University of Bolton lecturers top of class as voted by students

Lecturers and staff at the University of Bolton were honoured at a special awards ceremony – organised and judged by students. The Student Led Teaching Awards trophies were handed out to those who had inspired and supported the students academically and personally during their time at the university. It is the second year running that the awards, organised by the Students’ Union (SU), in conjunction with the university, have been held.

Students nominated staff members, student representatives and societies, as well as lecturers. Stacey Johnson, SU president, said: “It is a fantastic way to mark the end of the academic year, as well as the hard work of all staff and students involved.” The Teaching Awards were held in the Social Learning Zone and around 80 students, SU and university staff attended. Fourteen awards were presented, along with three President’s Awards presented by Stacey as a way to recognise staff members who have supported the SU throughout the year. The university’s Caretaking Team, Media Support Officer Jim Burns and Bolton SU Interim General Manager Janet Galligan were all acknowledged in that category. Awards presenters included the university’s Assistant Vice Chancellor Bill Webster, Head of Careers and Employability Julie Bateman, Director of Student Life Dr Emily McIntosh, from each academic school and SU staff. Winners received a personalised trophy. Stacey said: “I must say a huge congratulations to all the winners and those shortlisted. “Each fully deserves the recognition and reward for their excellent contribution to the student experience and teaching excellence at the University of Bolton. “Everything these staff members and students do – through teaching, providing support, representing their fellow students or building a community through a society – is recognised and appreciated.” The event celebrates those nominated and the overall winners from the 2017/18 Student-Led Teaching Awards and the University of Bolton TIRI (Teaching Intensive, Research Informed) Teaching Award Scheme. The TIRI Teaching Award Scheme (TTAS) is an internal reward and recognition initiative which celebrates staff achievement and the excellent contribution they make to the student experience through learning and teaching. Bill Webster, Assistant Vice-Chancellor of the university, who attended the ceremony and presented an award, said he was delighted to see the hard work of staff and students recognised. He added: “These awards are important because those shortlisted and the winners are nominated by students, the people who are most qualified to judge the positive impact our teaching staff have on them. “It is vital to us that the student experience is as satisfying as possible and this has been recognised, as we are number one in Greater Manchester for student satisfaction. These awards demonstrate the excellent relationship between students and teaching staff at the University of Bolton.”

WINNERS • Society of the Year: Games Society – Chair, Sam Mills • Outstanding Lecturer, School of Creative Technologies: Richard McEvoy-Crompton – Senior Lecturer/Programme Leader, Special Effects for Film & Television • Employability Enhancement Award: Emma Donohue – Bolton Award Project Officer • Outstanding Supervisor: Dr Gill Allen – Associate Teaching Professor, School of Education and Psychology • Outstanding Lecturer, Bolton School of the Arts: Jim Williams – Senior Lecturer and Events & Employability Co-ordinator • Best Support Staff: Tom Halligan – Community Engagement Co-ordinator • Outstanding Student Representative: Kimberly Kelly – Nursing Associate Student • Exceptional personal tutor: Wendy Bateman – Lecturer – School of Health and Human Sciences • Outstanding Lecturer, Bolton Business School: Sally Sun • Outstanding Lecturer, School of Education and Psychology: Prof. Jerome Carson – Professor of Psychology • Outstanding Lecturer, School of Engineering: Brian Williamson – Lecturer – Statistics • Outstanding Lecturer, School of Health and Human Sciences: Cat Rylance – Lecturer – Health To see a full list of SLTA winners, visit boltonsu.com/slta