AUANetwork Conference 24 November 2017

Strathclyde’s distinctive approach to enhancing students’ experience

Dr Veena O’HalloranUniversity Secretary and Compliance Officer

• Created in 1796 as place of ‘useful learning’ open to everyone

• Largest cohort of SIMD40 students amongst research intensives and 3rd largest in Scotland

• 1 in 10 SIMD40 young, full-time entrants studies at Strathclyde

• Commitment to widening participation from senior leadership and across institution; part of Strathclyde’s mission as a socially progressive institution

• Central WA Team but activity across all Faculties and Professional Services

University of Strathclyde

Widening participation strategy

1. Learner journey model2. Harnessing technologies3. Vertical enhancement (students as active participants in WP activity)

Getting ready

Getting in

Staying in

Getting on

Support through the learner journey

Primary School

During Degree

Into EmploymentCollaboration with Careers Service to publicise opportunities (e.g. internships)

PDA Framework

HaSS Literacy Clinic

CLL, Pre-Entry Access Course SWAP Study Skills Day with RIOFinding Your Way activities for mature students

Strathclyde Cares Mentoring

Engineering Academy + others

Children’s University

Access to Careers in Teaching programme with GCC, UWS & UoG

USSA Strathguides

Secondary School

College

Access, Later Life Learning

Employer workshops for WA students

Support for student transitions (Enhancement Themes)

Study Skills, Maths Skills Support Centre

USSA Peer Support Mature Students’ Association

Care leavers committee

WA internships

1. Getting Ready

© Andy Buchanan

2. Getting In

Use of contextual data in admissions

– SIMD40

– Care experience

– Low progression school

– Transparent process with offer rates published online along with look up tools for eligibility

Progression agreement with FOCUS West

Young Strathclyders

https://www.strath.ac.uk/studywithus/wideningaccess/

Support for asylum seekers and refugees:- Workshops in partnership with

Bridges Programme, Scholarships, Mentoring for students

3. Staying In

Staff- The WA Team

- Faculties (Academic Selectors,

Advisors, those involved in

learning, teaching and assessment,

recruitment and outreach, schools

engagement)

- SEES (Careers, Study Skills,

Finance Team, Admissions…)

- Other Professional Services

(Strategy & Policy, RIO, HR, Alumni

& Development…)

Students- USSA (Executive, Advice Hub,

projects, volunteers)

- Undergraduate students (WA work

within programmes e.g. MDP, BEd.

Paid opportunities as mentors,

voluntary CPD opportunities)

- Postgraduate students and

researchers (Credit-bearing element

of Researcher Development

Programme, Engage with

Strathclyde, paid and volunteering

opportunities)

Alumni (Scholarships, internships,

mentoring)

External partners (Clyde Gateway,

MCR Pathways, GCC, KTPs…)

3. Staying In“Strathclyde Cares” programme – the first of its kind in the UK–

helps students with experience of the care system throughout their higher education journey, from pre-application to graduation and beyond.

Named advisor for carers, care experienced, estranged and transgender applicants and students- Carers Policy- Strathclyde Cares mentoring

programme- Partnership with MCR

Pathways

4. Getting On

Radboud Summer School

Before I attended Radboud Summer School, I was quite insecure in my abilities. I always doubted what I could do and depended on my peers for social support. After attending Radboud summer school, I am like a new person. On a personal level my confidence has soared. Lyndsey Ann MacIntyre

Engineering Academyoffers students routes into

university and employment

Common Purpose: 33 Sixty Programme

Widening participation strategy

1. Learner journey model2. Harnessing technologies3. Vertical enhancement (students as

active participants in WP activity)

Highest level of engagement of any Future Learn MOOC

Highest

number of

registration

s for Future

Learn and

launch

Widening participation strategy

1. Learner journey model2. Harnessing technologies3. Vertical enhancement (students as active participants in WP activity)

Future priorities

1. Align public engagement and widening participation

2. Align E&D and widening participation

3. Evidence based approach – building on research excellence: Institute for Inspiring Children’s Futures; TransEdu; Equally Safe in Higher Education,

4. Even Greater collaboration

Thank You

https://www.strath.ac.uk/media/ps/sees/wideningaccess/Widening_Access_Booklet_2016.pdf