De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has been shortlisted in three categories at the Times Higher Education Leadership & Management Awards (THELMAs) this year in recognition of the exceptional work carried out by teams across the university.
The #LoveInternational campaign, launched to protect residency rights for EU staff following the country's historic decision to leave the EU, has been recognised in the International Strategy of the Year category.
The campaign has so far seen Vice-Chancellor Professor Dominic Shellard deliver a letter arguing for the protection of residency rights to the Prime Minister’s office, a series of events in European capitals to celebrate international students and staff, and a special #DMUglobal visit to New York for more than 1,000 students.
DMU has also been shortlisted for Outstanding Student Services Team, recognising the impact of implementing Brain in Hand, a personalised support system for autistic students, helping to create independence and life skills for students who may otherwise struggle with adapting to university life.
As the only university to adopt the technology as an institution, DMU students are able to work with the university while also receiving training and support from the team at Brain in Hand.
Jo Cooke, Executive Director of Student and Academic Services and Associate Chief Operating Officer, said: “I’m so proud of the team and the students for their commitment to implementing this support system, which makes a real difference to those students with autism who may otherwise struggle with adapting to university life.
“DMU is the only university which has this adopted the Brain in Hand app for use as an institution and it helps our students with participation, communication and independence. It is such an important project and it is fantastic to have the work recognised on the THELMA shortlist.”
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The university’s finance team have also been recognised on the Outstanding Financial Performance shortlist, following a number of recruitment and retention initiatives and targets implemented across the university.
Michèle Holden, Deputy Director of Finance, said: “I am delighted that the hard work that goes on behind the scenes in our finance team has been recognised.
“This exceptional performance has been delivered as a result of a number of initiatives designed to support the delivery of key operations such as the recruitment and retention of students and the efficient use of funds. The shortlisting also recognises our sector-leading approach to implement new financial reporting standards that were required in higher and further education.
“Financial sustainability is extremely important to DMU as we are able to use the surplus generated to fund vital work, including our ambitious campus transformation, and to support pioneering programmes, such as #DMUglobal and #LoveInternational, as well as a range of student employability initiatives.”
This year marks the ninth year of THELMAs, which were created to recognise examples of innovation, teamwork and enterprise in higher education across the UK.
The winners will be revealed at a ceremony on Thursday 22 June 2017 in London.
Posted on Thursday 6 April 2017