Student experience experts group meeting

• Sarah Knight, Head of learning and teaching transformation, Jisc

Sector examples of improved practice in supporting the digital experience of international students, we are delighted to hear from three universities who have been using Jisc’s research:

For students, by students: building belonging and community for international students at De Montfort University

• Sumeya Loonat, Senior International Student Lecturer, De Montfort University

Keeping international student voice and student need at the forefront of design decisions at the University of Plymouth

• Hannah Miles, Senior Digital Learning Designer, University of Plymouth
• Dr Helen Bowstead, In-sessional Academic Manager and EFL Lecturer, University of Plymouth

Supporting international students with their arrival at University of Northampton

• Dr Patrice Seuwou, Deputy Head of Subject Business Systems and Operations, Faculty of Business and Law, University of Northampton,

• Sarah Knight, Head of learning and teaching transformation, Jisc and Simon Birkett, Senior sector specialist, digital transformation, Jisc

Digital transformation at University of Chester

• Laura Milne, Head of Digital Education, Centre for Academic Innovation and Development (CAID), University of Chester

Digital transformation at Sheffield Hallam University

• Dr Alison Purvis, Associate Dean, Teaching and Learning, Sheffield Hallam University

Findings from Jisc’s 2023-2024 digital experience insights survey of higher education students and what we have learnt about international and transnational students’ digital experiences

• Clare Killen, senior consultant, data analytics and Dominic Walker, business intelligence and surveys consultant, data analytics, Jisc

In this session where you’ll be having small group discussions, we want to hear how the start of the academic year has been for you, and the students you support and teach.  What are the key strategic areas of focus at your institution? What new student experience initiatives have been implemented? What’s been impacted by the current strain on budgets? Ultimately, we want to hear how Jisc can support your student experience plans in 2024/25

Session 1: Harnessing the student voice to address underrepresentation in doctoral study

During 2023-24, the Bloomsbury Learning Exchange completed development and launched a course aimed at dispelling the myth behind doctoral study in the UK. The objective was to help potential students, domestic and international, understand whether this level of study is appropriate for them. We presented information directly from existing students and academics from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. In parallel, the course supports institutional widening participation agendas, recruitment and student retention. Using a range of ways to generate discussion, reflection and ideas, the course authors uncovered unexpected barriers that doctoral students, particularly international students, face through their journey from application to completion. These revelations fed back into the design of the course and enriched the authoring process.

In this session Sarah Sherman will describe the collaborative and iterative approach the team took to develop the course and where they are up to with its roll-out.

• Sarah Sherman, Director, Bloomsbury Learning Exchange (BLE)

To find out more about the student experience experts group and how to become a member, visit our website.