Project looks beyond the classroom for what helps students succeed

The contribution that careers advisors, student support officers, digital and technical specialists have on student success is to be investigated in a new project commissioned by Advance HE.

The ‘Beyond the Classroom: Supporting Student Outcomes’ project is being led by Staffordshire Centre of Learning and Pedagogic Practice (SCoLPP) in partnership with the Directorate of Student Success at the University of the West of Scotland.

It aims to collate case studies that identify and share new ways of working to show how frontline University staff - sometimes referred to as “third space” professionals - can positively enhance the student experience and support retention, progression and achievement.

SCoLPP Projects Development Manager Dr Kate Cuthbert said: “Higher education institutions (HEIs) are facing increased scrutiny over the value of the degree, not only as a transformational experience but as a societal good. This in turn has seen increased use of metrics to measure factors such as progression, retention, and graduate outcomes.

“This external pressure has seen HEIs concentrate significant resources around the teaching experience and the direct academic-student relationship. However, there is considerable work being undertaken by professionals in other areas of the university that may have a strong influence on outcomes and reinforce or support the work of academics.”

Dr Emily McIntosh, Director of Student Success at the University of the West of Scotland., added: “Through this project, we aim to progress understanding about third space professional’s contribution to student outcomes”

“We will shortly be inviting colleagues from across the sector to submit expressions of interest for concise case studies for consideration by the project team. We are looking to showcase a breadth and depth of expertise and insight, and to capture ideas that can be applied in different contexts.”

A small number of the submitted case studies will be selected for the project’s final publication will provide practical examples of how this type of integrated working can be undertaken.

• Advance HE is a member-led, sector-owned charity that works with institutions and higher education across the world to improve higher education for staff, students and society.
• “Third space” in higher education is used to describe the role of blended professionals whose work spans the interface between academic and professional activity.

Maria Scrivens

Communications Manager

t: 01782 294375

m: 07766 520339

e: m.c.scrivens@staffs.ac.uk

Staffordshire University’s ambition is to become the UK’s best modern university. An institution with a strong civic mission, it has committed to being a ‘catalyst for change’ for students and businesses, positively impacting wider society and the regional economy.

Staffordshire University was named a Top 5 university in the UK and ranked Top 10 for job prospects in the StudentCrowd University Awards 2022 – based entirely on student reviews. It also ranked Top 10 for Social Inclusion in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.

The 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) classed 68% of the University’s research as world leading or internationally excellent and 87% of its ‘research impact’ was judged to be outstanding or very outstanding.

Substantial investment in innovative technologies and teaching environments ensure next generation courses and education are delivered across all three campuses in Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and London.