Towards Success in Transition Employability and Progression Supporting
Towards Success in Transition, Employability and Progression: Supporting Widening Participation Students Further Zoe Ollerenshaw and Joan Upson
In our presentation we aim to: • Introduce the English HE context • Explain what STEPS is and why we introduced it • What STEPS had included this year
In our presentation we aim to (cont’d): • Initial thoughts and reflections from experiences to date and patterns beginning to emerge • Anecdotally…. . Reflections on challenges faced • Your reflections and experiences
The English HE Context • The University Sector: Russell Group, 1992 Universities, New Universities, Further Education Plus, Private Providers • Funding of the students’ learning • To go away or to stay local? • University regulation
Who are ‘widening participation’ students?
Why STEPS? (1) • Differential performance in first year modules with non-traditional qualifications; • Differential attainment and progression group for BAME students • Struggle with senses of belonging (Summerlad)/or feel ‘othered’ • Can take longer to enter graduate employment (Crawford)
Why STEPS? (2) • Can find it difficult to take-up extra curricular activities (TUOS WPREU and Tinto); • BTEC students disproportionately fail to complete their degrees (Holford)
STEPS builds on: • Studies on social and cultural intelligence; • Aspects of inclusive teaching and learning (with help from attending the TUOS SEED programme); • Notions of transformation; and • Concepts of competence, autonomy and relatedness
STEPS activities: • Drop in sessions – request activities, informal peer support networks across and between year groups • Review of WINS (our compulsory incurricular study and legal skills programme) • Mentor and mentee opportunities • BAME /sector career opportunities
STEPS activities (cont’d): • WP student ambassador opportunities • New pro bono programme with greater flexibility in terms of time commitment • Networking workshop and meet the alumna event • Interestingly not yet been asked to
Initial reflections • Pro bono opportunities : • Many, varied, voluntary and assessed • Participation as proxy • Participation in the employment and skills initiative • Participation in year abroad opportunities
Anecdotally……. . • Hidden rules and agendas out of reach • Expectations of what it is to be a perfect student
Anecdotally……. • Being behind the curve • Hidden costs and funding them • Commuting students • Home students
Whole group plenary How do you meet such needs? Reflections on challenges faced and challenges overcome
Questions?
- Slides: 15