Enhancing the student experience 2024

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Overview

The changing student experience

Enhancing the student experience has never been more important. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, and as we continue to live through a cost of living crisis, the student experience has changed dramatically in the last five years. Universities must support students through these challenges, and prepare them for an unpredictable digital world. In addition, increasingly more people are choosing to come to university through different routes, or combining studies with work or caring responsibilities.

Join us on Thursday 16 May 2024, either in London or online, to meet colleagues and discuss how to enhance the student experience, and ensure it works for all students.

This conference will explore key topics such as:

A sense of belonging - exploring the student experience for different student groups
Effective inductions
Student mental health
University partnerships with students' union to tackle cost-of-living crisis
Alternative student perspectives - from post-graduate students to distance learners
Tackling challenges for student accommodation
Supporting disabled students by making reasonable adjustments

If you are unable to join in person, you can register for access to a livestream of the plenary sessions (breakout sessions will not be streamed).

Alongside informative, timely content from the most pertinent speakers on the topic, we will also be providing a wide range of opportunities to network, discuss, and make connections with colleagues within the sector.

We allow delegates to cancel their bookings up to one month before the event and receive a refund. If this applies to you, please contact us at the email or phone number above.

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If you have any questions about this or any other of our events, please contact us at [email protected] or +44 (0) 20 7419 5459.

Agenda

09:30

10:00

Registration and refreshments

10:00

11:30

Opening plenaries

10:00

10:10

Welcome and opening remarks

Professor Jane Harrington, Vice Chancellor, University of Greenwich

10:10

11:00

A sense of belonging

David Gilani, Staff Governor and Head of Student Engagement and Advocacy, Middlesex University
Alaya Amadi-Holloway, Director, FirstGens
Gareth Pryce, Head of Engagement, Making the Leap

Students have different needs and experiences, and this session will explore how universities can foster a sense of belonging among students and their institution. Explore initiatives aimed at creating inclusive environments, supporting diverse student bodies, and promoting student engagement. Discuss the significance of belonging for student well-being and academic success. Join us to exchange insights and best practices for nurturing a vibrant and supportive campus community where every student feels valued and connected.

11:00

11:30

Empowering Education Communities: Navigating Student Support, Wellbeing and Affordability with TechnologyOne

Leo Hanna, Executive Vice President, (EVP), TechnologyOne

In today's educational landscape, ensuring student success extends beyond academics to encompass support, wellbeing, and affordability. This session delves into how TechnologyOne Software serves as a transformative tool in navigating these critical areas. From streamlining administrative processes to fostering a conducive digital environment for student wellbeing initiatives, attendees will discover firsthand how TechnologyOne empowers education communities to prioritise student support and affordability without compromising on quality. Join us to explore innovative strategies and real-world examples that demonstrate the tangible impact of TechnologyOne in shaping a more inclusive and thriving educational ecosystem.

11:30

12:00

Refreshment break

12:00

13:00

Breakout sessions

Choose one to attend

Not available on livestream

12:00

13:00

Supporting disabled students by making reasonable adjustments

Chair: Professor Deborah Johnston, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Framework), London South Bank University
Jo Nuckley, Head of Outreach and insight, Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIAHE)
Suzanna Chen, Disabled Students Officer, Students' Union UCL

Explore the student experience concerning disability support and reasonable adjustments, focusing on consistency, legal compliance, and streamlined processes. How can universities navigate the challenges stemming from changes to Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) and transitioning between funding models.

12:00

13:00

Supporting students with different study patterns: Foundation year students and distance learners

Sheeba Asad, Distance Learning Officer, Leicester Students’ Union
Robin Gibson, Director for External Affairs, Solutionpath
Chair: Rowan Fisher, Head of Student Experience and Skills Policy, Universities UK

Explore tailored approaches to elevate the student experience, with particular focus on two distinct groups: foundation year students, and distance-learning students. Discuss strategies for fostering engagement, support, and inclusivity in diverse learning environments, and how to shape a transformative educational journey for every learner.

12:00

13:00

A case study for helping students to 'Write it Right' - data outcomes from an early-intervention initiative at University of Sunderland

Evi Liatiri, Assistant Head of Student Administration (Digital Learning), University of Sunderland
Debby Hsieh, Business Development Lead, Studiosity

The Learning Design team at the University of Sunderland has been developing engaging and pedagogically sound learning materials and tools to enhance student support and students' learning experiences, and the “Write it Right” initiative is a significant part of their efforts. It is a structured early intervention activity assigned to students by their personal academic tutor that leads to positive impacts on student engagement, satisfaction, retention, progression, and completion.This case study session will share the first-hand experience of the University of Sunderland in using Studiosity as a pedagogical tool to help students “Write it Right” as well as the impressive data and outcomes from the initiative.

13:00

13:40

Lunch and networking

13:40

14:40

Breakout sessions

Choose one to attend

Not available on livestream

13:40

14:40

Supporting trans and non-binary students

Dr Jennifer Fraser, Principal Lecturer and Dr Francis Ray White, Reader, University of Westminster
Josh Freeman, Policy Manager, The Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI)
Elena Bloomquist, Volunteer Officer, Aberystwyth Students' Union
Chair: Laura James, Head of Health and Counselling, University of Brighton

Address the unique challenges faced by trans and non-binary students in higher education. This session will explore recent research undertaken by HEPI and by University of Westminster and provide practical insights to inform your student support and engagement strategy.

13:40

14:40

Collaboration between universities and students’ unions to tackle the cost of living crisis’s impact on students

Chair: Vanessa Dodd, Head of Education, Research & Evaluation, Staffordshire University
Leonard Stuart, Student Union Officer, Staffordshire University
Vivi Friedgut, Founder, Blackbullion
Zaid Mahmood, President, Kent Union
Shah Yaseen Ali, Union President, Newcastle University Students' Union

The cost of living crisis is having immediate impact on student living standards, and long-term impact of maintenance loans failing to match inflation. Join discussions on how universities and students' unions can collaborate to alleviate these burdens, ensuring both short-term relief and sustainable solutions for students' financial well-being.

13:40

14:40

Finding purpose in a forest of opinions: The digital life of the 21st century student

Dr Richard Graham, Chief Clinical Director, TalkCampus

Today’s students have navigated the pandemic, the permacrisis, and the ongoing ‘infodemic’ of false information. Trust is corroded by professional influencers that profit from engaging the lonely, and by the amplification of extreme opinions by algorithms. Personal values and a sense of purpose are now hard won. Explore the informational landscape of today’s students, how it increases loneliness, but also discover how inclusion, connectedness and belonging can be fostered in safe spaces, online.

14:40

15:00

Refreshment break

15:00

16:00

Closing Plenaries

15:00

15:05

Welcome back from Chair

Sharon Jones, Director of Student Support Services, University of South Wales

15:05

15:55

Student accommodation: tackling the challenges of today and the future

Robin Walsh, Head of Residential Services, Bournemouth University
Poppy Read-Pitt, Community Officer, Nottingham University
Anne Marie Graham, Chief Executive, UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)
Michelle Christian, Director for Property and Residential Services, The University of Edinburgh

Across the country, adequate provision of quality accommodation continues to be a pressing issue both for wider society and university students. Further, the forthcoming Renters Reform Bill risks exacerbating supply issues for student accommodation. Join us to explore solutions for enhancing the student living experience amid evolving dynamics to secure sustainable provision of university accommodation today and into the future.

15:55

Closing remarks

Sharon Jones, Director of Student Support Services, University of South Wales

Who should attend?

This conference is open to all with an interest in this topic, however will be particularly useful for staff who have responsibility for or play a part in any aspect of the student experience. Relevant job titles include:

Director/Head of Student Services
Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience/Learning & Teaching
Director/Head/Officer of Student Experience/Engagement
Director/Head/Officer of Education
Director/Head/Officer of Student Wellbeing/Support
Student Experience Manager/Officer
Student Welfare Manager/Officer
Student Support Manager/Officer
Students' Union staff

Sponsorship

We have a range of sponsorship opportunities available at our events. Please contact Magda Graszka, Senior Events Manager, for more information: [email protected]