Shetland Staff and Students Highly Commended in Annual Student Association Awards

Lecturers and students from Shetland College UHI and NAFC Marine Centre UHI have been Highly Commended in the regional HISA Awards, run by the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association.

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Shetland Students Green Team carrying out a beach clean at Scalloway in April 2021

Creative Industries lecturer Paul Bloomer was Highly Commended in the Most Engaging Online Lecturer Category and was praised for being an extremely professional, knowledgeable and engaging online lecturer. One student commented; “Paul built in a sense of security through his warm-hearted, gentle manner, using humour to ease any feelings of stress or pressure that we felt.”

Shetland Students Green Team were Highly Commended in the HISA Society of the Year category. One student said; “Despite Covid-19 they were still able to organise activities and events focussed on environmental awareness. They provided support and fellowship for those who chose to participate.” Member Inne Withouck was praised for keeping the green team going through a difficult year and organising events and speakers for World Earth Day.

Dr Andrew Jennings, Institute for Nordic Studies was Highly Commended in the Most Engaging Video Conference Lecturer category. Dr Jennings was praised for encouraging student interaction and excellent engagement over video conferencing. One student described Dr Jennings as “hugely knowledgeable, motivating, fun and supportive” and went on say that Dr Jennings has a way of making all his students feel valued and inclusive.

John Ratter was Highly Commended in the Best Class Representative Category and was described as very approachable and helpful in representing students in class and at various student meetings. One student said “John-Ross has done a great job as a class rep and is definitely worthy of the reward”.

An integral aspect of the university calendar, the HISA Awards give recognition to staff and students who dedicate their time to making the institution more diverse and inclusive for all. This year, over 600 nominations were received with submissions praising staff and students of the University of the Highlands and Islands for their support.

The awards allowed students to nominate in various different categories and entries were judged by a panel consisting of staff, students, and student officers from across the university.

The full list of winners and those highly commended can be found at: https://www.hisa.uhi.ac.uk/hisa-awards/2021-winners

HISA President, Florence Jansen, said:

“The HISA Awards are an opportunity for us to celebrate the staff and students that have gone above and beyond across the University of the Highlands and Islands partnership. This year we have encountered new challenges and it has been truly incredible to see HISA record over 600 nominations for the Awards. Myself and the HISA team could not be prouder of what our staff and students have accomplished this year and we hope that the Awards show our appreciation of the amazing work going on behind the scenes every day. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of our winners, but also every staff member and student that has been nominated or highly commended.”

Dean of Students, Dr Iain Morrison, commented:

“It is hard to think of a more challenging context for the HISA Awards than what we have all been through this year. Despite the changes necessitated by the pandemic, the staff and students at this university have been magnificent in the way they have remained focused on supporting each other, adapting to changes in delivery and continuing to provide a top quality education. The student comments are genuinely moving in what they say about the contributions of nominees to their wellbeing and success, and provide powerful testimony to what makes this university special: our remarkable staff and students.”