Student support services are a key area for addressing the Black and minority ethnic (BME) attainment gap across the three partner universities. While there are many examples of student support activities, documented here are some of the successful programmes at the partner universities that may be transferable to other institutions who are interested in addressing the BME attainment gap.
BME student mentoring scheme
Kingston University's Beyond Barriers mentoring scheme for BME students aims to help students develop the life skills needed to succeed in the workplace and gain that all-important graduate job. In its third successful year, progression data has shown that BME students taking part in the Beyond Barriers mentoring programme are more likely to succeed than those who not on the programme. The scheme has grown year upon year with many returning mentors supporting new students.
Beyond Barriers case study. This resource summarises what issues the Beyond Barriers mentoring scheme addresses, what action is takes, and its outcomes.
Kingston Award
The Kingston Award was developed at Kingston University to allow students an opportunity to recognise and celebrate their engagement in university life and work in the community alongside their academic work.
Kingston Award case study - this resource summarises what challenges the Kingston Award aims to address, how it works and what students get from participating.
BME student employability
University of Hertfordshire (UH) looked at three key actions to improve the graduate employability of their BME students – researching diversity schemes, promoting networks for BME students and promoting BME role models.
UH case study on employability - this resource summarises what actions University of Hertfordshire is taking to improve BME student employability and what outcomes this aims to achieve.