Northumbria University Programme & Subject Leaders Conference – May 2008

Supporting the Student Journey

- Enabling an Odyssey to Success

Shelagh Groves,

Director of Student Services

Karen Newton

Head of the Wellbeing Service

Expected OutcomesGreater awareness of the Wellbeing StrategyUnderstanding of what we mean by ‘The

Student Journey’An awareness of the Research underpinning

the changes which enhance the student journey

Knowledge related to Student Services and its role in supporting the journey

What is effective Guidance, where are the Boundaries

The University JourneyStarted in April 2002 – revision of Vision,

Mission and Aims - innovative appointment PVC Student Affairs

Development of StrategyBuilt on existing good practice re student

supportEnsured a collaborative and consensual

approach to developing the strategyUnderpinned by extensive researchEmphasis on ‘local’ not ‘central’ solutions

The Wellbeing StrategyInitially one of only two Universities with

such a strategySupport and Guidance seen as holistic and

developmental – enhancing the experience of ALL students

Student JourneyAudit/ResearchResearch led to effective implementation –

Practitioner ForaReview and Enhancement

ResearchFull-time Researcher – 3 year research planSix Strands relating to the student journey1.Pre-entry experiences, and application decisions2.Student Induction and its impact3.On-course student identities and the student

experience4.The financial experiences of students5.Student concepts of employability6.Student experiences of electronic interactions

and e-learning

The Student JourneyTransitionalTransformingPersonal Development and GrowthSocial and EducationalThree PhasesPre-entry – Marketing, Admissions WPOn-course – Retention, Guidance, Induction,

Attendance Monitoring, general wellbeing issues

Exit – Employability and Alumni

What about the Journeys within?A common student journey, but within that??International studentsStudents with DisabilitiesMature Students/under 18sWidening Participation studentsFull-time/Part-time/UG/PG/DL/FranchisedCPDAnd what about – hippies, goths, anoraks sporty, etc etc…….

Current Northumbria Population 2007/08

31,65821,421 full-time 10,237 part-time

54.9% female45.1% male

Continued…

23.9% aged 18 and under22.8% aged 19-2027.3% aged 21-25 9.0% aged 26-3015.8% aged 30+

83.8% UK students – 79.5% from the North East3.01% EU and Isles students (0.1% Isles)13.1% International students - 8.O% Eastern

Asia

Disability1279 students declared a disability last year738 Dyslexia50 Wheelchair User/Mobility problems99 Unseen (diabetes, epilepsy)36 Deaf/hearing impaired140 Asperger ‘s Syndrome/Mental Health

issues/Autism Spectrum Disorder28 Blind/partially sighted53 two or more of the above111 other disability not listed above24 Temporary disability

Definition of GuidanceWithin this context the term GUIDANCE

refers to the overall system encompassing a range of planned and developed strategies and processes designed to empower students to increase and fulfil their educational, career and personal potential. Ultimate aim is to help students become autonomous lifelong learners

Guidance GuidelinesGuidance is defined as an entitlement to

defined supportThis entitlement encompasses three strands,

Induction, Academic Facilitation, ReferralThis can be provided through a variety of

means though the academic facilitation is likely to be provided through a single Tutor

Student Services – Our VisionTo deliver support services which:

Are fit for purpose now and can readily adapt to the changing nature of Higher Education in the future

Are proactive and, through innovative practice, are able to enhance the experience of all Northumbria students

Work with Schools and Services to ensure cross campus support

Student Services – Our VisionOperate as an integrated unit with effective

collaboration and communication across all sections

Operate in line with University Strategies, especially the Wellbeing Strategy

Continue to research the student experience and respond to that research through developing our own practice and encouraging similar developments within Schools and Services

Student Services StructureStudent Services

Director

Careers and Employment

Service

Head of Careers and Employment Service

Head of Wellbeing Service

Welfare and International

Support

Disability Support

Multifaith Chaplaincy

Access Funds

Centre

Counselling

Support

Administration

Research

Coach Lane

Functional ActivitiesCareers and Employment SupportCounselling SupportDisability SupportInternational SupportJobshop and Volunteering OpportunitiesMultifaith ChaplaincyWelfare Support

Other Important Support FacilitiesAccommodation ServiceEnglish Language CentreLibrary and Learning ServicesSecurity ServicesSport NorthumbriaGuidance TutorSchool OfficesWellbeing CentresStudents Union

Careers & Employment SupportCareers AdviceEmployer

presentationsGroup sessionsCareer Management

module on e-learning portal

Extensive resources including electronic

Focussed support for international students

Jobshop - term-time and vacation employment

Volunteering opportunities

Northumbria + Award

All enhance employability Skills

Counselling SupportIndividual confidential sessions with studentsProvision of an e-mail counselling support

serviceDrop-in ServiceWeb site and e-learning portal based

informationReferral to external agenciesMental Health Issues

Disabilities SupportAdvice and support for prospective and

current studentsLiaison with Local Authorities in connection

with Disabled Student AllowancesProvision of a bank of loan equipmentAssessment related to need for extra time in

examination and assignment extensionsAccess to a professional educational support

serviceExtensive staff development programmeMental Health issues

International SupportAdvice and support to prospective and

current students inc. information visas and work permits

Provision of a Meet and Greet ServiceDelivery of specialist induction eventsDelivery of social activitiesReferral to ASK International – English

Language supportExtensive staff development activities

Multifaith ChaplaincyFrom many denominationsSocial activities for studentsWork with specific student groups and

societiesAdvise on multifaith provisionAvailable for staff

Welfare SupportWork with prospective and current students -

UK, OS,EU, FT/PT/DL also refugees and asylum seekers

Open Days/Inductions/ LiteratureManage all Government FundsAdvise University on impact of changesRespond to crises and emergenciesAdvice work covers: Finance issues,

university regulations, health, student safety

Reactive or ProactiveReactive

We are there for students when they need usWe respond to emergency and crisis situationsWe respond to health issues e.g. norovirus/mumps

ProactiveWe have extensive web and e-learning materialsWe produce a wide range of information leafletsWe provide a training package for staff We undertake some delivery in SchoolsWe participate in all School Student Affairs

Committees

Is the Strategy Successful ?

YESStudent Services is becoming more fit

for purposeRetention has improved year on yearStudents are more socially and

academically engagedApplications are positive

Supporting the Student JourneyKey MessagesThe enhancement of the student experience at

Northumbria is a direct response to the Student Support Research and the Implementation of the Wellbeing Strategy

Social integration and student engagement should be high on the agenda of all Schools

Effective induction and effective attendance monitoring aid retention

Enhancing the student experience should be the continuing central theme of Northumbria.

Collaboration across Schools and Services is vital