https://www.upsu.com/news/article/upsu/UPSU-SSTAR-Awards-2021/
The SSTAR Awards stands for Student Staff Teaching and Representation Awards. They are the chance for students and staff to show their appreciation for someone who has made a difference to their University experience this year. This could be a caring personal tutor, an engaged course rep, an inspiring lecturer or an individual who champions equality and diversity.
Why is it important?
This year more than ever it’s important for us to recognise those individuals who went above and beyond in their role to support students. We know that the year has not been easy for anyone, but we want to highlight the people who went out of their way to make it better for others.
These awards are incredibly powerful, whether your nominee wins or not, your words can mean so much to that person. Because knowing you have made a difference for at least one person can really mean the world.
– Emi Dowse – VP Education 2020/21
Here is what the nominators said:
“Chris is the sort of Programme Leader that makes teaching look easy. While it has been no easy year at all, the organisation and communication that Chris has given to the student body and course has been so clear and well structured that you’d almost forget we’re in a pandemic.”
Anon...
“From the get-go, Chris makes it seem like all his attention is solely on our course and year, but having had him over several years, I know he exhibits the same individualism and attention to all years. This makes a huge impact on the student body, his enthusiasm and dedication to the subject and teaching means we (the students) also want to engage and do the best we can within modules our modules and in university life too.”
Anon...
“We have some exceptional lectures on our programme that go out of their way to make sure we are well informed and supported but Chris has used his experience of being an alumni student on our course to tailor teaching to the level and style that he knows excites us and encourages us to do our best.”
Anon...
“This year I became a course rep to be a part of the student feedback process. Chris involves us (the course reps) at every opportunity to help guide the programme and to ensure there is support available for all students in the best way possible. As such, he has leaned on us to gather the student opinion and see where he can help out. Just some results of this that Chris has proactively setup are weekly social sessions and breakfast clubs. Due to the nature of our courses and our personalities, it can be all to easy for us to become our own form of socially isolated and so, offering a platform for simple social interactions makes a huge impact to those of us who need it.”
Anon...
“There is no doubt from the student body that Chris is a great lecturer, but on a personal note, with the enthusiasm and understanding in his teaching style and support, I have personally become a lot more confident and proud in the work I submit. As a result, I am have been successful in landing a role that is a door opener to my dream job. It’s for this reason I am nominating Chris for Programme Leader of the Year. With his enthusiastic, resilient and determined approach, he has made our years of uni, the most valuable they could be, both in terms of educational quality and in personal development.”
Anon...
“Chris has been one of the best lectures I have ever come across in my 4 years at Plymouth, he is patient, kind, always willing to help you and support you. He’s constantly going out of his way for others and everyone that comes across Chris always leaves with a smile on their face. He is the best thing to happen to digital media design and deserves this award.”
Anon...
“Chris has been a brilliant programme leader. He has had to step up to this role and he has really grabbed the bull by the horns. He always has time for students and is always very supportive. I have had some home issues this year and Chris has been so understanding and kind it has been really helpful. I am very grateful for the way Chris has managed the course this year and really feel he deserves this award especially considering the current situation of the World!”
Anon...
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