WHEA Annual Report 2025 Final Digital with links v3 - Flipbook - Page 20
Warwick International Higher Education Academy Annual Report 2025
WHEA events
This year, WIHEA has continued to strengthen its vibrant community through a
varied programme of events designed to inspire dialogue, share practice, and
spark collaboration. Alongside our programme of Masterclasses, our regular
networking lunches once again proved to be invaluable forums for connecting
colleagues across disciplines, exchanging perspectives, and seeding new ideas
that often grow into Learning Circles and funded projects.
The networking lunches remain one of the most popular
and valued parts of the WIHEA calendar. Two of this
year’s lunches welcomed Alumni back into the fold,
offering unique spaces to connect across generations
of Fellows and sustain WIHEA’s community ethos.
A highlight was a lively discussion panel with four of
our Student Fellows, who spoke candidly about their
experiences of teaching and studying at Warwick.
Fellows were able to ask questions directly, gaining
fresh insights into the student perspective. Another
memorable session was led by Professor David
Lees, Dean of Students, who facilitated an engaging
discussion on personal tutoring. Fellows and students
alike shared both positive and challenging experiences,
which made for a spirited and constructive debate.
These lunches continue to provide a relaxed but
purposeful environment in which colleagues can build
new relationships, strengthen existing ones, and explore
collaborative opportunities.
The 2025 Masterclass series brought together
colleagues and external partners to explore pressing
issues in higher education, from the role of critical
thinking in an AI age to inclusive practice, leadership,
and intercultural awareness.
Critical Thinking in the Age of AI, led by Dr Ellinor
Allen and Dr Colin Jevons from Monash University,
explored the complexity and importance of critical
thinking as a skill central to student success and
employability. Participants reflected on how such skills
can be fostered in teaching, particularly as generative AI
20
reshapes the learning landscape, and shared strategies
for embedding critical thinking into curricula.
Students as Partners: Reimagining Higher Education
for a Collaborative Future was delivered by Dr
Nira Rahman from the University of Melbourne. This
Masterclass examined the principles and practice of
authentic staff–student partnerships, encouraging
participants to reflect on both successful and
challenging projects in their own contexts. Discussions
highlighted the cultural dimensions of partnership
and underlined the importance of shared ownership
in creating more equitable and impactful learning
experiences.
Graduate Recruiter Perspectives on a Warwick
Degree was hosted online by the Employability
Learning Circle, bringing together employers from
TCS, E.ON, Scotia Bank, the UK Health Security
Agency, and Allegro. The panel shared insights into
the skills and attributes they value most in graduates,
from communication and teamwork to adaptability and
resilience. This candid discussion prompted colleagues
to reflect on how Warwick programmes equip students
for life beyond university, and how academic and
professional communities can continue to engage with
employer expectations.
Understanding my ‘Circle of Influence’ focused on
themes of leadership and inclusion and was presented
by Dr John Kirkman. Participants were invited to step
back from the busy demands of work and reflect on
where they can most effectively focus their energy
