1. Enhancing Student and Staff Mobility
Andrea Nollent
Sheffield Hallam University

2. Mobility Project: Aims
All students will have the opportunity to undertake a study or work placement abroad
100% increase in inward and outward student mobility over 3 year project
All staff encouraged and supported to participate in teaching, research or other work in partner institutions abroad
100% increase in the number of staff participating in exchange activity over 3 year project

3. Project Rationale- Why?
Competitiveness of university- securing student numbers and attracting students from diverse backgrounds
2007 Mobility Project survey of 1800 first year undergraduate students found that 45% of students would like to be mobile
Enhanced employability of students who have experienced mobility
Skills development and contribution to the national economy

4. Why? (continued)
Partnership development - facilitating collaboration in research and teaching thus enhancing competitiveness
Widening participation - encouraging students from non-traditional backgrounds to become mobile
Enhancing the home learning environment for non-mobile students through working with incoming exchange students and returning home students

5. Why? (continued)
Enhancing the learning experience of international students using returning home students guides and informing policy
Development of Virtual Mobility integrated into the curriculum for all students
Development of mobility with overseas charities and NGO's

6. How? Institutional approval and support essential
Strategy - project planning methodology and discipline required to drive project
Staff engagement - critical to deliver curriculum change and to engage students

7. Finding the right partners
Ask students! (Mobility Project questionnaire of 1800 first year undergraduate students)
Popular destinations: US/Canada
Europe also popular where delivery is in English
Growing demand for work placement
Wide range of study period preferences from 1 year to 1 month
Use established partners from across disciplines

8. Support and Infrastructure
Curriculum design/redesign to accommodate mobility
Financial incentives (Erasmus/University travel scholarships/loans/sponsorship from employers)
Dedicated administrative student support from pre-departure to return and beyond

9. Seizing opportunities
Mobility opportunities become integrated into course design
Opportunities are incorporated into all Open Day activities
Staff, returning students (and where possible employers) promote opportunities

10. "… there were lots of difficulties, but in hind sight you look back and think, "I did it!" and nothing will really faze me again."
Student returning from exchange programme in France 2007