Curriculum Manager Vesna Stefanov has been recognised with the Vice-Chancellor's Award for Service Excellence for delivering two innovative programs that have enhanced access for pathways students.

During the height of the pandemic and amidst work from home arrangements, Vesna led a large team of ACU staff to deliver 17 new units for the Foundation Studies program and 30 new units for the Diploma Programs.

Creating a pathway

The two programs were introduced to offer students a stepping stone into university when they may otherwise not have had access.

The cohort across the programs includes international students, local students who did not achieve the necessary ATAR for entry to an undergraduate course, non-school leavers, and students from equity backgrounds.

The Foundation Studies program offers a pathway to first year undergraduate studies, while students who successfully complete a diploma can transition to second year undergraduate studies.

With a clear focus on transition pedagogies, the programs incorporate best practice in design, delivery, student-centred learning, and personal learning experience.

“When developing these units, it was important for us to look at the content through the eyes of the learner and apply an equity lens,” Vesna said.

“Our aim was to demystify the content and delivery of the units, to make them more accessible for our students.”

Support for teachers

The project also involved a particular focus on supporting the staff involved in designing and delivering the new units.

Vesna offers professional development to staff teaching the new units and created several resources to guide teachers in their delivery. These included templates and guides, instructional videos, and an interactive Microsoft Team where staff can access announcements, information and ask questions.

“It’s been wonderful to receive really positive feedback from staff that they feel really supported,” Vesna said.

A humbling achievement

After working in the field of education for more than 20 years, Vesna said she was humbled to receive the Vice-Chancellor's Staff Excellence Award for Service Excellence.

“I’ve been a curriculum developer and I’ve been a teacher in the classroom,” Vesna said. “For me, this award is recognition not only of my work but of all of the colleagues I have worked with and learnt from in the past.”