Conference theme: Transition and Adjustment

Title: Recognising excellence when we see it: Early steps in the development of an institutional award

Cath Fraser and Lin Ayo

Abstract:

The changing need of higher education to interface more effectively with new students has been widely documented, as has the rising awareness of those attributes which most benefit graduates seeking employment (Unitec, 1999; Victoria University, 2000). The perception of what constitutes a quality graduate has been clearly identified by those employing graduates and a quality graduate ‘profile’ is increasingly being recognised as critical to post-graduation success by students and tertiary providers. The challenge for a small, regional institution is how to realistically promote such attributes to first year students, so that these become adopted and assimilated as part of the total academic enculturation process.

This paper describes the initial phases of an exploration to identify the most appropriate instrument to showcase these attributes. Similar programmes and awards offered internationally in higher education are reviewed, as well as including an analysis of related needs and benefits. An early indication is that the introduction of a well-publicised, open-entry, cross-curricula award recognising excellence, would allow us to promote the qualities associated with long term success in the workplace to the student body.

The proposed award would be piloted in 2003, with on-going monitoring of emergent themes, and further reflection and analysis discussed at a later date.

Full paper