UTS Law Professor Sally Varnham has received one of four National Teaching Fellowships awarded across Australia.
Titled ‘Creating a National Framework for Student Partnership in University Decision-Making and Governance’, Professor Varnham’s fellowship will produce a framework for student partnership in university decision-making and governance.
The Fellowships program, an initiative of the Office for Teaching and Learning, aims to advance learning and teaching in higher education, primarily by assisting educators to “undertake strategic, high-profile activities in areas of importance to the sector”.
The OLT website describes Fellowships as “prestigious acknowledgements of individuals’ expertise and influence”. As such, selection is primarily based on individuals’ demonstrated leadership capacity – allowing them further opportunity to develop their knowledge of the national higher education environment, as well practising their leadership skills in the area.
Professor Varnham’s Fellowship builds on interest generated by the OLT Strategic Priority project, ‘Student Engagement in university decision-making and governance: towards a more systemic approach’.
She said research for the project had demonstrated that student partnership through engagement is “firmly embedded in higher education sectors in the UK, Europe and New Zealand”.
“There is now much evidence showing clear benefits for universities and their students in enhancing the quality of learning and teaching and the educational experience of students,” Professor Varnham said. “Where universities show a commitment to – and respect for – student voice, a culture or ethos of partnership evolves.”
The Fellowship aims to successfully implement a set of principles for student partnership in the decision-making process and governance of Australian universities.
It will be informed by collaborations with a number of stakeholders; including student leaders, student engagement staff, senior academics, Vice Chancellors and policy makers.
“Most importantly, engagement with decision-making and governance in universities may help students to develop the fundamental skills of leadership, critical and innovative thinking and citizenship,” Professor Varnham said.
“The outcomes from this Fellowship will contribute to the maintenance of Australia’s international reputation as a provider of high quality university education.”
Story by: Tess Gibney
Photo: Professor Sally Varnham
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