Program that assists at risk students receives award

A USQ program that helps ensure that at risk students have the support to succeed at university has been recognised with a Darling Downs Australian College of Educators (ACE) Award.

The ACE Awards recognise outstanding contributions to education, innovative projects and excellence in mentoring pre-service educators.

First Year Infusion Program co-ordinators Dr Robyn Henderson and Dr Karen Noble from the Faculty of Education were recognised with an Excellence in Teaching Award for their initiative, which since its inception in 2007 has had astounding success.

'The program is completely voluntary and for self identifying students who are having problems coping at university,' Dr Noble said.

'Both social and academic support is given to them by staff, which could include things such as sessions on writing essays and breaking down questions; it is very responsive to the students' needs.

'We were analysing the program the other day and the success has been overwhelming with the 20 students we have helped so far yet to fail one of the 288 subjects that they have studied.

'In many cases their grades are significantly higher.'

The Awards, which were presented in Toowoomba last week, were especially significant according to Dr Noble as the winners were decided upon by her colleagues.

'The ACE is a council of educators from across all bodies, so to win an award is by peer recognition.

'I was very happy about winning the award as it gives the program some recognition outside the University.'

Faculty of Education Dean Professor Nita Temmerman congratulated the award winners and noted the great support shown by staff.

'It was a very special evening for the Faculty and I congratulate both Robyn and Karen on their success,' Professor Temmerman said.

'A mention must also go to the academic and professional Faculty and Learning support staff who attended the event to support such worthy winners.'

The Annual ACE Dinner and Awards Celebration brought educators from across the Darling Downs together and recognised local achievers from across the region.

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2559