Excellence and for nomination for the
national awards is drawn, as appropriate to each particular award. The Selection Committee meets soon after the closing date for submissions. All nominees are contacted
individually and notified of the outcome. SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS FOR 2015
Applications are to be submitted by email by 4pm Friday 27th March 2015* to:
*closing date has been extended from 23rd March
Michelle van Kampen
Professional Development Coordinator
Melbourne Centre for the Study of Higher Education
[email protected]
All applications received will be acknowledged via reply email. All submissions are confidential.
For further information, including the Application Cover Sheet and an ‘honour roll’ of previous recipients of
University of Melbourne Awards for Excellence: http://go.unimelb.edu.au/b2mn
All enquiries, whether from potential nominators, nominees and/or referees, please contact:
Michelle van Kampen
Professional Development Coordinator
Melbourne Centre for the Study of Higher Education
Level 1, 715 Swanston St
University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010 Australia
T: +61 3 9035 4673 E: [email protected]