The Teaching Excellence Award Scheme, introduced in 2008, is an enhancement of the University Teaching Fellowships, to signify the University's commitment to recognizing and promoting excellence in teaching. The Scheme comprises the University Distinguished Teaching Award and the Outstanding Teaching Award which were launched in 2009 and 2008 respectively. Prior to the introduction of the award scheme, University Teaching Fellowships were granted to outstanding teachers for classroom teaching, contributions to curriculum development, mentorship, teaching and learning within and outside the discipline.