TAG – The Alternative Guide (to UCLan)

ElluminateNov 12, 2009

Lucy Warman & Louisa Dignan

Today’s Session

• Introduction• Milestone for today’s presentation• Challenges and solutions• Discussion

Introduction

• The Alternative Guide - what UCLan is really like

• Supporting students from application to first assessment

• Written by those who know it best – our students

• Ultimate aim is to aid retention

Milestones

• TAG built– Services content– Student content

• Moving from JISC to UCLan

Challenges and Solutions

• Challenge - communication with staff– No one reads it!– Getting people to take time out

• Solution– Target senior staff– Offer them something– Bring in a “celebrity” / something that

impacts them

Challenges and Solutions

• Challenge – communication with students–Unclear paths–Desirable students harder to reach

• Solution– Site live before ready–Direct emails to selected groups–Competitions / give aways–Used as client for assessment

JISC to UCLan

• Challenge – what happens after the funding?– People not understanding project– Talking to the right people

• Solution– JISC Realisation and Benefits funding– UCLan’s reputation– Project’s reputation

Discussion

• Is it difficult to engage students in extra curricular activities?

• Is communication and issue within your institution?