Twenty-five members of staff were honoured for their outstanding contribution to the learning and teaching experience at Robert Gordon University on Tuesday 22 November by the Students’ Union.

First run in 2010, the ‘I Love My Lecturer’ student-led teaching awards allows students at RGU to comment positively on the role staff play in the learning experience and honour s those members of staff who go above and beyond the normal expectations a student might have to help enrich their life while they attend the university.  The 2011 awards, part funded by the Higher Education Academy and NUS Scotland, surpassed the inaugural scheme and yielded more than twice as many nominations.

The quality of nominations received in the 2011 awards was outstanding, and there were at least 3 members of staff nominated from each School across the University, indicating that the excellent teaching standards are widespread throughout the institution, regardless of the nature of the course being taught.

The comments received outlined the ways in which members of the academic staff had made a significant difference to the student experience and highlight the key skills and attributes students appreciate from the lecturers – they want lecturers who are compassionate, enthusiastic, accessible, personable and supportive.

After lengthy deliberations the awards panel whittled the list of nominees down to a shortlist of members of staff who satisfied the key skills and attributes that students had highlighted they appreciated.  This shortlist led to a total of 15 full award winners, with a further 10 receiving a Recognition award for their hard work and dedication to enhancing students’ lives.

The Students’ Union will be running the scheme again in 2011/12 and more information can be found at www.rguunion.co.uk/union/campaigns/lovemylecturer