In order to advance commitment to teaching and student learning, the University of Oldenburg has established the Award for Excellence in Teaching.

The award honors instructors for their outstanding and innovative course designs and is presented by the Vice President for Instruction and International Affairs. Winners are chosen by the university-wide jury consisting of faculty and student representatives from all schools as well as one member of University Society Oldenburg e.V. (UGO).

Only students can nominate candidates for the award.

The only exception is the category Class Evaluation. Faculty members and instructors can nominate themselves by submitting their course evaluation.

In academic year 2020/21, the Award for Excellence in Teaching is given in the following categories:

• Best Course
• Research Based Learning
• Best Exam Format

Courses taught in Winter Semester 2020/2021 and Summer Semester 2021 can be nominated. For detailed information about the categories, please refer to the linked document.

There is an additional award for Best Class Evaluation. Faculty members can apply for this award themselves by submitting their course evaluation.

How can students submit nominations?

• What course would you like to nominate and in what category (Best Course, Best Exam Format or Research-Based Learning)? For category guidelines, descriptions and criteria, please refer to the linked document.
• Fill out and submit the online form. At least two students have to sign each nomination (you will have to enter the names and email addresses when filling out the online form).
• Students can submit their nominations by September 3, 2021.

Information for nominated faculty members

• We will notify you in writing if your course has been nominated.
• You will be asked to submit your course outline via email to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education () by October 4, 2021.

And then?

The jury chooses this year’s winners based on student nominations and course outlines submitted by nominated instructors.

The 2021 awards will be presented at a ceremony in November 2021.

The award in each category comes with prize money sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Instruction and International Affairs and other donors.

This year’s Award for Excellence in Teaching features two aditional categories:

• Best Course Evaluation – regardless of course size or format
• Best Course Evaluation – courses with at least 40 students

How can instructors apply for the award?

If you taught a class in Winter Semester 2020/21 or Summer Semester 2021, you can send us an email () with your course evaluation by September 30, 2021 to express your interest in being considered for the award.

If you have any further questions, please contact Dr. Simone Schipper (Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, ) or Dr. Nicola Albrecht (Internal Surveys, ).