Dear Jennifer,

I am writing to you because Dr Nicola Royan has been nominated for a University of Nottingham Dearing Award for 2013 and has named you as a referee.

Dearing awards recognise outstanding achievements of University staff in enhancing the student learning experience. Since its inception, over 200 members of staff from a range of different staff groups have received such an award, many of whom have been nominated by the students they teach and support. Winners are invited to their School’s or Department’s degree ceremony where they are presented with an Award certificate. A Dearing Award is highly valued within the University and acknowledges the world-class input of staff in creating a student learning environment which is nurturing on the one hand, but, on the other, is challenging, creative and innovative.

Referee’s reports are an important part of the evaluation process and I would be delighted if you could supply one, but please let me know if that is not possible or if you have any questions. Below is some guidance you may wish to consider when writing your reference.

References should be no more than 1 page A4 long and should focus on these criteria, which the judges will apply to rank the submissions:

· Excellence in supporting student learning;

· Evidence of stimulating and inspiring student learning;

· Recognition and support of diverse student learning needs;

· Supporting colleagues in the promotion of student learning;

· A serious and ongoing commitment to review and reflection to enhance individual practice;

· Clear evidence of the impact on the quality of the student learning experience.

Please send your reference to me by 12 April and do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further assistance.

I had the great fortune and pleasure of being taught by Dr Nicola Royan throughout my three years of study at the University of Nottingham; in that time I have seen her excel not only in her teaching of Medieval English, but also as a Director of Undergraduate Studies. Indeed, I believe that many of the beneficial changes that have occurred within the School of English have been set in motion by the endeavour and commitment of Dr Royan to promote a healthy and most fulfilling student environment.

For many students of English Studies, Medieval English is completely unfamiliar territory, and it can risk losing its students amongst a vast, convoluted history and unknown languages. However, Dr Royan’s teaching of the subject ensured that students were thoroughly engaged. Rooted in real, interactive conversation – and always with a tone of good humour – her seminars and lectures allowed us to bring together our questions and thoughts in an environment which encouraged debate, and the development of our own voices within the subject area. Nicola pushed us to challenge the preexisting conceptions of the subject, to grapple with Medieval English rather than to be spoon-fed information, and to make use of all the tools we had at our disposal so that the subject became truly accessible – whether that be secondary reading or pop culture’s Monty Python and the Holy Grail! Nicola’s evident passion and innovative approach to Medieval English consistently made the subject refreshing throughout the years, thus fostering my own academic passion for it.

Indeed, a way in which Dr Royan has impacted my personal study was as one of my dissertation supervisors. My dissertation combined different English subject areas, and focussed on a topic in which there was next to no preexisting research for me to consult. Dr Royan fully embraced the situation as a way for me to make my own foray into academic theory and to introduce me to the niche expertise of other staff members in the School of English. Her continuous warmth, guidance and feedback – no matter how tentative my ideas were – helped to nurture my creative thought, and as such, made what could have been very daunting, a dynamic and incredibly fruitful process. To this day, my undergraduate dissertation remains one of my proudest achievements.

Dr Royan’s commitment extends far beyond pure academic study. Her ability to shape the student experience in the School for the absolute best came into its own when she became Director of Undergraduate Studies, and thus chair of the LCF meetings. In this time, Dr Royan positively and efficiently implemented change in response to students’ vast concerns and, in a combined effort with other staff members, proactively sought out ways in which to further enrich the student experience. In particular, she introduced targeted feedback groups as a direct channel for more students to communicate with the School. This allowed minority voices, such as that of the Ningbo students, the opportunity to talk about their academic life where they had not been able to before. In a highly rewarding process for all involved, more diverse issues were addressed (such as the need for increased personal tutor contact, and the potential for social events to introduce staff and home students throughout the academic year), and the Ningbo students continue to enthusiastically be involved in shaping student experience; indeed, a Ningbo student later became co-student chair of the LCF. Through Dr Royan’s outstanding leadership, practices such as these feedback groups were put into effect, ensuring a broader and more effective student-School interaction that eventually led to the School of English being nominated for and winning the Student Oscar Prize in 2012.

Dr Nicola Royan is a huge strength to the School of English, and has been one of the most influential figures of my academic life. I wholeheartedly support her nomination for a Dearing Award.