The Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) were established in 1997 by the Australian Government to celebrate and reward excellence in university teaching. Since then, the Awards have become a valued form of recognition for university educators Australia wide.
The AAUT recognise the impact that educators have on the learning and teaching experiences and outcomes of university students. They celebrate and reward programs and practices that support students and enhance learning. They promote excellence in learning and teaching in all aspects of higher education. Recipients, with the support of their institutions, contribute to systemic change in learning and teaching through the ongoing sharing and dissemination of knowledge.
A/Prof Yu Tao's citation reads: A/Prof Yu Tao cultivates next-generation Australian-made global changemakers by creating impactful global opportunities for Australian citizens and empowering international students through innovative educational practices.
Overall feedback for the nomination: The nominee is clearly a scholarly and evidence-based teacher who has made sustained and significant contributions to Chinese Studies, International students and international education and to student satisfaction and engagement. They have drawn on a broad array of evidence in support of the application, particularly in student satisfaction and student engagement. There is significant evidence of recognition by their own institution and by external stakeholders nationally and internationally.