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ATU Becomes First University in the Republic of Ireland to Achieve Advance HE Accreditation for Teaching Excellence
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first university in the Republic of Ireland to be designated as an Accredited Institution of Advance HE, a prestigious recognition that places ATU at the forefront of teaching and learning excellence.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first university in the Republic of Ireland to be designated as an Accredited Institution of Advance HE, a prestigious recognition that places ATU at the forefront of teaching and learning excellence. This accreditation enables ATU to assess and award Advance HE Fellowships through its ENGAGE Programme, a structured initiative designed to support and recognise staff excellence in teaching and student learning support.
The achievement was led by Dr Niamh Plunkett, Head of Teaching & Learning at ATU (Sligo), who has been instrumental in advancing professional development initiatives across the university. “This is a proud moment for ATU and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our academic staff,” said Dr Plunkett. “The ENGAGE Programme has already transformed teaching practices at ATU, with over 60 staff members awarded Advance HE Fellowships and many more engaged in the process. This accreditation cements our commitment to excellence in teaching, which ultimately benefits our students by ensuring they receive the highest quality learning experience.”
Dr Plunkett also acknowledged the critical role played by Dr John O’Callaghan, Academic Writing Instructor at ATU (Sligo) and ENGAGE Programme Lead, in securing this recognition. “Dr O’Callaghan’s expertise and dedication were invaluable in this process. His meticulous work in preparing and overseeing our accreditation submission ensured that ATU met the rigorous standards required. His efforts have positioned ATU as a leader in staff professional development in higher education.”
Karen Hustler, Head of Accreditation and Excellence Awards, Advance HE, also commended ATU on this achievement:”Advance HE is delighted to award Teaching and Learning Accreditation to Atlantic Technological University (ATU). ATU is our first accredited institution in Ireland and this achievement reflects the success ATU has had with supporting its staff to achieve one of our four categories of fellowship in recognition of their excellent learning and teaching practices. ATU is now part of our network of 181 accredited member institutions around the world. We are very proud to be working with ATU and wish the team every success as they launch the new ATU ENGAGE scheme.”
The ENGAGE Programme is a key pillar of ATU’s strategic focus on professional development, helping to cultivate a culture of continuous learning and reflective practice among staff. The university’s leadership sees this accreditation as a critical step in strengthening the link between staff development and student success.
ATU President, Dr Orla Flynn, welcomed the news: “I am delighted to celebrate the news that ATU has now been designated an Accredited Institution of Advance HE for our ATU ENGAGE Fellowship programme. This is strong recognition of ATU’s commitment to supporting staff professional development in inclusive teaching and learning, and it is noteworthy that ATU is the first university in the Republic of Ireland to achieve this recognition. Our first Strategic Plan, published in autumn 2024, includes Enabling Education as one of its guiding lights, and this Advance HE designation illustrates our intention to make a true difference in this area”
Registrar & VP Students, Teaching & Learning, Dr Michele Glacken, further emphasised the significance of this accreditation for ATU’s students: “Securing approval as an Accredited Institution of Advance HE clearly signals ATUs intent to ensure students receive a quality teaching and learning experience which will enable them achieve success. Students are at the heart of everything we do, and by investing in our staff’s professional development, we are ensuring they receive the highest quality education. This accreditation strengthens ATU’s ability to promote an environment where both staff and students thrive.”
As ATU continues to lead the way in innovative teaching and professional development, this accreditation reinforces its commitment to excellence in higher education, benefiting both staff and students for years to come.
