ACU Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning

ACU Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning are designed to recognise and reward staff who have made an outstanding contribution to student learning at the University. You may apply to be recognised under one of five different awards:

  • a general award for contributions to student learning
  • teaching focused on the Catholic intellectual tradition
  • teaching focused on building cultural capacity
  • a dedicated award for early career teachers
  • a dedicated award for casual staff

Both individual and team contributions may be recognised. Each award is worth $5,000: this amount is awarded to an individual or to a team.

ACU Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning Guidelines provide a road map for submissions, ensuring a fair and equitable process for all applicants. It is important to read prior to preparing your proposal in addition to seeking signed endorsement from your Head of School, Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching) or Director of your unit (whichever is appropriate).

Vice-Chancellor's Awards for Excellence in Teaching

The Vice-Chancellor's awards for excellence in teaching are the highest level of recognition offered by ACU. The Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Postgraduate Teaching give recognition to teachers (individuals and teams) renowned for their excellent teaching and their deep contribution to enhancing the quality of learning and teaching in higher education. Both awards are open to either full-time or part-time academic staff with at least five years of service in the university.

Each award is worth $10,000 per individual or team. The guidelines provide a road map for submissions, ensuring a fair and equitable process for all applicants. It is important to read the guidelines prior to preparing your application in addition to seeking signed endorsement from your Head of School, Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching) or Director of your unit (whichever is appropriate).

Resources to support applications for citations or awards

Past Citation and VC Award Recipients

The Centre for Education and Innovation (CEI) extends its congratulations to Mrs Kate Lowe, the 2025 recipient of an ACU Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning.

Kate, from the Faculty of Health Sciences, has been recognised in the Early Career category for her evidence-based, student-centred teaching in nursing and health sciences. Kate leads inclusive teams, and her work enhances learning outcomes, and advances ACU's strategic priorities through innovation and leadership.

Past recipients:

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Page last updated on 07/01/2026

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