ANDY YOUNG, HWB – SUMMARY OF THUNDERSTORM DISCUSSION, JUNE 2015

Parallel session 1.1 - summary of discussion

Engaging students

Engagement is a process, not a one-off eventEngagement requires some effortAnd some creativityIt takes time, to establish trust and rapportA 'meaningful dialogue' with students is

requiredGenuine rather than tokenistic

Student support

Making students aware of help that is availableMaximizing the impact of support servicesMinimizing risk (e.g. social isolation)Ensuring access, the right person at the right timeIf students don’t seek help, why, what can we learn

from this for the future?Different students, different needsE.g. mature students might require additional supportPeer support can be effective, in relation to retention

and integration

Responding positively to student feedback

What is working in relation to student engagement?

What is not?Disseminating best practice mattersAnd embedding best practice in the curricula

Staff engagement

Engagement is not just about studentsDepartmental time/commitmentTrust/an open dialogueStaff training/developmentA willingness to work differently