Sally Hayward wins prestigious SUSU teaching award

Published: 29 May 2013

Southampton students have been voting in their thousands to recognise the hard work and dedication of our staff.

Sally with Professor Jane Hart, Faculty Student Officer Alex Bees and Academic President Dave Arnold — Sally with Prof. Hart and students

At the SUSU Excellence in Teaching Awards earlier this month, our own Dr Sally Hayward won the University prize for Best Academic Support as well as the Academic Unit prize for Best Feedback. A huge congratulations to her as this is a wonderful achievement and reflects the very hard work she has put into student support.

Sally comments, "I am very humbled and honoured to have been given such an award driven totally by the students.. It is hard to quantify the impact of the support given to students in this way like perhaps RAE's, grants, marks, league tables etc. When it makes such a difference to people's real lives and studies as reflected in this award it needs to be celebrated."

The Dean for Social, Human and Mathematical Sciences, Professor Judith Petts CBE said, "Thank you so much for all of your hard work and dedication. This is what makes a real difference to our student experience. How proud we are that this award has come to a member of the Faculty and of Geography and Environment."

Students commented:

"The support, encouragement and advice that Dr Hayward gives to students experiencing difficulties, and the friendly and professional manner in which she acts has given myself among others a much more enjoyable and positive academic experience."

"It is fair to say that during my duration at university, along with many others, there have been a few difficult, unnerving and challenging times. Since day one, Dr Hayward has constantly been part of the student community. She makes a great effort to know and recognise each student individually on a personal level and is always the first contact for advice on any issue.

Her approachability ensures that no matter how big or small a problem is, she is always on hand to discuss things through and offer help and support. Her complete commitment to listening, discussing and finding solutions to problems has put so many students back on track with their degrees and aspects outside of academic life. While she delivers initial vital support, she extends this with regular meetings to check on progress. This side of individual support is not always obvious to the whole student community, and it is her unreserved dedication to providing the best support which should be recognised."

Sally has been with Geography and Environment for ten years and supports the pastoral care offered to all geography students as Director of Student Support.

Her win is impressive; in total there were 670 nominations from students (undergraduates, postgraduates, and even alumni), with 370 unique lecturers nominated across 5 awards: Overall Outstanding Lecturer, Best Innovative Teaching, Best Feedback Provision, Best Academic Support, and Honorary Lifetime Achievement.

Details of all nominees can be found on the SUSU site here

Winners can be found on the SUSU blog here