5th Annual
Student Retention and Progression Conference

Collaboration, Communication, Completion

Tuesday 20th April 2010
Cavendish Conference Centre, London W1

Keynote Speaker:

Professor Liz Thomas
Director Widening Participation Research Centre
Edge Hill University

Senior Advisor Widening Participation
Higher Education Academy (HEA)

Purpose of the Conference:

The scrutiny of retention and completion in HE is becoming more intense and more important to the reputation of the institution. Best practice examples of better information, course matching, enhancing the student experience and support and guidance for students to improve student retention, progression and completion are moving centre stage.

Specifically this conference will:

• Look at how HEI’s integrate teaching and learning strategies with support and guidance services to improve retention and completion rates
• Consider the financial implications of continuing poor performance.
• Discuss the effect of widening participation and the importance of social mobility versus drop-out rates
• Explore curriculum and assessment structures geared towards the transition to Higher Education
• Share best practice on how to research why students leave before they complete their course
• Map strategies on how to support students who have chosen the wrong course or have personal or financial problems
• Understand the importance of reaching a wider range of students while ensuring responsible and effective recruitment
• Share experience and good practice through interactive seminars examining key issues in-depth:
  • the role of peer support and student mentoring
  • staff development to support retention
  • pre-entry information, course choice, study guidance and admission
• Look at research into student satisfaction, support and guidance and hear the student’s perspective in order to understand non-completion
• Mechanisms to Identify at risk students
  
• Hear about the role of pre-entry support for both students and parents/carers
  
• Address specific needs of mature students, students with children and part-time students
  
• Take advantage of significant networking opportunities with those working to enhance student experience

For further information contact Nikki Insley on 020 7324 4357,
e-mail nikki.insley@neilstewartassociates.co.uk