Dr O’Halloran shares with the network a range of initiatives at the University of Strathclyde, designed to enhance the experience of under-represented groups and demonstrate the University’s core values.

1. AUA
Network Conference 24 November 2017
Strathclyde’s distinctive approach to
enhancing students’ experience
Dr Veena O’Halloran
University Secretary and Compliance Officer

2. • Created in 1796 as place of ‘useful learning’ open to everyone
• Largest cohort of SIMD40 students amongst research
intensives and 3rd largest in Scotland
• 1 in 10 SIMD40 young, full-time entrants studies at
Strathclyde
• Commitment to widening participation from senior leadership
and across institution; part of Strathclyde’s mission as a
socially progressive institution
• Central WA Team but activity across all Faculties and
Professional Services
University of
Strathclyde

5. Widening participation strategy
1. Learner journey model
2. Harnessing technologies
3. Vertical enhancement (students as active participants in WP activity)
Getting
ready
Getting
in
Staying
in
Getting
on

6. Support through the learner journey
Primary School
During Degree
Into Employment
Collaboration with Careers Service to
publicise opportunities (e.g. internships)
PDA Framework
HaSS Literacy Clinic
CLL, Pre-Entry Access Course SWAP Study
Skills Day
with RIOFinding Your Way activities for mature students
Strathclyde Cares Mentoring
Engineering Academy +
others
Children’s University
Access to Careers in Teaching programme with GCC, UWS & UoG
USSA Strathguides
Secondary School
College
Access, Later Life
Learning
Employer workshops for WA students
Support for student transitions (Enhancement Themes)
Study Skills, Maths Skills Support Centre
USSA Peer Support Mature Students’ Association
Care leavers committee
WA internships

7. 1. Getting Ready
© Andy Buchanan

8. 2. Getting In
Use of contextual data in
admissions
– SIMD40
– Care experience
– Low progression school
– Transparent process
with offer rates
published online along
with look up tools for
eligibility
Progression agreement with
FOCUS West
Young Strathclyders
https://www.strath.ac.uk/studywithu
s/wideningaccess/
Support for asylum seekers and
refugees:
- Workshops in partnership with
Bridges Programme, Scholarships,
Mentoring for students

9. 3. Staying In
Staff
- The WA Team
- Faculties (Academic Selectors,
Advisors, those involved in
learning, teaching and assessment,
recruitment and outreach, schools
engagement)
- SEES (Careers, Study Skills,
Finance Team, Admissions…)
- Other Professional Services
(Strategy & Policy, RIO, HR, Alumni
& Development…)
Students
- USSA (Executive, Advice Hub,
projects, volunteers)
- Undergraduate students (WA work
within programmes e.g. MDP, BEd.
Paid opportunities as mentors,
voluntary CPD opportunities)
- Postgraduate students and
researchers (Credit-bearing element
of Researcher Development
Programme, Engage with
Strathclyde, paid and volunteering
opportunities)
Alumni (Scholarships, internships,
mentoring)
External partners (Clyde Gateway,
MCR Pathways, GCC, KTPs…)

10. 3. Staying In
“Strathclyde Cares” programme
– the first of its kind in the UK–
helps students with experience of
the care system throughout their
higher education journey, from
pre-application to graduation and
beyond.
Named advisor for carers, care
experienced, estranged and
transgender applicants and
students
- Carers Policy
- Strathclyde Cares mentoring
programme
- Partnership with MCR
Pathways

11. 4. Getting On
Radboud Summer School
Before I attended Radboud Summer School, I was
quite insecure in my abilities. I always doubted
what I could do and depended on my peers for
social support. After attending Radboud summer
school, I am like a new person. On a personal level
my confidence has soared. Lyndsey Ann
MacIntyre
Engineering Academy
offers students routes into
university and employment
Common Purpose: 33 Sixty Programme

12. Widening participation strategy
1. Learner journey model
2. Harnessing technologies
3. Vertical enhancement (students as
active participants in WP activity)
Highest
level of
engageme
nt of any
Future
Learn
MOOC
Highest
number of
registration
s for Future
Learn and
launch

13. Widening participation strategy
1. Learner journey model
2. Harnessing technologies
3. Vertical enhancement (students as active participants in WP activity)

14. Future priorities
1. Align public engagement and widening participation
2. Align E&D and widening participation
3. Evidence based approach – building on research
excellence: Institute for Inspiring Children’s Futures;
TransEdu; Equally Safe in Higher Education,
4. Even Greater collaboration

15. Thank You
https://www.strath.ac.uk/media/ps/sees/wideningaccess/Widening_Access_Booklet_2016.pdf