The Office of Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) recently recruited a group of 12 motivated and proactive undergraduate and post-graduate Student Assistants, offering them employment and also gaining fresh insights from the students themselves.

They have been participating in a variety of tasks including the assessment of the Vice-Chancellor’s Learning and Teaching Awards and acting as part of the Academic Integrity Taskforce, both of which have been highlights for them so far.

“I have really enjoyed assessing the applications for the Learning and Teaching Awards. It has been brilliant to see how passionate and dedicated our teaching staff are outside my own field of study. I think it’s so important that we have this formal recognition for their efforts and a concrete way to show our thanks,” says Erinn, who studies a Bachelor of Media Communications.

“I have gained a real appreciation for the hard work that goes on behind the scenes from both the Learning and Teaching portfolio and teaching staff. University is such an important part of my life, so it is a great opportunity to learn how initiatives, processes and approaches to pedagogy ultimately translate into my student experience.”

Speaking on the Academic Integrity Taskforce, Dylan – who studies a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) with a Bachelor of Laws –explained that the Academic Integrity Taskforce is currently working to maximise the effectiveness and awareness of Macquarie’s Academic Integrity policies. This includes examining the resources that are available to students to support and facilitate their academic progress and success, limiting both plagiarism and cheating.

“I have found my participation in this taskforce to be both enjoyable and rewarding, as it has allowed me to actively partake in shaping the future direction of Academic Integrity at Macquarie. This is something that I hope will ultimately play a part in continuing the University’s dedication and commitment to facilitating the academic and holistic growth and development of its students,” says Dylan.

Not only are the students receiving this unique behind-the-scenes experience, they have been a valuable addition to the PVC Learning and Teaching Office, providing their student perspective in ways that will influence future learning and teaching initiatives.

­­­­­­­­“Students are at the heart of everything we do, so working with our students as partners on various initiatives in learning and teaching demonstrates our commitment to their success. We also want to involve students on projects such as Academic Integrity, ensuring their voice is heard on issues that directly affect them,” says Professor Dominique Parrish, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Learning and Teaching).

One of the Student Assistants, Taylor, who studies a Bachelor of Commerce with a Bachelor of Law, reflected on her involvement so far.

“Working within the Office of PVC Learning and Teaching has definitely illustrated how dynamic and interdisciplinary the challenge of academic teaching really is. As a student, you cannot often appreciate just how many different people are involved in creating content and ensuring your success in reaching academic targets with the necessary integrity,” she says.

“Working alongside everyone at PVC Learning and Teaching has enriched my university experience and my relationships with staff and fellow students. Such an initiative shows how Macquarie values the student perspective and their desire to provide the best academic teaching possible for students.”