Access, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

DARE’s Kick-off Consortium Meeting University of Murcia, Spain February, 2016 Embracing Diversity and Inclusion – Tinkering or Systemic?

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a country in possession of a large under-class must be in want of an equitable education system” M F Lee, EAN 2011, Salzburg Global Seminar (in the style of Jane Austen, novelist, 1775 – 1817)

Access and Widening Participation in Europe The main drivers: Ageing population Changing demography Economic slowdown Competitiveness of emerging economies The role of universities

The Target Groups: Those: from low income families from ethnic minority backgrounds with disabilities who are adult learners who are first in their family to enter HE

Education as a Continuum Recognise that for many, disadvantage starts early Be aware of early stages of education deficiency Work with schools to improve academic performance Identify and fix the problems before entering university Treat the education landscape as a continuum Ensure that there are no leakages in the education pipeline

Widening Participation for Disadvantaged Groups: Outreach Models Compact Scheme – COMPASS, University of Roehampton, England Professor Fluffy – University of Liverpool, England Children’s University – European network

COMPASS Prepare students (aged 16-18) for university-level study Support successful transition to University Pre-enrolment events and support, including Career Mentoring Scheme Receive a lower tariff offer to undergraduate courses

Professor Fluffy enables primary age (9-11) children, and their families to understand the concept and language of university, and that higher education is a life choice for all. Raise awareness of further and higher Education Teach children about future life choices and decision making Raise aspirations and self esteem Provide positive role models Professor Long Long Teacher’s pack of interactive learning resources

The European Children’s Universities Network Sowing the seeds – start young Aspiration and confidence building Raising awareness – building cultural capacity Personal development – building decision making capacity

The Challenges: How to increase access in times of financial hardship? How to expand access while maintaining excellence? How to provide a relevant curriculum? How to prepare students fit to serve society? How to sustain the movement?

How is WP organised in your institution? Is it centralised or integrated? Who is responsible? Is there evidence that it has helped to widen participation? Does it span the whole student lifecycle or just focus on getting students in?

Student lifecycle model Aspiration raising Pre-entry preparation Admission Induction and 1 st year experience On course experience Progression beyond HE

Embedding WP into institutions “Society has problems. University has departments.” Mainstreaming activities and strategies Winning hearts and minds Changing the culture of the institution

Student-centred Active Learning “Tell me, and I will forget. Show me, and I may remember. Involve me, and I will understand.” Confucius - teacher, philosopher (Chinese) BC

Prepared by: Mee Foong Lee, Executive Secretary, European Access Network