Awards Assessment Criteria

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Excellence in Community Engagement Award celebrates individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to advancing community engagement. The award recognises contributions across teaching, research, professional service, and outreach that create meaningful partnerships and lasting impact at local, national, and global levels.

The assessment focuses on evidence of innovative curriculum development, impactful community programmes, mentoring and participatory learning opportunities, and research that advances the scholarship of engagement. Candidates are further recognised for leadership, sustainability of initiatives, and the co-creation of knowledge with communities. The award highlights excellence in building connections between the university and society while fostering societal transformation.

Candidates are assessed across four main domains of engagement:

1.) Engagement through Teaching and Learning. This area values contributions that extend beyond the classroom, where knowledge and resources are shared with communities. Key indicators include curriculum development that cultivates UWC’s student graduate attributes, recognition for community involvement, the breadth and quality of partnerships (local and international), and sustained dedication to community development or activism.

2.) Engagement through Community Service and Outreach. This criterion considers the tangible impact of initiatives on community success. It rewards programmes that integrate teaching, learning, research, and engagement; demonstrate institutional-level excellence; and contribute to the sustainability of communities. Best practice examples and evidence of real community impact are central here.

3.) Engagement through Service Provision. In this category, emphasis is placed on modelling the scholarship of engagement within a disciplinary or professional context. Activities such as mentoring staff, students, or stakeholders; fostering participatory and experiential learning opportunities; and collaborations with local agencies are considered. Evidence of reflective practice is also considered.

4.) Engagement through Research. This dimension acknowledges research that advances community engagement through ethical practice, scholarly publication, and the broad dissemination of research findings. Recognition is given to projects that co-create knowledge with communities, attract research grants or awards, and generate impactful, sustainable contributions to society.

In addition, part of the assessment is considering the candidate’s leadership and institutional contribution to the scholarship of engagement, such as service on committees, advisory roles, or additional student-support responsibilities.