By Thomas Møller Christensen, AAU Communication and Public Affairs. Photo: DM

New and prospective students at the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience have every reason to feel exceptionally fortunate. Their dedicated tutor group has just been awarded the Tutor Prize 2023 by DM. This is a recognition of the tutor group's commitment to ensuring that new students feel welcome and supported as they embark on their journey at Aalborg University (AAU).

- The tutors from the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience have earned this year's Tutor Prize due to their ability to create engaging, social, and inclusive activities for new students. Their initiatives have not only contributed to establishing a secure foundation for the newcomers but also to strengthening the new academic environment, says Malthe Bækbo Vestergaard, DM Students' spokesperson.

"The best start to a new academic journey"

The Tutor Prize celebrates tutor groups from across the country and their efforts to support and guide new students as they transition into university life. Chemistry and Bioscience's tutor group was part of a highly committed cohort of tutors, making it a significant surprise when they received the award.

- It's a massive surprise. Absolutely fantastic, exclaims  biology student and tutor Jens Emil Bigum Munck enthusiastically, before sharing the key to their success:

- Smiles, openness, and our ability to include everyone. That's what makes the difference.

Chemistry and Bioscience's tutors, among other reasons, secured the Tutor Prize due to their exceptional approach to initiating students into their academic journey. This was evident from the heartwarming nominations submitted by AAU students.

- The tutor corps from Chemistry and Bioscience at AAU truly gave me the best start to my new studies, a new city, and new surroundings in general, states Amalie Hansen in her nomination of Chemistry and Bioscience's tutor group on Facebook.

With this prestigious recognition comes a grant of 10,000 DKK, which the tutors can use for a social event. It is a great opportunity to celebrate their hard work and continue fostering an inclusive learning environment for future generations of students.

Second year in a row

This marks the 15th consecutive year that DM has awarded the Tutor Prize, honoring the extraordinary efforts of tutors in supporting and guiding new students in their transition to university life. It is the second year in a row that the prize has gone to students from AAU, as last year it was awarded to the tutor group from Communication and Digital Media.