ASPIRE and PCAP Fellowships and Awards: A Record Year

A record number of University of Exeter staff were awarded Fellowships of the Higher Education Academy in 2012. This recognition of colleagues’ excellence in relation to teaching and/or supporting students’ learning was the cause of some well deserved celebration at an awards event on 13th February, supported by VC Sir Steve Smith and other members of VCEG.  A similar event took place in Cornwall on the 8th March.

The highest ever number of staff (55) gained their Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PCAP) in 2012. This research-informed programme, delivered jointly by the Graduate School of Education and Academic Development, enables participants to explore themes and issues with colleagues before identifying aspects of their own practice to develop and write up. Successful completion leads directly to a Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.

In addition to the PCAP successes, 76 experienced members of staff have been recognised as making a significant contribution to teaching and learning at the University through the University’s sector-leading ASPIRE Fellowship Scheme. The Scheme has awarded ASPIRE and HEA Fellowships at all four levels of the UK Professional Standards Framework - Associate Fellowship (6), Fellowship (31), Senior Fellowship (34) and Principal Fellowship (5) – to staff on all three campuses and in all six Colleges.

Gaining HEA Fellowship through the ASPIRE Scheme has proved a very positive experience for participants. As one successful colleague put it, the Fellowship award and the detailed feedback from ASPIRE assessment panels provide ‘genuine recognition for the work that often goes unnoticed’.
If you’re thinking of applying for a Fellowship through Exeter’s ASPIRE Scheme, do consider joining one of the ASPIRE seminars or contact the ASPIRE Team on aspire@exeter.ac.uk. You can also follow all things ASPIRE on twitter #ASPIREexeter.