1. Catherine Foster Aston Business School

2. History of Programme Aston WP Activity
Phase I Research (Jha, Higson & Li, 2003)
Findings of Phase I
Phase II Aims

3. Background Influence on students of decision making Role of Family
(Conner et al, 1999 & 2004)
Role of Family
(Pathak, 2000; Warren & Gillbourne, 2003)
Previous research
(Dodgson & Whitham, 2003)
Changes in student population
(HESA, 1998; Lewis, 2002)

4. Research of Phase II 3 stages:
Student Research
Open Day Parents Sessions
Parents Research – Focus of Report
To inform the content of programme activity
Questionnaire
Interviews

5. Additional Research Common Themes - across all 3 stages
Student Research Findings
Open Day Parents Sessions Questions
Common Themes - across all 3 stages

6. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

7. Questionnaire Findings
The majority of parents (91.6%) stated they would like their children to go to University, however, many did not agree that they could afford for them to go
Differences exist between minority ethnic groups when asked if they would be happy for their child to move away to attend University
The top three concerns for parents were safety, debt and accommodation
More than half of the parents stated they would expect their child to take up or continue with part time work
Caribbean parents were less likely than other minority ethnic groups to agree that everyone has an equal chance to go to University

8. Concerns/Issues Level of support Cost Safety Security
Lack of understanding of University
Accommodation
Treatment of child (as an equal)
Social Life (both content and as a distracter)

9. External Issues/Barriers to Progression
Finance
Racism
Expectations of students
Cultural Understanding
Effect of finance on rest of family
Jargon
Relationship with school and teachers
Understanding of system
Information not accessible

10. Information Required about:
Accommodation
Subjects Information
Course Information
Pastoral Care
Study Skills needed
Links and Events with Schools
Ethnic Make-Up of Students and staff
Easy-speak prospectus
Case Studies of current students

11. Programme Activity Attendance at School events
Visits to Community Organisations
Visit into University
Tour of Campus – focus on:
Accommodation
Facilities
Pastoral Care
Discussion with current students
Q&A session
Parents Guide to HE

13. Contact Catherine Foster 0121 204 3137 c.s.foster@aston.ac.uk