VU Online wins prestigious student engagement award

Announced 18 November 2024, the Association for Tertiary Education Management (ATEM) Award recognises VU Online for its innovative model of online academic student support that stands out in the sector. 

Launched by VU in 2018, VU Online offers a flexible, engaging online learning that empowers learners to achieve their academic and professional goals.  

Typically, universities with online courses offer academic support during office hours on week days. However, the VU Online team recognised that many students are working fulltime or have other commitment during the day – and, from the outset, developed a layered system of responsive, targeted online academic student support when students need it most, outside of work hours and on the weekends. 

Support includes academic facilitators, lead academics, student success advisors, and specialised services, all working together to meet the diverse needs of a growing student body. Students can access 1:1 academic support 7 days a week in the evenings from 6 to 11pm and on the weekends from 12 to 6pm.

Underpinned by a learning analytics system, which can help detect if a student might be disengaged with an online unit, the team reach out and provide immediate support through email, chat, text and phone. The engagement with each channel is analysed through tailored software, so advisors adjust to individual student preferences in real time. 

VU Online CEO Michael Ratcliff reflected on the teamwork that has driven the success of this student centric model.  

 As a team, VU Online has worked tirelessly to ensure the highest quality of online academic student support to become a global innovator and pioneer in tailored digital online higher education” 

Dean and Chief Academic Officer, Professor Chris Walsh also emphasised the importance of collaboration. 

This award is a testament to the incredible collaboration and dedication of the entire VU Online team. From learning design and academics to marketing, student administration and contracts, every individual contributed to the excellence and innovation that this recognition represents.” 

“Together, we’ve shown what is possible when a whole team works towards a shared vision of student academic success,” Professor Walsh said. 

Learn more about VU Online’s supportive online learning experience.