Congratulations to the School of Education’s Commencing Student Success Project (CSSP) team, which is the recipient for this year’s Vice-Chancellor Citation for Education Excellence. Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Moran made the announcement at UNE’s Learning and Teaching Symposium held on July 22, 2024.

The CSSP team has supported School of Education Unit Coordinators to address issues with attrition and improve retention for UNE’s students who are typically female, mature-age and study online.  The project has been recognised as providing a foundation for elements used in Project Uplift.

As the Vice-Chancellor Citation recipient, the CSSP team has proven exemplary work across four areas:  positive impacts on overall student experience; recognition from colleagues, the institution and the broader community; showing creativity and innovation; and drawing on scholarly literature to inform development of the program.

The Vice-Chancellor Citation for Education Excellence is the highest level of education award given at UNE and recognises UNE’s exceptional educators. Those who receive a Vice-Chancellor Citation have clearly demonstrated an outstanding contribution to student learning through their dedication to quality education.

Many thanks to all colleagues across the university who have supported the processes involved in mentoring and assessing Citation nominees.

CSSP team: Associate Professor Ingrid Harrington, Associate Professor Rachael Adlington, Dr Cat Volpe Johnston, Dr Kristy O’Neill, Mr Stephen Grono, Mr Marc Mellors, Mr Tim Bartlett-Taylor and Dr Robert Whannel.