Educators from Australian higher education institutions (HEIs) have developed a new guide to help applicants from Australia apply for Fellowship awarded by Advance HE and using the Professional Standards Framework.
The guide provides details of interpreting the Dimensions of the Professional Standards Framework in an Australian context, with references to appropriate legislation and regulations. In particular, the guide looks at how Fellowship applicants can consider the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and reflect on how this shapes the learning environment within higher education in Australia.
Led by Professor Abby Cathcart from Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and with contributions from eight staff from five other universities, the guide has been developed based on their experience of supporting Australian Fellowship applicants. The guide was reviewed and endorsed by the Australasian Accredited Program Leader Network in July 2020, and by Advance HE’s Australasian Strategic Advisory Board – which includes representatives of all its 28 members in Australasia – in October 2020.
Kathryn Harrison-Graves, Director of Membership and Accreditation at Advance HE, said, “I am really grateful to the team for developing this guide. Advance HE is committed to supporting staff in HE around the world to engage with Fellowship, and this provides a helpful context for those in Australian HEIs.
“Over 3,500 staff in Australia currently hold a category of Fellowship, and I hope this guide will support more staff to gain recognition for their work.”
I am delighted that this guide is being launched. It will provide a helpful gateway for Australian staff to engage with the Professional Standards Framework and to apply for recognition for the important work they are doing.”Professor Kylie Readman, Chair of ASAB and PVC Teaching and Learning at Murdoch University
Australian universities are committed to advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation and success in higher education.
"The guide to applicants in an Australian context is an important resource for educators to use in reflecting on their practice and evidencing their commitment to transformative change.
"Ensuring that our unique context and Aboriginal and Torres Strait perspectives are made explicit in the guide is crucial in supporting the fast growing Australian membership of Advance HE.”Professor Gary Thomas, Dean Indigenous Education and Engagement at University of the Sunshine Coast
Authors in this guide were: Professor Abby Cathcart (QUT), with contributions from Prof Peter Anderson (QUT), Dr Lisa J Cary (Curtin), Ms Bev Councillor (Curtin), Dr Vanessa Fredericks (Australian Catholic University), A/Prof Dominique Greer (QUT), Dr Paula Myatt (Griffith), A/Prof Barbie Panther (Deakin) and Dr Sherre Roy (CQUniversity).
Download Guide to PSF for applicants in an Australian context
Fellowship demonstrates a personal and institutional commitment to professionalism in learning and teaching in higher education. Across four categories, from Associate to Principal, Fellowship provides individuals with recognition of their practice, impact and leadership of teaching and learning. Find out more