In 2022, University Canada West established the Teaching and Learning Excellence Awards for UCW faculty and staff.
The award categories are as follows:
- Sustained Excellence in Teaching
- Sessional Teaching & Learning Excellence
- Leadership in Teaching and Learning
The Sustained Excellence in Teaching Award and Sessional Excellence in Teaching Award are given to faculty and UAP instructors who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to teaching and supporting the learning of students in the University.
The purpose of this award is to recognize a faculty, instructor or staff member’s excellence in leadership of teaching and learning.
The recipients of these awards are presented at the subsequent convocation ceremony.
Read the UCW Leadership in Teaching and Learning Award Guidelines
UCW Sessional Teaching and Learning Excellence Award Guidelines
UCW Sustained Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award Guidelines
Teaching and Learning Excellence Awards form
Learn more about the award recipients below.
2024
Wahiba Chair – Sustained Excellence in Teaching & Learning Award
Wahiba is recognized for her commitment to student success, which is evident in her focus on creating relevant, student-centred and community-based learning experiences. In fostering a learning environment built on empathy, inclusion and critical thinking, Wahiba ensures that students from all backgrounds feel supported and empowered. Her students frequently commend her for her ‘thoughtful guidance’ and her ability to adapt coursework based on their feedback, making them active participants in their educational journey.
Alexander Sakharov – Leadership in Teaching & Learning Award
Alexander has been instrumental in leading several transformative initiatives that have significantly advanced teaching practices and student opportunities. His leadership, dedication and innovative spirit have significantly transformed the educational experience at UCW, benefiting both students and faculty alike. His efforts range from spearheading partnerships with Riipen, which provides students with real-world industry experience, to a UX Design Institute certification opportunity.
Dr. Noosha Mehdian-Leadership in Teaching and Learning Award Recipient
Dr. Noosha Mehdian Mehdian is recognized for her initiative and steadfast commitment to academic excellence and student success. She is Assistant Professor and Vice-Chair at UCW’s Department of Arts, Social Sciences and Communication. With expertise in English and education, Dr. Mehdian has significantly enhanced student experiences by improving assessment practices, innovating in green education and media literacy, as well as promoting the integration of artificial intelligence and related research.
Dr. Amit Kohli-Sustained Excellence in Teaching & Learning Award
Dr. Kohli is an Associate Professor in the Department of Marketing, Strategy and Entrepreneurship with more than 20 years of teaching experience. Dr. Kohli has published extensively on a variety of topics including biomedical engineering and renewable hybrid power systems. Dedicated to student-centred learning, Dr. Kohli aims to equip students with the essential knowledge, skills and certifications required by the industry. His dedication is evident through his numerous nominations for teaching excellence by former students and peers.
2023
Nicoletta Romano – Leadership in Teaching & Learning Award
Ms. Nicoletta Romano, through multiple degrees and teaching opportunities in both academia and health services, has recognized the need for compassionate education as Manager, Library and Learning Commons. This lens has permeated in her approach and daily work as demonstrated by her leadership contributions to student learning at UCW.
Dr. William Rubel – Sustained Teaching Excellence Award
Dr. William Rubel is Assistant Professor at UCW with an extensive background in English and Philosophy. Committed to compassionate, creative and student-centred teaching, Dr. Rubel applies inclusive principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and demonstrates his commitment to Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action in his teaching, curriculum revisions and contributions to educational communities within and beyond UCW.
Dr. Mehdi Akhgari – Sustained Teaching Excellence Award
Dr. Mehdi Akhgari has been bringing industry experience to UCW and his students as Associate Professor since 2017. An engaged member of the UCW Community, Dr. Akhgari has served as chair of the Scholarly Activity Committee and as a mentor in the faculty mentorship program. He has co-authored and presented research with his students and mentors students during their academic journey at UCW.
2022
Dr. Eli Sopow – Sustained Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr. Eli Sopow has been a continuing faculty member at UCW for more than five years and received this award for his teaching contribution, which is manifested in practice by supporting students to learn through critical thinking.
Dr. Mostafa Nazari – Sustained Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr. Mostafa Nazari has been a full-time instructor in the University Access Program at UCW since 2018 and received this award for his meaningful contributions to student learning through inclusive teaching methods and assessment strategies.
Dr. Bruce Hiebert – Sessional Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr. Bruce Hiebert has been teaching at UCW since 2010 and received this award for his long track record of teaching excellence in both undergraduate and graduate programs, as attested through statements of support by colleagues and students.
Harpreet Kaur Ahluwalia – Leadership in Teaching and Learning Award
Harpreet Kaur Ahluwalia has been instrumental in supporting student learning at UCW and received this award for her dedication and commitment to student-centred education through a non-formal leadership role.
