Excellence in Higher Education 107
Can you share a recent student story that captures the campus spirit? Vanessa: I’ve had the privilege of teaching some students who are also our staff members, which is wonderful because I get to be their teacher and their colleague. Some have come in absolutely terrified because I’m their teacher and they’ve known me for years, but then we embark on a dissertation journey together. It’s a privilege to see how they take what they learn and apply it in their working life. Those are really high-level success stories for me, because I can actually see the impact every day. You have been part of HWUD for 16 years. What moments stand out most? Vanessa: COP28 was truly extraordinary. We had the honour of hosting His Highness King Charles on our campus, and what began as a small fringe event quickly evolved into something remarkable. Over the course of two weeks, we welcomed more than 3,500 visitors, including industry leaders, educators, and global partners. We also brought together 20 industry partners for a Future Skills exhibition, where our students had the opportunity to engage and learn from these experts freely. It was, without a doubt, one of the most defining and rewarding periods for us as a community of colleagues, a true reflection of collaboration, innovation, and impact. Finally, if you had to describe the next
What support can a first-year student expect in their very first week? Vanessa: The first week is Welcome Week. They meet all their academic team, and every student is allocated a personal tutor who stays with them all the way through - from undergrad into postgrad, and even at PhD level. Your personal tutor is available to discuss anything pastoral, not just academic matters. We also have a very active student council, about 15 to 20 members, who help with events, clubs and societies. That’s how students build their own community and make friends. We also have an excellent well-being service, a careers team, and support from our alumni office when students graduate. Each stage has a support stream in place. If you could encourage every new student to adopt one learning habit in their first month, what would it be? Vanessa: Go to class. Ask your questions within the classroom itself. Don’t wait until you’re outside and then you can’t remember what you were going to ask the teacher. Grab them after the class. It’s too late near the end of the semester if those questions haven’t been asked. There’s no such thing as a silly question. And often, others in the room are thinking the same thing. I’d also suggest that students really engage outside of the classroom with other students, because that’s how they build that support network.
HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY DUBAI
chapter of HWUD in three words? Vanessa: Another new building.
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