Institute award (VET) – 7.36.3.2

Procedure

Intent

This procedure describes the process by which the Institute Award for the Vocational Education and Training sector is awarded.

Scope

This procedure shall apply to Portfolios nominating a graduand for the Institute Award (VET) and to the graduands so nominated.

Procedure

Eligibility

(a). All students who successfully complete a first course of 12 months (or more) full-time duration (or equivalent part-time) in an Associate Diploma, Diploma or Advanced Diploma course.

(b). Students who transfer from another University or Institute must complete six months full-time (or equivalent part-time) before being eligible for consideration.

(c). Students must successfully complete their course in the year immediately preceding the year of the Award.

(d). To be considered for the Award, a student must be nominated by her or his portfolio. Each portfolio may nominate one candidate for the Institute Award.

(e). Candidates must be able to attend an interview at the time set by RMIT and the successful candidate must be able to accept the Award personally at a conferring ceremony in the year of the Award.

Selection criteria

(a). The candidates shall be assessed on :

(i). leadership potential and initiative, and

(ii). academic record.

The relative importance of these two shall be in the ratio of 60:40.

(b). Preference may be given to those candidates who have completed the course in minimum time (having regard to the different circumstances of full-time students and part-time students) with the exception that consideration shall be given to candidates who have lost time through illness or other valid cause.

(c). Preference may also be given to those candidates who have completed all of their course at RMIT.

(d). The Committee may weight performance in the final year above that in earlier years.

Value and form of the award

The value of the Award will be identical to the value of the J N McNicol Prize (Operating Procedure 7.36.2.1).

The Award shall be in the following form :

(i). A cheque to the value of the Award ;

(ii). An Award Certificate.

The Award shall be awarded each year.

Management of the award

The Institute Award (VET) shall be administered by the Academic Registrar who shall ensure that :

(a). the standards for selection of suitable winners of the Institute Award (VET) are maintained;

(b). the Award is correctly awarded, and the aim of the Award is furthered.

The Academic Registrar is responsible for recommending the winner of the Award each year, with the assistance of a panel of heads of school (VET) or nominated representatives.

The Awards Unit, on behalf of the Academic Registrar, shall establish and administer procedures for the nomination of candidates, for the selection processes, and for any other action required in connection with the Award.

Processes for the award

(a). During the first week of December the Awards Unit shall request one nomination for the Award from each of the portfolios, as well as the name of a Head of School to sit on the selection panel.

(b). By the last week of February, each portfolio shall forward to the Awards Unit the name of the portfolio nominee for the Award, supported by the following information :

(i). A complete record of the nominee's official results; and

(ii). A written statement from the portfolio in support of the nomination, highlighting the nominee's qualities of leadership potential and initiative.

(c). All documentation must be complete and clearly legible. Unreadable, unclear or incomplete facsimile copies will not be accepted.

(d). Nominations received after the set closing date will not be accepted.

(e). The Awards Unit will convene a meeting of the selection panel for the second week of March. Each candidate shall be invited to attend for an interview. Prior to the interview all candidates shall be forwarded information about the Institute Award.

(f). The Academic Registrar (or nominee) shall chair the selection meeting.

(g). The Academic Registrar (or nominee), with the assistance of the selection panel, shall interview each candidate and shall decide which candidate is to be recommended to receive the Award.

(h). The recommendation shall be referred to the April meeting of the Board of Technical Studies.

(i). Immediately following approval of the Award winner by the Board of Technical Studies, the Awards Unit shall advise each candidate of the decision of the selection panel. The portfolios shall be advised of the name of the successful candidate, the amount of the Award and other relevant information.

(j). The Awards Unit shall arrange for the Award to be presented at an appropriate ceremony.

(k). The Awards Unit shall maintain a register of Institute Award (VET) winners.

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