WATE Contact & FAQs
About the WATE Team
General Overview
Q: What is WATE?
A: WATE stands for Warwick Awards for Teaching Excellence. It celebrates outstanding teaching and learning contributions across the University of Warwick, recognising staff, postgraduate researchers who teach, and collaborative teams.
Q: What’s new in 2025/26?
A: The scheme has been refreshed to be more inclusive, equitable, and community-focused. Key updates include self-nomination, clearer judging processes, and stronger cross-departmental collaboration.
Q: Who can be nominated?
A: Staff, postgraduate researchers who teach, and collaborative teams (3–15 members). Previous winners are not eligible.
Q: Can I nominate myself?
A: Yes! Self-nominations are encouraged.
Nomination Process
Q: How do I nominate someone?
A: Submit a nomination via the WATE webform in one of two formats:
- Written: up to 150 words (50 words per criterion) OR
- Audio/Video: up to 2 minutes (40 seconds per criterion)
Q: What should the nomination include?
A: It should address all three WATE criteria (see details here)
Q: Are nominations anonymous?
A: Yes, you (the person who nominates someone) remains anonymous. You may choose to share your text with the nominee, but they will not know your name.
Q: What happens after nomination?
A: The WATE team seeks Head of Department endorsements. Judges then shortlist nominees to progress to Stage 2. See the timeline here.
Judging & Shortlisting
Q: Who judges the nominations?
A: Each department nominates one staff and one student judge. Panels include faculty, interdisciplinary, and professional services representatives.
Q: What is Stage 2?
A: Shortlisted nominees submit an Excellence Story:
- Written: up to 1,500 words OR
- Audio: up to 12 minutes
These are reviewed by judges using refined scoring rubrics.
Q: What are the judging criteria?
A: Reflective practice, evidence-informed teaching, and ongoing impact.
How to use the money
Q: When can i spend the award prize?
A: WATE awards are transferred to your department for use during the academic year following your win (e.g., from 1 August to 31 July).
Q: How do I access the funds?
A: The funds are managed by your department. Please contact your departmental administrator or finance team to arrange purchases or reimbursements.
Q: What can the award prize be spent on?
A: The prize should be used to support teaching and learning activities, such as resources, events, or professional development. Expenditure must also be in line with university spending guidelines. If you are unsure, please check with your departmental finregs champion
Q: Can I carry over unspent funds to the next year?
A: No, funds must be used within the allocated academic year (1 August – 31 July). Unspent funds cannot be rolled over unfortunately
Post-Award Opportunities
Q: What happens after winning?
A: Winners are celebrated at the Education Conference and receive academic development support from ADC post-award. They are invited to Term 1 Education Forum as panelists and encouraged to develop or sustain conversations (or initiatives) on teaching excellence within and beyond their departments.
Q: Can shortlisted nominees get involved further?
A: Yes, they may be invited to judge future awards or participate in educational development initiatives.