The Connect Benefit Series throughout the month of June 2021 will focus on the student voice – how higher education institutions value and represent the student voice and commit to using it to drive positive change.
The review of the National Student Survey (NSS), was prompted in part by criticism around the administrative burden that student surveys allegedly create, and there has been wider debate about how student satisfaction links to quality; however, we believe that student feedback is a powerful tool for change, and we want to provide a platform for our members to share new and innovative practice which represents the student voice in a way which drives forward the discussion on quality,
Surveys, measurement tools, qualitative research and other techniques have a key role to play in capturing the student voice but they only form part of the picture. Through a series of case studies, a research report and a live event, the theme will examine the importance of representing student views both overall and during the Covid-19 pandemic.
An Advance HE member benefit
The Connect Benefit Series is an Advance HE member benefit and is open to colleagues at Advance HE member institutions.
Aims
By the end of the month those participating will have had the opportunity to:
- showcase, and learn from, best practice in representing the student voice and using it to drive positive change
- discuss sector-wide policy initiatives for capturing student views
- contribute their own view as to the importance of the student voice in the wider quality debate
- understand the very latest student perspectives on their experience
- gain access to new research recommendations on how intersectional equalities are being effectively addressed.
Vlog - introduction to the theme
In his vlog, Advance HE's Head of Business Intelligence and Surveys introduces this month's theme and discusses the aims and outputs of the month.
Webinar - The future of the student voice in the post-NSS world? Policy, principles, practice.
On Wednesday 30 June we will be hosting an interactive webinar bringing together practitioners, students and sector commentators. This live event will discuss the immediate future of the student voice in light of the high profile review of the National Student Survey (NSS), and will consider how best to capture the student experience in a way that links through to quality while ensuring students themselves feel their voice is heard.
Blog - SAES results 2021 – opinion piece by Jonathan Neves.
June will also see the publication of the annual Student Academic Experience Survey results, in partnership between Advance HE and HEPI, and this member benefit series will feature an article from Jonathan Neves, co-author of the main survey report, discussing what the results mean for the sector.
One year on, what can EDI work in UK higher education learn from Black Lives Matter?”
We will also be publishing a research report based on Black Lives Matter and intersectional injustice, examining a sample of actions undertaken by UK higher education institutions in response to Black Lives Matter protests that occurred in the UK and around world from May 2020. Rather than evaluate what institutions did (or did not do) in light of criticisms aired by students and staff, the report offers an accessible introduction to how EDI practitioners might ‘build on’ issues brought to the fore by Black Lives Matter to advance structural change within their institution.
Case study series
Our series of four case studies will showcase a range of approaches and best practice across different institutions and the impact they have had at all levels.
A design thinking project for minority ethnic students at Swansea University
Swansea Academy of Inclusivity and Learner Success (SAILS) works with staff and students across Swansea University to enhance academic and pastoral support with a focus on students from underrepresented groups
Student Voice and Partnership: An institutional approach at the University of Reading
Part of our Connect Member Benefit series focusing on the future of the student voice, this case study outlines the benefits and impact of two institution-wide initiatives introduced in the wake of a global pandemic to embed student voice and partnerships at the University of Reading.
Collaboration and co-production during Covid-19: a reflection on the mutual benefits of partnership working with the Student Voice at the University of Salford
This case study details the development of the working relationship between the University of Salford Students’ Union and University of Salford for the betterment of the student experience and the removal of barriers to learning.
A Unique Student Advisor Service
This case study details the Student Advisor Service launched by Falmouth University designed to find students at risk of withdrawal, hear their specific situations, and give tailored advice from their database of abundant support and resources available to students.
Related programmes and events
Below you will find information on Advance HE programmes and events which relate to the member benefits listed above.
Student Surveys
The student surveys from Advance HE (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey, Postgraduate Research Experience Survey and the UK Engagement Survey) have engaged with over 170,000 students over the last two years.
Statistics reports
Advance HE's statistical reports provide equality data on staff and students within UK higher education, and students in Scottish colleges.
Exploring the impact of Covid-19 on disabled students in higher education
The Disabled Students’ Commission (referred to as the DSC throughout the survey) is an independent and strategic group set up to advise, inform and influence higher education providers (HEPs) and sector bodies to improve support for disabled students. The DSC's remit is England-only.
Adding Value through Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Education in Higher Education
The collaborative project will provide an opportunity to identify how enterprise and entrepreneurship can add value to both students and other stakeholders.
Leading Student Engagement in Times of Crisis and Transformation: Student Engagement Conference 2021
New for 20-21 and focusing on student engagement, this conference will focus on the engagement of students in all aspects of their higher education, from the ‘classroom’ to extra-curricular activities including leadership and governance.
December - Engaging learners: Any time? Any place? Anyhow?
December’s Connect Benefit Series followed the theme of student engagement. Students’ sense of belonging is developed through engaging and socially constructed learning experiences; this is a challenge that is further emphasised on a physically distanced campus.
Advance HE Connect
Advance HE Connect our online network that is open to all those who work in HE providing a space where the sector can share, connect and collaborate in one place with 22,000 HE peers from 100 countries around the globe. The platform features special interest groups, events and collaborative projects.
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