Northumbria University Programme Subject Leaders Conference

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 Outcomes Greater awareness of the Wellbeing Strategy Understanding 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 Journey Started in April 2002 – revision of Vision, Mission and Aims - innovative appointment PVC Student Affairs Development of Strategy Built on existing good practice re student support Ensured a collaborative and consensual approach to developing the strategy Underpinned by extensive research Emphasis on ‘local’ not ‘central’ solutions

The Wellbeing Strategy Initially one of only two Universities with such a strategy Support and Guidance seen as holistic and developmental – enhancing the experience of ALL students Student Journey Audit/Research led to effective implementation – Practitioner Fora Review and Enhancement

Research Full-time Researcher – 3 year research plan Six Strands relating to the student journey 1. Pre-entry experiences, and application decisions 2. Student Induction and its impact 3. On-course student identities and the student experience 4. The financial experiences of students 5. Student concepts of employability 6. Student experiences of electronic interactions and e-learning

The Student Journey Transitional Transforming Personal Development and Growth Social and Educational Three Phases Pre-entry – Marketing, Admissions WP On-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 students Students with Disabilities Mature Students/under 18 s Widening Participation students Full-time/Part-time/UG/PG/DL/Franchised CPD And what about – hippies, goths, anoraks sporty, etc…….

Current Northumbria Population 2007/08 31, 658 21, 421 full-time 10, 237 part-time 54. 9% female 45. 1% male

Continued… 23. 9% aged 18 and under 22. 8% aged 19 -20 27. 3% aged 21 -25 9. 0% aged 26 -30 15. 8% aged 30+ 83. 8% UK students – 79. 5% from the North East 3. 01% EU and Isles students (0. 1% Isles) 13. 1% International students - 8. O% Eastern Asia

Disability 1279 students declared a disability last year 738 Dyslexia 50 Wheelchair User/Mobility problems 99 Unseen (diabetes, epilepsy) 36 Deaf/hearing impaired 140 Asperger ‘s Syndrome/Mental Health issues/Autism Spectrum Disorder 28 Blind/partially sighted 53 two or more of the above 111 other disability not listed above 24 Temporary disability

Definition of Guidance Within 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 Guidelines Guidance is defined as an entitlement to defined support This entitlement encompasses three strands, Induction, Academic Facilitation, Referral This can be provided through a variety of means though the academic facilitation is likely to be provided through a single Tutor

Student Services – Our Vision To 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 Vision Operate 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 Structure

Functional Activities Careers and Employment Support Counselling Support Disability Support International Support Jobshop and Volunteering Opportunities Multifaith Chaplaincy Welfare Support

Other Important Support Facilities Accommodation Service English Language Centre Library and Learning Services Security Services Sport Northumbria Guidance Tutor School Offices Wellbeing Centres Students Union

Careers & Employment Support Careers Advice Employer presentations Group sessions Career 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 Support Individual confidential sessions with students Provision of an e-mail counselling support service Drop-in Service Web site and e-learning portal based information Referral to external agencies Mental Health Issues

Disabilities Support Advice and support for prospective and current students Liaison with Local Authorities in connection with Disabled Student Allowances Provision of a bank of loan equipment Assessment related to need for extra time in examination and assignment extensions Access to a professional educational support service Extensive staff development programme Mental Health issues

International Support Advice and support to prospective and current students inc. information visas and work permits Provision of a Meet and Greet Service Delivery of specialist induction events Delivery of social activities Referral to ASK International – English Language support Extensive staff development activities

Multifaith Chaplaincy From many denominations Social activities for students Work with specific student groups and societies Advise on multifaith provision Available for staff

Welfare Support Work with prospective and current students - UK, OS, EU, FT/PT/DL also refugees and asylum seekers Open Days/Inductions/ Literature Manage all Government Funds Advise University on impact of changes Respond to crises and emergencies Advice work covers: Finance issues, university regulations, health, student safety

Reactive or Proactive Reactive ü We are there for students when they need us ü We respond to emergency and crisis situations ü We respond to health issues e. g. norovirus/mumps Proactive ü We have extensive web and e-learning materials ü We produce a wide range of information leaflets ü We provide a training package for staff ü We undertake some delivery in Schools ü We participate in all School Student Affairs Committees

Is the Strategy Successful ? YES Student Services is becoming more fit for purpose Retention has improved year on year Students are more socially and academically engaged Applications are positive

Supporting the Student Journey Key Messages The 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