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Inverness College UHI staff and students recognised in annual Highlands and Islands Students’ Association Awards


By Louise Glen

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FIFTEEN members of staff and five students from Inverness College UHI have been recognised in regional awards run by the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA).

The HISA Awards recognise the people who inspire and make studying with the University of the Highlands and Islands partnership a special, diverse and inclusive experience for all.

Inverness College UHI student Amani Hayat, who studies oral health science, was named best class representative in the HISA Awards, with four other Inverness students highly commended.

As part of her nomination, one student said: “Amani has taken a very active role in ensuring all of the students’ voices are heard. She has been an absolute gem of a class rep.”

Class representatives help their classmates share their views on their student experience so continuous improvements can be made.

This year, more than 600 nominations were received across the partnership, with submissions praising staff and students for their support, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Staff members were highly commended in a range of categories including administration and it lecturer Heather Buchannan, who received three commendations.

Childcare lecturer Julie Jones and history lecturer Tracey Kennedy also received two commendations each.

Florence Jansen, HISA President, said: “The HISA Awards are an opportunity for us to celebrate the staff and students that have gone above and beyond across the University of the Highlands and Islands partnership.

"This year we have encountered new challenges and it has been truly incredible to see HISA record over 600 nominations for the awards. The

HISA team and I could not be prouder of what our staff and students have accomplished this year and we hope that the awards show our appreciation of the amazing work going on behind the scenes every day. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of our winners, but also every staff member and student that has been nominated or highly commended.”

Professor Chris O’Neil, principal and chief executive of Inverness College UHI, said: “More than 35 per cent of the nominations this year came from Inverness College UHI students, which is really testament to the fantastic work staff have been doing to inspire and support students during this challenging period.

"The comments from students mean so much to all our staff, who are committed to providing the very best experience, even in the most difficult of

circumstances, and continue to go above and beyond to help our students enjoy their time with us and succeed.”

Dr Iain Morrison, dean of students at the University of the Highlands and Islands, added: “It is hard to think of a more challenging context for the HISA Awards than what we have all been through this year. Despite the changes necessitated by the pandemic, the staff and students at this university have been magnificent in the way they have remained focused on supporting each other, adapting to changes in delivery and continuing to provide a top-

quality education.

"The student comments are genuinely moving in what they say about the contributions of nominees to their wellbeing and success, and provide powerful testimony to what makes this university special: our remarkable staff and students.”

For the full list of winners, visit https://www.hisa.uhi.ac.uk/hisa-awards

READ: University of Highlands and Islands changes its ways after pupil wins long-running battle


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