THERE is still time to enter this year’s prestigious Herald Higher Education Awards.

The deadline for the event, which has already attracted a host of excellent entries, has been extended to Thursday, April 18.
The awards comprise 16 categories which throw the spotlight on innovation in teaching and research and partnerships between universities, colleges, industry and the wider community.

They also reward the work institutions do to recruit talented students from more disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as those doing important work to support equality and diversity.

Another key aim of the awards is to celebrate the outstanding achievements of individual students and staff from colleges and universities.
READ MORE: About the Herald Higher Education Awards
The awards are sponsored by City of Glasgow College, awards body QAA Scotland, the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), Scotwest Credit Union, the Scottish Qualifications Authority and recruitment experts Dixon Walter.

Karen Watt, chief executive of the SFC, said: “Universities and colleges are working incredibly hard to ensure everyone has a fair chance of a place on a higher education course.

“Across the country there are great examples of innovative projects that are having a real impact on widening access.
“I’d like to see a bumper crop of entries in the widening access category this year to make the 2019 awards a showcase of the very best work in this important area.”

Ailsa Crum, head of quality and enhancement with QAA Scotland, said entering the awards was a great way of ensuring the fantastic work of staff and students was recognised nationally.

She said: “While it’s great to win, it’s important to know that all of the finalists get invited to the awards night to join in the celebration and all nominees are considered in detail by the judging panel.”

Alan Walter, a partner with Dixon Walter, said: “We want to recognise progress and highlight the areas where students and staff have made a real difference.

“We believe all achievements, whether big or small, contribute both socially and economically to a wide range of areas, planting the seeds of a better future.”
David McRiner, chairman of Scotwest Credit Union, welcomed recognition of the importance of the wellbeing of students.

He said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring these awards and would encourage all colleges and universities across Scotland to submit an application.”
Roy Gardner, vice principal of corporate development at City of Glasgow College, added: “We are delighted to once again support the lifetime achievement award.

“This recognises individuals who are distinguished by their longstanding commitment to the sector.”

The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, June 5 at the Crowne Plaza, Glasgow. Entries should be submitted via our online entry form at www.newsquestscotlandevents.com/heawards by the new deadline. For more information contact Lyndsay Wilson, Events Director on 0141 302 6037.