York St John shortlisted for University of the Year

York St John University has been shortlisted for one of the most coveted and prestigious awards in the higher education sector. The University has been named among six finalists for the University of the Year accolade, in the annual Times Higher Education (THE) awards. It has also been shortlisted in three other categories; International Collaboration of the Year, Excellence and Innovation in the Arts, and Outstanding Employer Engagement Initiative.

The nomination successes come at a time when York St John University has witnessed its highest ever student satisfaction score in the National Student Survey (NSS) and a place in the top 10 in the Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey. In addition the University is investing heavily in its campus and facilities, including the recent completion of a £1.2 million redevelopment of the Holgate student services centre, providing exceptional learner support services and facilities for new and returning students and staff.

Commenting on the University of the Year shortlisting, Professor David Fleming, Vice Chancellor of York St John University said:
“We are thrilled to be to be nominated for this esteemed award which is a testament to our reputation as a high quality university known for its academic excellence, outstanding student experience, strong community spirit and civic engagement.”

He added:
“The continuing run of successes York St John University has achieved is a mark of the outstanding performance of this university thanks to the collective efforts of staff, students and governors, who are at the heart of the institution.”

Adam McSkimming, President of York St John University Students’ Union said:
“These fantastic award nominations are evidence of the hard work of the University and Students’ Union in constantly seeking to enhance and further improve the student experience at York St John University. It is truly an honour to be the President of the Students’ Union and one of the three-strong Sabbatical team representing the students at York St John University. I am also immensely proud of the hard work and dedication of the whole Students’ Union team in contributing towards these nominations.”

The three award categories that York St John University has also been shortlisted in are International Collaboration of the Year for a three-year project on the social economy supported by the Erasmus Mundus programme; Excellence and Innovation in the Arts for the work of Converge, an initiative which delivers educational opportunities in the arts to people who use mental health services; and Outstanding Employer Engagement Initiative for a collaborative project with NHS colleagues to develop and deliver an innovative Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Leadership Development Programme for Allied Health Professions (AHPs).

As part of the judging process for the University of the Year award, York St John will host members of the THE’s editorial team on campus this week, and will be introducing them to some of the staff, students and facilities that are behind its success.

Now in their ninth year, the THE awards are a highlight of the academic calendar and a glittering celebration of the best of the sector, singling out universities who uphold and exceed the standard of excellence. The awards represent a unique and high-profile opportunity to showcase the remarkable achievements of UK higher education institutions with awards being given in a total of 18 categories.