March 26, 2018
IRU appoints new Vice Chancellors’ Fellow
The IRU has appointed its second Vice-Chancellors’ Fellow to pursue its commitment to better student and graduate success.
Dr Amani Bell will take up the position from 1 April 2018, joining the IRU network from her current role as an academic developer and senior lecturer at The University of Sydney.
She will be based at Western Sydney University for the new role.
As Vice Chancellors’ Fellow Dr Bell will play a central role in guiding IRU members to identify and share good practice to advance good outcomes for students and prepare them well for future success as graduates.
The role is particularly important given the uncertainty about future work including how jobs and the balance of employment between working for employers and self-employment will change.
Dr Bell commented:
“My interest throughout my career has been collaborating with students and staff, particularly sessional staff. Students are at the centre of everything we do, but often not meaningfully involved in decision-making. And sessional staff do so much teaching and have a big impact on the student experience, yet are often isolated and unsupported in their teaching roles.”
“I’m excited about working with the IRU members on large-scale multi-institution initiatives, and sharing ideas, practices and resources.”
The Fellow oversees the IRU’s National Innovation Case Study Collection and will continue to source contributions to it.
Dr Bell’s research takes a participatory approach to exploring the challenges and opportunities of higher education. Her previous research focused on building the teaching capacity of academics, via peer observation, critical reflection and mentoring. Her current research focuses on students and staff working in partnership to enhance university education – an area of growing momentum in Australia and internationally.
She takes over the role from Professor Jessica Vanderlelie, who has been appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor of Student Success at La Trobe University.
