HERDSA Notices 23 September 2026

* HERDSA Connect: Conference Buddy Programme - Finding 'Your People'
* HERDSA Community: What Makes an Award-Winning Teacher?
* Reminder: Thu 24/09 NZ "HERDSA Revisited" webinar
* Still time to book - HERDSA Workshop: From Conference Presentation to Publication: Turning Ideas into Scholarly Outputs
* Building an education case: Promotion, recognition and career advancement
* From Ideas to Scholarship: A HERDSA SoTL SIG Writing Sprint
* HERDSA TERNZ Research Medal - Call for nominations
* Call for papers for a Special Issue of Higher Education Research & Development
* Have you explored the HERDSA SoTL Modules to support or inform your methodological approach???
* Higher Education Research & Development, Vol. 45 No. 7 is now available online
* FINAL WEEK to add your voice to a study into curriculum design processes now underway
* Call for IJAD associate and co-editors
* CRADLE 2026 International Symposium Panel – ‘Beyond grades’
* Free Higher Education Teaching and Learning Library
* New articles in Higher Education Research and Development

To submit an announcement for this list complete the online form at http://herdsa.org.au/herdsa-notices

A full list of HERDSA Notices is online at http://www.herdsa.org.au/latest-news

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HERDSA Connect: Conference Buddy Programme - Finding 'Your People'
Dongmei Li, Kim Goodwin, Kay Harrison, and Tony Goh, 23 September 2026

Dongmei, Kim, Kay, and Tony explore the power of the buddy program at the HERDSA 2026 conference Dongmei Li is a senior lecturer Academic Pathways at James Cook University, a HERDSA Fellow, and the current HERDSA TATAL Officer.

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HERDSA Community: What Makes an Award-Winning Teacher?
HERDSA International Academics SIG | 16 September 2026

The HERDSA International Academics (IA) SIG hosted an inspiring presentation with Associate Professor Poh Wah Hillock, recipient of the 2022 Australian University Teacher of the Year Award. The presentation explored her teaching journey and the principles that underpin impactful, student-centred learning. The presentation was very well received by attendees and offered valuable insights into student-centred learning, inclusive teaching practice, and the principles that underpin impactful teaching.

Read more: https://herdsa.org.au/news/what-makes-award-winning-teacher
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Reminder: Thu 24/09 NZ "HERDSA Revisited" webinar
Thu 24 Sep, 9-10 AM, via Zoom

This “HERDSA Revisited” webinar is hosted by the NZ Branch of HERDSA.

This is an opportunity for colleagues who were unable to attend the recent HERDSA conference in Singapore to gain insights, as well as for people who did attend to reconnect.

In this webinar, speakers who presented at the conference will share one key insight from their research-informed work or one key learning/provocation, followed by structured discussion around a shared question.

Proposed session structure
~5 min: Introductions + housekeeping
~25 min: Speakers, 5 min max each
~25 min: Q&A, open discussion
~5 min: Thanks & close

All are welcome!

Further information and the Zoom link: https://herdsa.org.nz/news/45-herdsa-revisited-webinar-24-09-9-10-am

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Still time to book - HERDSA Workshop: From Conference Presentation to Publication: Turning Ideas into Scholarly Outputs
Friday 25 September 2026 12.00–1.00 pm AEST (QLD time)

Have you recently presented a showcase, roundtable or poster at HERDSA2026 in Singapore or at another conference?

Join A/Prof Alice Brown and Dr Manisha Thakkar for a practical workshop exploring how to build on your conference presentation and turn your ideas, insights and evidence into publications and other scholarly outputs.

The session will cover practical tips and pathways for identifying publication opportunities, strengthening your work for publication, and exploring alternative ways to share your scholarship with wider audiences.

Whether you already have a publication in mind or are just starting to think about where your conference work could go next, this workshop will help you identify possibilities and take the next step.

Day and date: Friday 25 September 2026
Time: 12.00–1.00 pm AEST (QLD time)

Bring your conference presentation or an idea you would like to develop, or simply your curiosity about turning conference work into something more.

Further information: Register: https://bit.ly/4hQOtle

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Building an education case: Promotion, recognition and career advancement
2 October

The HERDSA NSW Branch welcomes A/Prof Anna Rowe (UNSW) to facilitate an interactive session that will support academics in education focussed and combined teaching and research roles to build a compelling education case for promotion and other forms of professional recognition, including teaching awards and fellowships.

Participants will be encouraged to consider their career and recognition goals, identify gaps in their current profile and develop strategies for addressing them. Practical guidance will cover articulating educational contributions, demonstrating impact in teaching and scholarship, and tailoring evidence to different promotion, award and fellowship criteria. The session will conclude with five practical tips for strengthening an education case.

The session draws on the facilitator’s personal experience of preparing for promotion, as well as her work supporting career development and advancement at UNSW.

WHEN: October 2nd, 2026, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm.
WHERE: Online via Zoom. Details will be provided to registered attendees.
MORE INFO? Contact Chris Jones or Dr Daniela Castro de Jong

We welcome HERDSA members and non-members, so please tell your friends!

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From Ideas to Scholarship: A HERDSA SoTL SIG Writing Sprint
Starting Monday, 5 October 2026

Join the HERDSA SoTL Writing Sprint
Looking for dedicated time to focus on your Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) writing?

The HERDSA SoTL Writing Sprint is a five-week online writing group designed to help participants make progress on scholarly writing projects in a supportive community environment. Whether you are developing a journal article, conference paper, book chapter, presentation, grant application, or simply organising ideas for a future project, the Writing Sprint provides structured writing time and opportunities to connect with fellow SoTL practitioners.

Each session includes dedicated writing periods, goal setting, and opportunities to share progress and experiences with colleagues. An optional peer feedback component will also be available for those seeking input on their work.

When: Mondays, 5 October to 2 November 2026
Where: Online via Zoom

Times
* 10:00 am to 12:00 pm AWST / Singapore / Hong Kong (UTC+8)
* 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm AEST (UTC+10)
* 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm AEDT (UTC+11)
* 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm NZST (UTC+13)

Facilitators: Dr Shannon Johnston (Murdoch University), Dr Jody Watts (University of Sydney), and Dr Kay Hammond (Auckland University of Technology)

Bring your writing project, your ideas, or simply your intention to write, and join colleagues from across Australasia in making steady progress on your SoTL work.

Further information: Contact Dr Shannon Johnston at shannon.johnston@murdoch.edu.au or reach out to the HERDSA SoTL SIG at herdsa.sotl.sig@gmail.com

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HERDSA TERNZ Research Medal - Call for nominations
01 Nov 2026

The HERDSA TERNZ Research Medal recognises a team or individual who has contributed outstandingly to tertiary education research in New Zealand. This includes tertiary education research itself and/or service to tertiary education research.

Nominations have to be made by HERDSA members; however, eligible nominees are HERDSA members, academic developers, and/or active researchers in the field of tertiary education research. It is possible to self-nominate.

The awards panel seek the following information:

1/ Up to 300 words explaining the significance of the individual’s or team’s contribution(s) to tertiary education research in New Zealand
2/ Supporting evidence (e.g., links to relevant publications, testament, accolades and so forth).

Nominations close November 01.

Further information: https://herdsa.org.nz/awards/herdsa-ternz-research-medal

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Call for papers for a Special Issue of Higher Education Research & Development
Manuscript deadline - 1 March 2027

"Beyond Grades" - Call for papers for a special issue of Higher Education Research & Development

Special issue editors: Juuso Henrik Nieminen and David Boud, CRADLE Deakin University

More information → https://think.taylorandfrancis.com/special_issues/beyond-grades/

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Have you explored the HERDSA SoTL Modules to support or inform your methodological approach???

Module 4 of the HERDSA SoTL Modules focuses on – SoTL Research Methods – Action research, surveys, observations, interviews, and more!
So you’ve got a SoTL idea and considered your 5 Cs. You know the problem you want to explore, and you’ve mapped out where your project fits in the broader research landscape. Now, it’s time to pick the right tools.

If the idea of SoTL feels overwhelming—especially if you’ve never done educational research before—don’t worry. SoTL is incredibly versatile, and you can build on the skills you already have.

In Module 4 of the redeveloped HERDSA SoTL Modules, you’ll hear from several new SoTL researchers who adjusted their questions to suit the methods and tools they were already familiar with. By starting small and gradually exploring research, they built confidence and carried out projects without needing extensive training in educational research. This module encourages you to consider how you might adapt your own questions to match your existing skills and comfort level, allowing you to take your first steps into SoTL with confidence.
Maybe you love working with data, or perhaps you’re more comfortable gathering student stories. Both approaches are valid, and you can design a project that will leverage your existing skillset. This module is all about choosing the right research methods—ones that both work for you, but also methods that would help to address your SoTL goals and questions.

Looking forward to you joining us to dive in and explore SoTL together!
• The updated HERDSA SoTL Modules are free and a significant benefit for HERDSA financial members.
• For current HERDSA members - please access the redeveloped HERDSA SoTL Modules by logging into the MY DASHBOARD link on the HERDSA website.

Further information: Non members please enquire at https://forms.office.com/r/qtb6nfxqAd

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Higher Education Research & Development, Vol. 45 No. 7 is now available online

Higher Education Research & Development, Vol. 45 No. 7 (2026) is now available from the HERDSA website at https://herdsa.org.au/higher-education-research-development-vol-45-no-7

Free online access is available to HERDSA members through your member dashboard.

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FINAL WEEK to add your voice to a study into curriculum design processes now underway
Submissions close 30 September

A study looking at curriculum design processes in the contemporary Australian higher education context is underway. Our goal is to better understand (and eventually improve) the process of designing curriculum. We’d be grateful for your participation and support in sharing the invitation to participate with colleagues and peers in your institution or broader networks.

We’re keen to hear from people in all kinds of roles, at both university and non-university providers: learning designers, librarians, alumni engagement officers, folks in marketing and student recruitment, program admins, technical staff, leaders and (of course) teaching academics.

You can access the survey online at https://griffithuw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bq0tjMEHK3xzAmG or feel free to reach out directly for opportunities to contribute via group or individual interviews.

Further information: Julie Robert, j.robert@griffith.edu.au or Peter Kandlbinder, Peter.Kandlbinder@uts.edu.au

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Call for IJAD associate and co-editors
9 October

The International Journal for Academic Development (IJAD) has openings for 2 co-editor positions and 1-2 associate editor roles. For more information and to apply, please see the link below. Expressions of interest are due 9 October.

Further information: https://icedonline.net/co-editor-and-associate-editor-opportunities/

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CRADLE 2026 International Symposium Panel – ‘Beyond grades’
Wednesday 14 October – 2.30 pm to 4.00 pm (AEDT)

What might the future of higher education look like, if the sector was to rethink grading? Join us on Wednesday 14 October for CRADLE’s 2026 International Symposium Panel and hear from three experts – Prof. David Boud (CRADLE, Deakin University), Prof. Rola Ajjawi (University of British Columbia), & A/Prof. Lauren Hansen (Deakin University) – as they reflect on the future of grading.

Despite widely reported criticism, grading systems persist in most higher education contexts. If we were to reassemble how student achievement is institutionally represented, what might grades – or whatever emerges after them – look like? Facilitated by CRADLE’s Dr Juuso Nieminen, this panel will consider what the future of grading might look like in higher education, with each panellist offering a provocation on reimagined grades.

Join us for this interactive session at 2.30 pm (AEDT), in person at Deakin Downtown or online, to discuss how we might move beyond grades towards more meaningful ways of recognising student learning.

Further information: https://cradle-symposium-panel-2026-beyond-grades.eventbrite.com.au/?aff...

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Free Higher Education Teaching and Learning Library

HERDSA member Professor John Dearn is downsizing his large academic library and he has150 texts (in 12 wine boxes) in very good condition dealing with higher education theory and practice. He would be unhappy to consign these to landfill and is seeking any individual, institution or organisation that would be interested in receiving some or all of them as a donation.

If you would like the library please contact John Dearn at jmdearn@gmail.com

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New articles in Higher Education Research and Development

Learning through breakdown in higher education: a process framework for system-level experiential learning in a student-led project, Hasan Mohamed Zakaria, Umme Umaimah Amin, Norhafizi Nordin, Muhammad Nur Hidayat Mohd Salim & Siti Aminah Hasbullah, https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2026.2730971

Critical thinking in the post-truth era: academic staff and student perspectives on challenges in Indonesian higher education, Widia Sri Ardias, Bagus Riyono & Sumaryono, https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2026.2730953

From showcase to negotiation: re-theorising E-portfolios as tools for systemic identity construction, Behnam Soltani, https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2026.2730961

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In the spirit of reconciliation HERDSA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australasia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

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