Ajman University Advances Teaching Excellence as 11 Faculty Members Earn Advance HE Fellowships

First cohort of “Fellowship Focus” achieves 100% first-attempt success, bringing the number of AU faculty members holding Advance HE Fellowships to 34

Ajman University has strengthened its commitment to teaching excellence with the successful completion of the first cohort of its “Fellowship Focus” programme. All 11 participants earned Advance HE Fellowships on their first attempt, achieving a 100% success rate and bringing the total number of AU faculty members holding Advance HE Fellowships across all categories to 34.

An Advance HE Fellowship is a recognised professional distinction in higher education that acknowledges effective teaching practices and their impact on student learning. Fellowship is awarded based on evidence demonstrating alignment with the Professional Standards Framework for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (PSF 2023), an internationally recognised framework. The Fellowship places particular emphasis on reflective teaching practice and its contribution to student learning, making the growing number of Fellowship holders an important indicator of the university’s expanding community of educators engaged in the evaluation and continuous enhancement of their teaching practices against internationally recognised professional standards.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, said: “We view faculty development as a direct investment in the quality of education and the student experience. The achievement of Advance HE Fellowships by 34 of our faculty members reflects an academic culture grounded in continuous development, reflective teaching practice, and the adoption of internationally recognised professional standards. We will continue to build on this culture to enhance the quality of education we provide and equip our students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the future and contribute meaningfully to the development of the UAE and the Emirate of Ajman.”

The Centre for Teaching and Learning at Ajman University launched the “Fellowship Focus” programme to support faculty members in meeting the requirements for Advance HE Fellowship. The programme included specialised writing workshops, draft-review sessions, and opportunities for participants to exchange feedback and expertise. It supported faculty members in critically evaluating their teaching practices, documenting their impact on student learning, and articulating their professional experiences in alignment with Fellowship requirements.

The 100% first-attempt success rate achieved by the first cohort highlights the effectiveness of the programme and the faculty’s commitment to continuous professional development. The increase in the number of Advance HE Fellowship holders to 34 also broadens the university’s pool of professionally recognised teaching expertise and creates further opportunities for faculty members to share knowledge, practices, and experience.

Ajman University continues to invest in its academic community and advance the quality of teaching and learning as part of its commitment to preparing future-ready graduates and contributing to the UAE’s knowledge-based development.