It seems Universities Australia has found enough cash for this year’s awards for university teaching to go ahead, but with no prize money. UA took the awards on when the federal government closed the Office of Learning and Teaching.

UA advises nominations for the Australian Awards for University Teaching open on November 5 with awards in four categories, contributions to student learning, programmes that enhance learning, teaching awards and university teacher of the year. With 72 awards all up, people at UA are up for a busy summer – winners will be announced at the Universities Australia annual conference at the end of February.

This year’s event was always going to be a struggle. In May UA’s Mike Teece advised the teaching and learning community that “limited funding provided” by the feds meant no prize money and a modest programme (CMM May 14). But somehow or another UA found a way to keep them going.

““There’s a passionate view in the sector – and quite rightly so – that this sort of public recognition is incredibly important, both to honour our outstanding educators and to share their expertise with others. It is true that the government has not funded the awards at the same level as in previous years – and this is challenging.” UA CEO Catriona Jackson says.