Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland has been named the 2024 recipient of a Student Engagement award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for the Best of Asia-Pacific Region category. The award was recently presented at the CASE conference in Singapore. 

The University was awarded in recognition of its Velocity programme, which is delivered by the Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). CIE provides opportunities for a student committee to have leadership roles, supporting the delivery of its flagship year-long Velocity entrepreneurship development programme which offers hundreds of students and staff each year with opportunities to develop their entrepreneurial potential through seminars, start-up planning competitions and more. 

CASE is the global non-profit membership association dedicated to providing leadership and support to more than 90,000 educational advancement professionals who work in alumni relations, communications, development, marketing, and advancement services, and who share the common goal of championing education to transform lives and society. This year marks its 50th anniversary. 

Feedback from the judges was that “The Velocity programme encourages entrepreneurial thinking among the student body which is essential in today’s work climate. This programme should be modelled by other institutes around the globe.”

CIE Programme Adviser Kirsten Beckman, who manages the Velocity programmes, says “This award is wonderful recognition for the Velocity student leadership teams who have helped drive the programme forward since its inception. Velocity also would not be possible without the hundreds of volunteers, comprised of alumni and industry professionals, who donate their time and expertise as judges, speakers and mentors.”

CIE Engagement Manager Naomi Bradshaw adds “It’s also recognition of my colleagues who provide the framework in which our students thrive. Each year as students graduate, the student committee is refreshed. The year kicks off with the committee receiving professional development and attending a camp in the Waitakere ranges. Throughout the year, CIE also provides support for administration, marketing, planning the events and competitions and more.”

At the end of 2023, CIE conducted 15 hours of exit interviews with Velocity committee members. Naomi says “What came through strongly was the formative experience that Velocity has had on participants lives. For some students it’s the first time they have had professional interactions with adults, through their work with mentors and speakers and other volunteers. Interviews also gave us insight into areas for improvement. Beyond the committee, the full year-long Velocity programme also offers mind-expanding opportunities for hundreds of other students, some of whom have likewise given feedback about its significance to their university experience. On top of innovation and entrepreneurship education and professional networking, participants have also appreciated the opportunity to get to know other students outside of their subject area.” 

Kirsten says “It’s very fitting for Velocity to receive this award in its twenty-first year, as 21 is a significant milestone in kiwi culture. Now that we’ve matured, we’re excited to look ahead to see where else Velocity can go.”