“Student Education and Experience Professor Jeff Grabill said: “This is one of the signature events at the University of Leeds for two special reasons. One is Leeds has a partnership, which is a deep relationship between its students and staff, and a commitment to work together to make the student experience the best in the UK. And, of course, the second is we celebrate it!
This is one of the most spectacular events of student-staff collaboration I’ve ever experienced in my academic career. The stories we heard of staff making a huge impact on the student experience, wellbeing and outcomes, and of students changing the lives of staff because of their collaboration, were extraordinary. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees – you were brilliant!” – Pro-Vice- Chancellor
“Tonight is a chance to celebrate the achievements of colleagues and students who work tirelessly to support our community, and truly live our values of collaboration, compassion, inclusivity and integrity.
The judging panel has had the challenging task of deciding on tonight’s shortlist, which includes nominees from a huge variety of our schools and cross-institutional departments. We are very lucky to have such a talented and dedicated community all working to make a difference and make campus the very best it can be. Please accept my sincere congratulations to everyone involved.” – Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Shearer West
Equality and Inclusion Award
Nominees in this category should encapsulate the University of Leeds’ and LUU’s values that everyone, regardless of background, should feel like they belong within our University community. This may be in either their everyday work, or through special initiatives.
Winners: Dr. Maria Hussain and Nick Budden
Feedback and Assessment Award
Nominees in this category should use assessment and feedback to support and facilitate learning. Their approach will enhance the overall student experience and encourage students to become reflective learners. They will create assessment and feedback opportunities for students which are fair, inclusive and authentic.
Winner: Adam Baker
Mentorship Award
This category recognises those who have guided, supported, encouraged and nurtured others to develop their skills and prospects for the future, helping them to grow and progress, either personally or in their learning.
Winners: The Head of School Team – Karen Throsby; Mark Davis and Hannah Morgan
Wellbeing Award
Nominees in this category should demonstrate a commitment to wellbeing on campus through their everyday work, or special initiatives. Nominations should explain the impact of the work, and the scale of those who benefit.
Winners: Amy Merchant & Becky Williams- White and Lauren Royall
Innovation Award
This category recognises innovative methods and approaches to engage and excite others, or solve problems. This could be in relation to teaching methods, support services, engagement techniques or other initiatives.
Winner: Freddie Bujko
Global Impact Award
This category celebrates members of our community who work with a global focus. Nominations will recognise individuals, groups or initiatives which have actively engaged in the promotion and maintenance of international or intercultural activities, education, or competence.
Winners: FBS Global Community and Gryphons Abroad 2024
Academic Personal Tutor of the Year
This category recognises exceptional Personal Tutors, and dissertation, thesis or final year Project Supervisors who, through their passion and leadership, promote academic engagement, leadership, guidance and a sense of belonging.
Winner: Clare Mawson
Professional Services Staff Member or Team of the Year
New for 2024, this award recognises the contributions to our University from any staff member who does not teach. This includes, but is not limited to, colleagues in the Student Education Service, Campus Services, Leeds University Union, Libraries, Careers, Technicians or any other staff member. Nominees should demonstrate a commitment to supporting students, and/or bettering the University community.
Winners: FSN Admin Team and Lucy Thacker
Teacher or Supervisor of the Year
This category will recognise the individual or group who continually inspire students, using their passion and dedication for a subject area to inspire others to continually develop their thinking and academic skills.
Winner: Mohsen Besharat
Student Academic Rep of the Year
Nominees for this category should have actively worked in partnership with others to secure positive, student-led change that makes a real difference to students.
Winner: Navin Jacob Thomas
Postgraduate Researcher of the Year
This award recognises any registered Leeds postgraduate researcher (PGR) who, while undertaking their own research, makes a significant impact on our learning/research community, or the wider world.
Winner: Elizabeth Bourgeois
Student of the Year
This award recognises a student, or student group, who have made a significant impact at Leeds during their studies. This could be through academic excellence, their contribution to co-curricular activities, or enhancing the learning experience or sense of belonging for their peers.
Winner: Nicola Omar Ali
Student-Staff Partnership of the Year
This award will celebrate meaningful changes developed as the outcome of a partnership between students and staff. This could include, but is not limited to, co-created initiatives in student education, work around engaging student communities, or collaborative efforts on wellbeing, equality and diversity.
Winner: School of Healthcare Student and Staff Partnership Forum
Contribution to Student Experience Award
This award recognises any person or group, either student or staff, who has made an exceptional improvement to opportunities or experiences for students. This may include; staff who have developed new methods to support and communicate with students; excellent opportunities linked to student success; support schemes, activities or campaigns to help students love their time at Leeds; activities to foster a sense of belonging in Leeds; or innovative ways to enhance the student learning experience. In short, the Contribution to Student Experience Award recognises that which makes our campus so special!
Winners: Jemma Stern and Siona Parashar
Apprentice of the Year
This award recognises an apprentice who has made a significant impact at Leeds during their studies. This could be through academic excellence, their contribution to co-curricular activities, or enhancing the learning experience or sense of belonging for their peers.
Winners: Alastair Wood and Louise Walker
Special Recognition- Staff
Winner: Tess Hornsby Smith
Special Recognition- Student
Winner: Annika Nair
The Overall Partnership Award
This Award cannot be nominated to directly and is decided upon at the discretion of the shortlisting panel. It is given to the person or people whose work embodies the ethos of the Leeds Partnership and has an exceptional impact on our community. Often this will be a person, group, or School that has been nominated broadly, or particularly active on a specific issue.
Winner: Suzanne Monks
