Students who make a contribution to University life beyond their academic achievements are to be recognised at a special awards ceremony at the University of Aberdeen.
Professor Peter McGeorge, Vice-Principal (Learning & Teaching), will present STAR (Students Taking Active Roles) Award certificates to students who successfully completed the scheme last academic year.
The STAR Award scheme will be launched again for 2011/12 by the University’s Careers Service, Students’ Association and Student Centre on Tuesday 18 October to help students recognise and articulate their acquisition of transferable skills from their co-curricular activities and achievements. The STAR Award Ceremony & Information Session will take place in the Arts Lecture Theatre (William Guild Building) at 5.00pm
Students who successfully complete the STAR Award will receive a University endorsed certificate to acknowledge their non-academic achievements, which can be taken to an employer as proof that a prescribed standard has been reached. Those starting Level I and Level II this year will also see the STAR Award appear on their transcript when they graduate.
All current University of Aberdeen undergraduates and taught postgraduates are welcome to undertake the University’s co-curricular award as long as they are involved in one or more of the following activities:
· Class Representative
· Niteline Volunteer
· Dirty Weekenders Volunteer
· Gaudie Committee Member
· BP Student Tutor
· SIE Intern
· STEM Ambassador
· Any AUSA Sports Club Committee position
· Any AUSA Society’s Committee position
· Any AUSA Non-Sabbatical position
· Any AUSA Council Member
· Any volunteering activities sourced through AUSA Volunteering
The Award is split up into Gold, Silver and Bronze recognition, with each role being recognised at a certain level. Students start the STAR Award at the beginning of the academic year and can participate at any stage of their degree.
Participants submitevidence of their activities to demonstrate their achievement of selected, employability-focussed, Aberdeen Graduate Attributes and also complete a competency-based interview. Assessment is undertaken by University staff and, given the strong emphasis on transferable skills, employers are also involved.
The event will also provide an opportunity for those interested in completing the STAR Award this academic year to find out more about how the scheme operates and about the benefits of participation.
Peter Fantom, Head of Careers Service, University of Aberdeen, explains: “The University is working closely with employers and Aberdeen University Students’ Association to develop this Co-Curricular Award further.”
“We want students to graduate having had the full student experience. This award will enable students to reflect and record their contribution to their various activities in a way which will enhance their future employability.”
Graeme Hope, Membership Engagement Manager, Aberdeen University Students’ Association says: “The STAR Award recognises the personal development of students as a result of their participation in a wide range of identified activities during their time at the University. The reflection by these students on their experiences highlights the attributes they have developed that will aid them upon graduation and enhance their employability.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about the STAR Award is welcome to attend the event on Tuesday 18 October. Please contact Caroline Singer, STAR Award Project Officer, on 01224 272186 or c.singer@abdn.ac.uk