Three-D Issue 17: The Higher Education Academy restructuring

John Mundy
Discipline Lead for Media & Communications, Higher Education Academy

The Higher Education Academy (HEA) exists to promote excellence in teaching and learning across the higher education sector. A recent restructuring of the HEA will see responsibility for encouraging teaching and learning excellence move from the former Subject Centres to newly-appointed academic Discipline Leads. Although the Art Design & Media Subject Centre will continue its work until the end of March 2012, as the new Discipline Lead for Media and Communications, I am particularly keen to work with MeCCSA and its members to take advantage of the support that the HEA can provide. This support includes funding for both discipline-based and thematic workshops, seminars, events and conferences.

An open call for institutionally-based workshops was launched in early October on the HEA website and ideas are being sought for other ideas related to pedagogical practice and research, including postgraduate provision. Earlier in September, the HEA launched a call for institutional/departmental Teaching Development Grants, with funding support up to £30.000 available. The HEA is keen to hear from the Media and Communications academic community about future directions at a time when teaching and learning is high on the agenda. It is also looking for individuals with an interest in pedagogy to apply for and register as HEA Associates who would be available to engage in or lead paid workshops and events.  The HEA is also proposing a series of focus and advisory groups where colleagues can help shape activities and resources for the future.

For further information on the range of support the HEA can offer and/or for ways to become involved, please do visit the HEA website www.heacademy.ac.uk.  Alternatively, please do feel free to contact me at: john.mundy@heacademy.ac.uk or on 07720 968821.