Page 15 - STAR_Participant's_Handbook
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take part in the STAR framework?
No. However, it is a useful and portable 'qualification' and recognised in the UK Higher Education sector as
well as internationally. It provides national recognition of your commitment to professionalism in teaching
and learning in higher education, and demonstrates that your practice is aligned with the UKPSF.
Do I have to pay?
The STAR framework is free for all those with appropriate contractual connections to Imperial College which
is a subscribing member of the HEA. If you are not sure, please contact us.
Which level of fellowship is suitable for me?
See page 5 for guidance.
Do I have to start at Associate Fellow (D1) level?
No. You can start at the level of Fellowship most appropriate to your experience and role.
Is there a time limit between getting FHEA status and SFHEA status?
No. It will depend on your own professional development needs.
Do I need approval from my line manager to be involved?
There is no need for any official approval from a line manager or supervisor, but it is better to talk to them
and get their approval if you can. This is a cpd approach and it works best if you work within your context so
that you can get the best out of it.
Should I do the taught or flexible pathway?
The choice is yours, the STAR framework is designed to be flexible and work in a wide range of profesional
contexts. The taught path to Associate Fellowship (D1) allows you to make the best use of departmental
&/or Graduate School GTA training or the College’s and Faculties’ training requirement for most
probationary academics. The taught path to Fellowship involves a PGCert, doing this gives an additional
academic qualification BUT this also means there are the extra academic requirements you would expect
from a Master’s-level course. The flexible path gives more freedom and is not bound by these academic
requirements. Senior Fellowship (D3) is only offered via the flexible route. If you are not sure, talk to others
you may know who are already involved or feel free to contact us via the website. www.imperial.ac.uk/star-
framework
Can I move between the taught and flexible pathways?
In general, yes, as all of the pathways have a common end point in terms of submission of an application.
See page 11 for further information.
Can I get support if I’m on the flexible path?
If you choose to take one of the flexible pathways you will have the opportunity to:
• attend the STAR Introductory workshop and identify your relevant descriptor category for your level
of experience and responsibility.
• meet one-to-one with your mentor or buddy to discuss your application as required.
• come to the monthly drop-in sessions to allow you to share ideas for mapping of your practice
against the UKPSF and ideas for the focus of narrative accounts, reflective accounts of practice and
case studies.
• attend the STAR Pre-submission workshop to finalise your submission.
Those who choose this route will still have access to the full range of EDU workshops and support and will
complete their application in the same way as those on one of the taught pathways.
15
Do I have to take part in the STAR framework?
No. However, it is a useful and portable 'qualification' and recognised in the UK Higher Education sector as
well as internationally. It provides national recognition of your commitment to professionalism in teaching
and learning in higher education, and demonstrates that your practice is aligned with the UKPSF.
Do I have to pay?
The STAR framework is free for all those with appropriate contractual connections to Imperial College which
is a subscribing member of the HEA. If you are not sure, please contact us.
Which level of fellowship is suitable for me?
See page 5 for guidance.
Do I have to start at Associate Fellow (D1) level?
No. You can start at the level of Fellowship most appropriate to your experience and role.
Is there a time limit between getting FHEA status and SFHEA status?
No. It will depend on your own professional development needs.
Do I need approval from my line manager to be involved?
There is no need for any official approval from a line manager or supervisor, but it is better to talk to them
and get their approval if you can. This is a cpd approach and it works best if you work within your context so
that you can get the best out of it.
Should I do the taught or flexible pathway?
The choice is yours, the STAR framework is designed to be flexible and work in a wide range of profesional
contexts. The taught path to Associate Fellowship (D1) allows you to make the best use of departmental
&/or Graduate School GTA training or the College’s and Faculties’ training requirement for most
probationary academics. The taught path to Fellowship involves a PGCert, doing this gives an additional
academic qualification BUT this also means there are the extra academic requirements you would expect
from a Master’s-level course. The flexible path gives more freedom and is not bound by these academic
requirements. Senior Fellowship (D3) is only offered via the flexible route. If you are not sure, talk to others
you may know who are already involved or feel free to contact us via the website. www.imperial.ac.uk/star-
framework
Can I move between the taught and flexible pathways?
In general, yes, as all of the pathways have a common end point in terms of submission of an application.
See page 11 for further information.
Can I get support if I’m on the flexible path?
If you choose to take one of the flexible pathways you will have the opportunity to:
• attend the STAR Introductory workshop and identify your relevant descriptor category for your level
of experience and responsibility.
• meet one-to-one with your mentor or buddy to discuss your application as required.
• come to the monthly drop-in sessions to allow you to share ideas for mapping of your practice
against the UKPSF and ideas for the focus of narrative accounts, reflective accounts of practice and
case studies.
• attend the STAR Pre-submission workshop to finalise your submission.
Those who choose this route will still have access to the full range of EDU workshops and support and will
complete their application in the same way as those on one of the taught pathways.
15
