Past conferences- access to conference information
At the heart of a heartless system, the new student experience?
23rd Feb 2012 - SRHE, Collier Street, London, UK
A one-day SEN seminar discussing partnerships, relationships and generations organised by the Society for Research into Higher Education.
Panel members included:
· Sarah Howls - Head of Widening Participation, Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)
· Debbie McVitty - Research and Policy Officer (Postgraduates), National Union of Students
· Dr Penelope Griffin - Policy Lead, Bridge Group and Head of Widening Participation at the University of Nottingham
· Dr Sharon Ding - Dean and Director of Studies, Faculty of Education and Language Studies, Open University
The powerpoint presentations for the above event can now be found on-line at http://www.srhe.ac.uk/events/details.asp?EID=5
For more information about SRHE contact http://www.srhe.ac.uk/contact_us/
The 4th National Transition Conference (UK)
11th May 2012 - University College London, London, UK
Conference Theme:
The student experience is changing. With a financial and policy landscape that is still in evolution, practitioners and teachers in higher education and schools are adapting fast to an altered set of student expectations and institutional priorities.
Who was it for?
This conference was aimed at staff in higher education institutions, schools, colleges, local authorities and national networks that are involved in supporting learners in making educational transitions, in particular to higher education.
Topics: Peer Mentoring , Peer Assisted Learning , Induction, E-learning, E-induction, Academic Skills Workshops/Resource Development, Widening Participation and Transition, Teaching and Learning to support Transition , Pre-enrolment support and engagement.
Papers from the 2012 conference can be found at: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/transition/transition_conference_2012/conference_archive
Higher Education Academy (HEA) Annual Conference 2012, The University of Manchester (UK)
3rd-4th Jul 2012 - Manchester, UK
The title for the 8th Annual Conference of the Higher Education Academy is “Great Expectations – are you ready?”. Higher education is undergoing transformational change throughout the UK and although policies may be diverging amongst the four nations, the principle of students being central is shared. Their expectations of their course, institution and learning experience are rising. Staff and Institutions have their own aims and expectations too. There are three main strands: Student expectations and the learning experience; Supporting staff to deliver student learning experiences of a lifetime; Institutional adaptability. For further access to conference videos go to: http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/annual-conference/sessions-videos
Bricks, Bed & Higher Education: The Transformation of Student Accommodation in Britain (UK)
18th Oct 2012 - Central London, UK
The last thirty years have seen a remarkable transformation in student accommodation within the Higher Education sector. This has sharpened in the last decade with 'traditional' Halls of Residences being replaced by Accommodation Blocks and Student Villages, often built under Public-Private Partnerships.This SRHE SEN one-day event brings together architects, human geographers and HE academics to discuss what has happened, its wider implications, and its possible futures.
Presentations can be found at:
http://www.srhe.ac.uk/events/details.asp?eid=68
Improving provision for care leavers - implementing the Care Leaver Covenant and local offers and the transition into further education and employment (UK)
9th Jan 2020 - Central London, UK
The agenda
Areas for discussion include:
• Policy priorities for supporting care leavers;
• Implementation of local offers, funding for local authorities and developing effective partnerships;
• Progress in implementing key measures for supporting young people leaving care - the care leaver covenant, social impact bonds and raising attainment in higher education;
• Inspecting the standard of support for care leavers; and
• Case studies in improving outcomes for care leavers - transition to further and higher education, supporting care leavers into work and ensuring effective support is available until 25.
The Care Leaver Covenant
With more than 50 employers, charities and all central government departments committing to the Covenant, delegates will assess progress made in its implementation and how to ensure young people are aware of and take up the opportunities it offers.
For more information, go to: https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/book/provision-for-care-leavers-20
Next steps for supporting student mental health
21st Jan 2020 - Congress Centre, 28 Great Russell Street, London
This conference focuses on supporting student mental health - looking at latest developments, priorities, and the responsibilities of the HE sector.
Areas for discussion include
The recently published government-backed University Mental Health Charter; Innovative approaches to mental health support in HEIs - including prevention and supporting a diverse body of students at risk, and during the transition to university; and Developing a whole university framework for mental health, and collaboration with outside bodies.
For more information, go to: https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/conference/supporting-student-mental-health-19
Priorities for supporting student mental health-Westminster Higher Education Forum policy conference (UK)
21st Jan 2020 - Central London, UK
The agenda in summary
• The development of the University Mental Health Charter;
• Supporting first year students as they transition to university;
• Improving visibility and accessibility of mental health services and new approaches to identifying students at risk;
• Developing a collaborative, multi-agency approach to mental health provision on campus; and
• Innovative approaches to promoting emotional wellbeing and building resilience.
The University Mental Health Charter - With renewed focus by Government on student mental health, delegates will discuss the development and implementation of the Government-backed University Mental Health Charter, which is due to be published in December 2019.
Attendees will assess the Charter’s key principles, which are expected to include an emphasis on university-wide involvement, an evidence-based and collaborative approach to Charter development and implementation, and a recognition of diversity both amongst HEIs and their varying approaches to support, as well as within the student population and individual needs.
There will be a keynote contribution from Rosie Tressler, Chief Executive Officer, Student Minds, which is leading the development of the Charter, on key messages from the consultation and next steps for developing assessment and piloting the scheme in 2020.
Strategies for the prevention of mental health issues- Delegates will consider how schools, colleges and universities can better support students transitioning to university, with a particular focus on students from disadvantaged or non-traditional backgrounds.
It follows the Government announcement of a new taskforce, the Education Transitions Network, dedicated to developing measures to support students in four key risk areas for mental health - arising from the pressures of living and learning independently, and the challenges of forming healthy relationships and access to support for their wellbeing.
For more information, go to: https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/book/supporting-student-mental-health-19
Next steps for the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework
23rd Jan 2020 - Royal Over-Seas League, London
This conference will examine the development of the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF).
As higher education institutions prepare for TEF submissions, delegates will discuss the outcome of the Independent Review of the TEF and examine any subsequent revisions to the metrics and methodology.
For more information, go to: https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/conference/teaching-excellence-framework-20
New approaches to the teacher training of doctoral researchers
24th Jan 2020 - SRHE, 73 Collier Street, London
Doctoral researchers frequently take on significant roles in teaching and play a considerable part in the educational experience of students. For undergraduates, doctoral researchers are often among the first academics they encounter, which confirms the important role postgraduates perform in enabling the transition to University life. Undergraduates may, also, find doctoral researchers more approachable and less intimidating than senior teaching staff; so, in addition to educational support they become vital protagonists in student wellbeing. Despite the key contribution doctoral researchers make to education, national survey data from the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) shows little change since 2015 with only 60% of respondents reporting they have received ‘appropriate support and guidance’ for their teaching. Moreover, postgraduates need to find ways of managing their teaching alongside their research, all of which present a new set of challenges that conventional teacher training courses may not address. This day event will explore some of the innovative ways that institutions are supporting doctoral researchers in their teaching roles and why appropriate support matters.
For more information, go to: http://www.srhe.ac.uk/events/details.asp?eid=448
International graduate employability: Making good on the promise
28th Jan 2020 - 20 Tavistock Square London
This conference will pull together expertise from the UK and around the world to help participants learn from their counterparts and competitors. It will be underpinned by case studies drawn from new research by UUKi and AGCAS to answer the question: how can we prepare our international graduates for global success?
For more information, please contact events@universitiesuk.ac.uk or 020 7419 5535.
https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/events/Pages/Employability-and-skills-the-international-perspective.aspx
NCOP: what’s next?
29th Jan 2020 - Birmingham
In the next 18 months the NCOP project will be reaching a vital point as it moves towards the end of the second phase. As NCOP’s are expected to deliver targeted outreach within current wards – this is a crucial time to review the progress that NCOP has made and also discuss its future. To support the work of NCOP partnerships, NEON is holding this summit to enable NCOP practitioners to:
• Discuss the delivery objectives for the NCOP project in its second phase
• Hear from policymakers and other partners
• Learn about evaluation and how it shows that NCOP is making a difference
• Examine what makes NCOP sustainable
• Share best practice and discuss some of the challenges of the second phase.
For more information, go to: https://www.educationopportunities.co.uk/events/ncop-whats-next/
Can data drive access & participation?
29th Jan 2020 - Birmingham
‘Can data drive access & participation? How data can help higher education providers and partnerships meet their targets’
Delegates will also hear new perspectives on assessing progress in widening access work at the institutional and national level with the launch of the new NEON report: ‘Hitting the Target: What Access and Participation Plans tell us about access to HE.’
This event will examine the range of data available regarding who participates and succeeds in HE and how it is and can be used to drive improvements in students outcomes. It will outline the different data sources available and identify their relevance and use to those with responsibility for access & participation in HE providers and partnerships. Delegates will gain a greater understanding of how data on participation, achievement and progression can enhance the impact their work in the area of widening access to HE.
For more information, go to: https://www.educationopportunities.co.uk/events/data-and-widening-access-to-higher-education/
Wellbeing When Writing
5th Feb 2020 - University of Westminster, London
Wellbeing When Writing: Supporting Mental Health & Wellbeing During the Doctoral Writing Process
This workshop acknowledges that the very process of writing doctoral research is often ignored as a key factor frequently causing debilitating anxiety and stress. The overall aim of the workshop is to share best practice in supporting students in proactively tackling writing-related anxiety and stress and thus to improve confidence, resilience and a sense of wellbeing.
For more information, go to: http://www.ukcge.ac.uk/events/wellbeing20-149.aspx
Let's Talk Value Conference 2020 (UK)
11th Feb 2020 - Woburn House, London
This one-day conference will discuss the integrated reporting framework, new developments, challenges and progress in how institutions communicate and report the value created through education and research.
For more information, go to: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/programmes-events/conferences/LTVConf20
Supervisor Development
12th Feb 2020 - Curzon Building, Birmingham City University
Supervisor Development - Reflection & Recognition: Enhancing Professional Development For Doctoral Supervisors
This full-day workshop, for those responsible for the professional development of research supervisors, official launches the UKCGE's new Research Supervision Recognition Programme—a reflective practice toolkit—and shares details of how it can be used to enable targeted professional development.
For more information, go to: http://www.ukcge.ac.uk/events/supervisorsrpt20-158.aspx
Place, inequality and undergraduate mobilities in college-based and university-based higher education
12th Feb 2020 - SRHE, 73 Collier Street, London
Mobility has always been associated with undergraduate education in the UK. Traditionally, students leave the familial home and move into university accommodation, and this move signals a shift to a student identity as well as acting as a precursor to adult life. In recent years, this expectation has been complicated by a growing trend of students studying at their ‘local’ higher education institution, and by an understanding that relocation is not the only possible form of undergraduate mobility (Finn and Holton, 2019). This seminar seeks to problematise the national narrative further by highlighting the differences in patterns of mobility in different places in the country, taking a socio-spatial approach that identifies inequalities of access, privilege and distribution of higher education as a resource, as well as exploring students’ multi-faceted relationships to place and movement. Including students studying higher education at Further Education colleges as well as universities, and taking into account the diversity of places from which students attend undergraduate education in the UK, the seminar offers perspectives on ways of researching and theorising spatial inequality and seeks to create spaces for further geographical discussion.
For more information, go to: http://www.srhe.ac.uk/events/details.asp?eid=446
Widening Participation in Post Graduate study Working Group
13th Feb 2020 - TBC
This NEON working group is an on-going forum with a focus on:
• Supporting WP UG students into PG study – working with careers advisers and academic staff to provide effective IAG on what PG study is, and whether it is the right choice for them.
• Considering diversity of incoming PG cohorts. Known participation gaps exist across the sector across various WP indicators; HE participation at UG level does not always result in a level playing field.
For more information, go to: https://www.educationopportunities.co.uk/events/widening-participation-in-post-graduate-study-working-group-13th-february-2020/
Next steps for open research data in the UK
13th Feb 2020 - Central London
This conference will consider the way forward for open research data (ORD) in the UK.
Discussion will focus on progress, outstanding issues and next steps in the UK for data that is FAIR - findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable.
It takes place in the context of the Open Research Data Task Force’s final report - Realising the potential - which built upon the principles of the Concordat on Open Research Data and set out recommendations in the areas of:
• Incentives - a stronger system to encourage researchers to create and use open data;
• Leadership, coordination and oversight of open data policy - and the role of UKRI;
• Developing user-friendly services;
• Data storage - clarification of expectations from stakeholders including funders, research organisations, learned societies and publishers; and
• Costs, funding and business models.
For more information, go to: https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/conference/open-research-data-20
39th Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience (USA)
21st-24th Feb 2020 - Washington DC, USA
The Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience provides an ongoing forum where higher education professionals can share experiences, concerns, and accomplishments related to supporting student learning, development, and success in the first college year.
The Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience is designed to provide educators from every segment of higher education a comfortable, welcoming environment to share innovative ideas, programs, tools, and research critical to the learning, development, and success of first-year college students. The conference aims to promote a comprehensive and engaging community open to a diversity of ideas, in which all delegates are given the opportunity and resources to grow personally and professionally. The conference welcomes graduate and undergraduate students, encouraging them to deepen their knowledge of the academic communities of which they are a part.
For more information, go to:
https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/national_resource_center/events/conferences/first-year_experience/index.php
The next steps for the Further Education sector in England (UK)
27th Feb 2020 - Central London
The next steps for the Further Education sector in England - governance, accountability and ensuring quality provision
This conference will assess the future governance and accountability of further education (FE) colleges and how to ensure quality provision.
Areas for discussion include:
• Reforming college oversight, the new insolvency regime and improving the sector’s financial resilience;
• College provision in local areas, restructuring, and the future of the merger process; and
• Improving FE provision within colleges, and strengthening the relationship with employers and HE.
It follows the government announcement of £400m in funding for providers of 16-19 education to be spread across 257 colleges in England, which aims to alleviate financial uncertainty in the sector.
The conference will be an opportunity to examine the findings of the independent review of how the government monitors FE college finances and financial management being led by Dame Mary Ney, following its expected publication.
For more information, go to: https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/conference/further-education-sector-in-England-20
Experiences of LGBTQ+ Postgraduate Students
27th Feb 2020 - Exam Halls, Student Services Centre, University of Cambridge
As the UK HE sector collectively acts to improve the diversity of the research community and promote inclusive cultures in higher education institutions, we keep encountering gaps in our understanding of how particular groups of students perceive and experience inequality.
One such gap concerns LGBTQ+ postgraduate students. Attention has rightly focused on the need to queer undergraduate teaching curricula, but comparatively little is understood about the experiences of LGBTQ+ postgrads.
Questions include:
• What is it like coming/being out as a postgrad?
• How can institutions ensure that policies and practices are inclusive?
• What can supervisors be doing to support LGTBQ+ students?
• How do we call out homophobia/transphobia in the academy and, specifically, empower early-career researchers to do so?
• What are the implications and challenges of researching queer subjects as an LGBTQ+ person?
The workshop will invite current and recent postgrads to share their experiences, as well as considering recent scholarship. It will be interactive and discussion-based, with a view to enabling delegates to take practical ideas back to their home institutions.
For more information, go to: http://www.ukcge.ac.uk/events/lgbt20-151.aspx
Enhancing the student experience
27th Feb 2020 - Woburn House, London
This one-day conference hosted by Universities UK will bring together sector leaders to look at how the sector can enhance the student experience in a drastically fast-moving world. The conference is an opportunity for delegates to hear from and engage with experts as well as network with colleagues and speakers.
For more information, go to: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/events/Pages/Enhancing-the-student-experience-2020.aspx
Entrepreneurship on campus (UK)
10th Mar 2020 - Central London
Entrepreneurship on campus - embedding enterprise in the curriculum, supporting student start-ups and increasing diversity. This conference will bring out latest thinking on developing enterprise and entrepreneurship in higher education.
Areas for discussion include:
• Embedding enterprise in the curriculum;
• Supporting student start-ups and increasing diversity; and
• How universities can better support student entrepreneurs.
Being held near the start of the new parliament the conference comes amid some significant policy developments. It will follow publication of the Stace Review - commissioned by government and backed by the Prince’s Trust - which is considering the barriers preventing young people from starting up a business and will propose measures to support enterprising young people from all backgrounds.
The discussion also takes place in the context of the government target to increase the number of female entrepreneurs in the UK by 50% by 2030, following the recommendations of the Alison Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship, which called on the business community to increase the resources available to education providers, including universities, to teach about starting a business.
For more information, go to: https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/conference/Enterprise-and-entrepreneurship-in-higher-education-20
Tackling violence, harassment and hate incidents
11th Mar 2020 - Woburn House, London
This highly-regarded national conference will explore what progress has been made in the sector since the release of the Equality and Human Rights Commission review into racial harassment in October 2019, as well as other topics such as addressing online harassment, and how to tackle LGBT hate crime affecting students and staff.
For more information, go to: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/events/Pages/Tackling-harassment.aspx
Tackling violence, harassment and hate incidents
11th Mar 2020 - Woburn House, London
This highly-regarded national conference will explore what progress has been made in the sector since the release of the Equality and Human Rights Commission review into racial harassment in October 2019, as well as other topics such as addressing online harassment, and how to tackle LGBT hate crime affecting students and staff.
For more information, go to: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/events/Pages/Tackling-harassment.aspx
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Conference 2020 (UK)
17th-19th Mar 2020 - Radisson Blu, Edinburgh
Courageous conversations and adventurous approaches: Creative thinking in tackling inequality
2020 will see Advance HE bring together the annual EDI conference with the biannual Scottish conference into a three day conference with the theme.
For more information, go to: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/programmes-events/conferences/EDIConf20
How widening access work can support school attainment (UK)
31st Mar 2020 - Birmingham
How widening access work can support school attainment
NEON is hosting a one day Access Academy Training session focusing on how to work successfully with schools in order to support school attainment.
The session will consider the challenges and opportunities of engaging with schools to support increased attainment amongst disadvantaged pupils. During the day delegates will:
• Gain a deeper understanding of the strategic priorities for schools and understand how widening access can support these aims.
• Review the current curriculum to look for opportunities for higher education to engage with and support school attainment.
• Discuss ways forward and develop their own action plan to implement back in their own institutions.
• Hear from widening access practitioners about the current work they do in order to support school attainment.
NEON’s Access Academy Training sessions are designed to be applicable to practitioners, academics and researchers from HEIs, FECs, NCOPs and third sector organisations.
Spaces at this event are strictly limited so early booking is advised.
For more information, go to: https://www.educationopportunities.co.uk/events/how-widening-access-work-can-support-school-attainment/
Leadership Summit 2020 (UK)
2nd Apr 2020 - Hallam Conference Centre, London
Bringing together sector leaders and leadership thought leaders, this unique summit will provide a thought-provoking environment to explore contemporary challenges and differing perspectives of leadership with peers across the sector.
For more information, go to: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/programmes-events/conferences/LeaderSum20
Creating questionnaires: Design, validation and analysis
23rd Apr 2020 - SRHE, 73 Collier Street, London
This workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of the use of questionnaires within the research process, from generating initial ideas through to the analysis of data collected. Interactive exercises will be used at each stage to give practical experience as well as theoretical background.
For more information, go to: http://www.srhe.ac.uk/events/details.asp?eid=452
Surveys & Insights Conference 2020 (UK)
29th Apr 2020 - Sheffield Hallam University
This conference provides an opportunity to discuss and debate the potential of insights from surveys, metrics, qualitative research and wider methods of capturing the student voice.
For more information, go to: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/programmes-events/conferences/SurveyConf20
The Research Excellence Framework beyond 2021 - designing the next cycle (UK)
30th Apr 2020 - Central London
This conference will examine the next steps for the Research Excellence Framework (REF). Taking place as higher education institutions prepare their submissions to REF 2021 - following the launch of the REF 2021 pilot submission system - discussion will draw on lessons from the development of the current cycle and look ahead to the next iteration of the Framework.
The agenda focuses on:
• Research environments and culture;
• Research integrity and freedom;
• Open access; and
• Impact criteria.
For more information, go to: https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/conference/preparing-for-REF2021
BAME Leadership Summit 2020
19th May 2020 - Maple House, Birmingham
This BAME Leadership Summit aims to empower agents of change and key decision makers in HE to take action within their institution and advance the race equality agenda.
For more nformation, go to: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/programmes-events/conferences/BAMESum20
Advance HE Conference in Ireland 2020
3rd Jun 2020 - The Gibson Hotel, Dublin
The Next Steps for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – From inclusive leadership and culture to embedded equitable practice.
For more information, go to: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/programmes-events/conferences/advance-he-conference-ireland
Go International conference 2020: the future of mobility
10th Jun 2020 - Woburn House, London
This conference will look at how new strategies for mobility are being forged within institutions and at a national level in the UK, amidst an ever-changing policy landscape. It will explore the reconfiguring of our relationship with Europe and how we can continue to support European mobility within or outside of the next Erasmus+ programme. It will touch on new strategic themes: collaboration across departments, inclusive mobility, internationalisation at home, climate concerns and blended mobility.
For mor einformation, go to: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/events/Pages/Go-International-conference-2020.aspx
EFYE 2020: One for all – all for one (Denmark)
15th-17th Jun 2020 -
Join the 2020 European First Year Experience Conference, which will be hosted by Aarhus University.
The overall theme of the 2020 conference is “One for all – all for one” highlighting that both first year students, older students, academic teachers and administrative staff all have an important part to play in integrating the newly arrived students in the best possible way.
Through keynotes, paper sessions, workshops and networking the delegates will get rich opportunity to share and expand their knowledge and experiences on giving first year students the best possible experience. The conference will greet between 300 and 350 participants in Aarhus, from a range of countries across Europe and beyond. The conference language is English.
The conference addresses three subthemes
• Being and becoming a first year student
• Teaching first year students
• Supporting the transition
For more information, go to: https://conferences.au.dk/efye2020/
Teaching and Learning Conference 2020
7th-9th Jul 2020 - TBC
Teaching in the spotlight: Creative thinking to enhance the student experience: From curriculum design to student success.
https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/programmes-events/conferences/TLConf20
International Forum for Peer Learning
27th-28th Jan 2021 - Online
This 2 half day event hosted by the International Academic Peer Learning Network and the European Centre for SI-PASS will provide opportunities for participants to explore many aspects of peer learning in terms of theory and practice. This year, there will be sessions on the following themes:
• Online peer learning: reflecting on the adaptations made, using technology
• Challenges of engaging students in the online space
• Developing graduate/ employability skills through peer leadership and student roles on campus
• Reaching across the student journey with peer learning
For more information, go to: https://www.si-pass.lu.se/form/registration-for-the-international-forum-for-peer-learning-2021
Where next for the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) - metrics, subject-level assessment, and the impact of COVID-19 (UK)
28th Jan 2021 - Online
This session comes with uncertainty surrounding the future of the TEF and how teaching excellence will be measured in the UK universities following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The conference is also timed to follow the expected publication of Dame Shirley Pearce's Independent review of TEF. Amatey Doku, a member of the Advisory Panel, is a speaker.
It will be an opportunity to:
• take stock of the development of the Framework and likely future revisions to its metrics and methodology
• consider the independent review’s key findings
• discuss what has been learned from the second-year subject pilots
For more information, go to: https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/book/teaching-excellence-framework-21
Where next for the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) - metrics, subject-level assessment, and the impact of COVID-19 (UK)
28th Jan 2021 - Online
The discussion comes with uncertainty surrounding the future of the TEF and how teaching excellence will be measured in the UK universities following the COVID-19 pandemic.
It will be an opportunity to:
• take stock of the development of the Framework and likely future revisions to its metrics and methodology
• consider the independent review’s key findings
• discuss what has been learned from the second-year subject pilots
For more information, go to: https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/book/teaching-excellence-framework-21
Next steps for improving student mental health - support frameworks, best practice, and dealing with the impact of the pandemic (UK)
4th Feb 2021 - Online
This Westminster Higher Education Forum policy conference will look at next steps for improving student mental health.
The discussion will include:
- the University Mental Health Charter - next steps and outstanding issues
- best practice - looking at examples and latest thinking including:
the transition to university, building a sense of community, and the experience of student bubbles during the pandemic
use of technology for supporting mental health
integration of international students and tackling racial harassment
relieving anxiety when students are seeking employment
supporting students through bereavement
- COVID-19 - including the impact of university lockdowns, remote learning and social distancing across the HE sector, with reports of:
a rise of related concerns amongst students regarding the effect on their mental health
the likelihood of increased amounts of remote learning during the next academic year
For more information, go to: https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/book/Next-steps-for-improving-student-mental-health
Establishing a Wellbeing Equilibrium x 3 Workshops SEDA (UK)
11th-21st Apr 2021 - Online
A series of three interactive workshops with presentations and discussions considering wellbeing from different perspectives in HE make up this SEDA offering.
Wellbeing is a critical and topical area in HE due to many headlines about mental ill-health and attrition of students and staff. The HE sector has responded by producing the Universities UK Step Change Framework (2017) and the Student Mind Mental Health Charter in 2019 but these workshops are designed to consider and share ideas and initiatives that different universities are exploring to support student, staff and educational developer wellbeing.
Each workshop will hear from a range of contributors about work within their institutions followed by Question and Answer. The second part of each workshop will be time to discuss and consider together practical developments, any barriers, learning from others and general conversations about wellbeing.
The workshops will be presented via Zoom on 11 February 12.30-2.30pm, 9 March 12.30 - 2.30pm and 21 April 12.30-2.30pm. You can attend all or individual sessions.
For more information, go to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/establishing-a-wellbeing-equilibrium-x-3-workshops-registration-133064723169
Fair admissions conference UUK (UK)
24th Feb 2021 - Online
University admissions procedures have made headlines over the past few years. To support the sector in building greater levels of transparency, trust, and public understanding in admissions practices, in November 2020 Universities UK launched its Fair Admissions Review recommendations. The Fair Admissions Review, carried out by school, college, university and UCAS leaders, is recommending that the 2004 Schwartz principles on fair university admissions should be updated to make it clear that the best interests of students must always be paramount.
This one-day, online conference will explore the Fair Admissions Review, as well as its recommendations, in-depth. It will provide an opportunity for university staff to gain a deeper understanding of the recommendations, as well as provide their own thoughts, and discuss what lies ahead for the sector.
This event will look at the use of unconditional offers and where these are appropriate, for example where the student has completed another application procedure such as an interview or audition, or in cases where special consideration should be given due to illness or disability. It will also look at the practice of 'conditional unconditional offers'.
The event will also explore the review recommendation that better, and more consistent, information is made publicly available by providers on their use of contextual admissions to further boost social mobility and level up opportunity. The review proposes a move to post-qualification admissions, and this event will be an opportunity to explore some of the challenges to this change, and its implications for universities, colleges, and schools.
For more information, go to: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/events/Pages/Fair-admissions-conference.aspx
Women in HE Conference 2021- AdvanceHE (UK)
25th Feb 2021 - Online
This one-day event will focus on issues surrounding women working in HE, such as gender equality, pathways to leadership and pregnancy and maternity.
The Advance HE Women in HE Conference 2021 will take a look back at the insights we have gained from our work on gender equality over the course of the last 12 months through the Athena Swan Charter, the publication of the 5 year Aurora longitudinal study (which will be published in January 2021) and the findings of our recently launched survey into the impact of the shift to greater home working through Covid-19 on gender. These insights and those of others from within and outside of the sector through invited guest speakers and contributors will consider solutions and options for gender progression at this time of huge challenge for all in HE. The aims of the Women in HE Conference 2021 are to:
- Share insights and learnings from studies inside and external to Advance HE on the impact of Covid-19 for women - where have we lost ground and why?
- Use these insights to gain a better sense of what works for gender equality more widely
- Offer opportunities to discuss and consider options and solutions that enable us to maintain and achieve growth in progress, or ‘build back better’ harnessing the changes for positive benefit
- Connect a community of peers that can aid and support each other during times of change and challenge
For more information, go to: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/programmes-events/conferences/women-he-conference-2021
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Conference 2021 -AdvanceHE (UK)
16th-18th Mar 2021 - Online
The theme of this conference speaks to the reality of EDI work in both HE and FE - a growing focus for attention internally and externally, ambitious, analytical, forward-looking, practical and increasingly complex. As EDI becomes more embedded in institutional values and strategy and becomes more of a measure for the student experience, institutional interest in creative responses to tackling inequality is growing.
For more information, go to: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/programmes-events/conferences/EDIConf20
SRHE Annual Conference 2021 (Re)Connecting, (Re)Building: Higher Education In Transformative Times (UK)
6th-10th Dec 2021 - Online
For more information on Society for Research in Higher Education's Annual Conference, visit: https://srhe.ac.uk/civicrm/?civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm/event/info&reset=1&id=550
Next steps for the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (UK)
12th Jan 2022 - To be confirmed
This conference will examine the future of the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) and the measurement of teaching excellence in higher education.
Attendees will have the opportunity to look at:
• latest thinking on the development of the new TEF framework
• OfS proposals for what the future TEF will look like and priorities for its implementation
• the future role of the TEF in improvement
• how to enhance its utility for providers and students
For more information go to: https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/conference/TEF-22
Freedom of speech policy and higher education (UK)
17th Jan 2022 - To be confirmed
This conference will be an opportunity for key stakeholders and policymakers to examine the likely impact of the proposed new regulations and statutory duties on HE providers and student unions, and will look at the priorities for managing risk and liability, avoiding undue bureaucracy, and the ramifications for expression of ideas on campuses.
For more information go to: https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/conference/Freedom-of-Speech
Priorities for the higher education admissions system (UK)
27th Jan 2022 - To be confirmed
This conference will consider priorities for the admissions system in light of the recent confirmation of the Government’s intentions to move forward as soon as possible with admissions reform, as well as further developments, including:
• the recent consultation on a move to a post-qualification admissions (PQA) system, with the Government expected to formally respond in due course
• the publication of the UCAS report, Reimagining UK Admissions, which advocated a move to a post-qualification offer (PQO) system
• the admissions reviews led by the OfS and UUK
This will also be an opportunity for delegates to assess the impact of COVID-19 on university admissions in light of the OfS ban on ‘conditional unconditional’ offers and research from UCL that found predicting A-Level grades to be a ‘near-impossible task’ likely to harm high achievers from disadvantaged backgrounds.
For more information go to: https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/conference/Admissions-in-HE
Degree apprenticeships in England - next steps for development and performance, standards and assessment, and branding and economic contribution (UK)
28th Feb 2022 - To be confirmed
This conference will assess the future for degree apprenticeships in England in the wake of the pandemic.
It will be an opportunity to consider the way forward for proposals from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) - aimed at improving degree apprenticeship development and approval, and how well they work for apprentices and employers. There will also be discussion on the impact of the Skills and Post-16 Education Bill, the outlook for Ofsted inspections of level 6 and 7 apprenticeships and their role in driving up standards, and further approaches that could be taken to improve provision.
For more information go to: https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/conference/Degree-Apprentice-22
International higher education forum 2022 (UK)
16th-17th Mar 2022 - To be confirmed
Universities UK
The International higher education forum returns again this year to discuss some of the most pressing challenges in higher education. IHEF 2022 is a strategic forum designed for attendees to share best practice with senior leaders from across the world, bringing together hundreds of higher education professionals year on year.
For more information, go to: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/latest/events/international-higher-education-forum-1
AUA Annual Conference and Exhibition 2022- What now? Shaping our future
11th-12th Apr 2022 - To be confirmed
Following a prolonged period of uncertainty and change, join AUA as they ask, ‘What now? and reflect on recent learnings and experiences, share experiences and consider the challenging questions so HE can look ahead and shape its future.
For more information, go to: https://aua.ac.uk/events/aua-2022/
Student Engagement Conference 2022 (UK)
12th May 2022 - Online
This one-day virtual conference will focus on good practice in engaging students, the student voice and student participation in the governance and decision-making processes within HE.
Student engagement has never been more important or more challenging. This conference will provide an opportunity for the sector to come together to review where we’ve been and to consider where next. It will focus on the engagement of students in all aspects of their higher education, from the ‘classroom’ to extra-curricular activities including leadership and governance; asking what does it mean to lead student engagement, and how can we continue to improve our vision of student engagement? The conference will consider leadership of student engagement through a 360 degree lens including the role of all staff, the Student Union, and the community as well as considering how we ensure inclusive engagement and remove all inequalities. This conference will be of interest to those with responsibility for the student academic experience and student engagement more widely, SU teams wishing to widen their student engagement, course leaders seeking to have a more engaged cohort and others focused on the student experience and improving student outcomes.
For more information, go to: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/programmes-events/conferences/student-engagement-conference-2022
The 2022 UKCISA Annual Conference (UK)
15th-17th Jun 2022 - Newcastle
The conference will have an exciting new theme that will be timely and relevant.
For more information, go to: https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Training--Events/Annual-conference/Annual-Conference-2022
Teaching and Learning Conference 2022: Teaching in the spotlight: Where next for enhancing student success? (UK)
5th-7th Jul 2022 - To be confirmed
Advance HE
The focus on enhancing all aspects of teaching and learning remains a critical issue for those seeking to provide an outstanding student experience at all levels of taught provision. Advance HE’s Teaching and Learning Conference 2022 will continue to position the spotlight firmly on teaching in a global context. In particular, this year, the conference will explore how we are enhancing student success through all aspects of the student experience including transitions, curriculum design and development, enterprise and employability, assessment, engagement and inclusion, sustainability and much more. Join us to share and learn, network with passionate colleagues and work together to enhance the success of future HE students.
For information, go to: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/programmes-events/conferences/teaching-and-learning-conference-2022