Innovative ways to foster a holistic approach to student success explored at the Student Engagement Conference

More than 120 delegates got involved with stimulating discussions on the guiding principles of effective student engagement at Advance HE’s Student Engagement Conference 2024.

At the fourth conference aimed at sharing good practice, the focus was on student voice and student participation in the governance and decision-making processes within higher education.

Bringing colleagues together

Vic Stephenson, Senior Consultant, Education, at Advance HE led the interactive session, ‘Navigating the educational landscape: the good, the bad and the ugly of student engagement in higher education’. She said, 

“It was a pleasure to be involved in the Student Engagement Conference. It reminded me of where the focus of our work at Advance HE needs to be: bringing together colleagues from across the sector to explore challenges and identify effective solutions which will best support student and staff experience. 

“Our keynote speaker, Tom Lowe from the University of Portsmouth, set the context perfectly. His plenary provoked discussions throughout the day on the barriers to student engagement and ways in which we can work better and smarter to overcome obstacles. 

“The level of enthusiasm and engagement throughout the day was fantastic – I didn’t see a single laptop open for email checking as delegates and the event sponsors immersed themselves in the interactive workshop sessions. The student voice was present not just in the closing panel discussion, but throughout the day, providing valuable perspectives during each session.” 

Partnership

Dan Tinkler, Governance Development Manager at Advance HE and chair of a panel session on fostering a holistic approach to success, said, 

“This year’s Student Engagement Conference saw a clear theme emerging that the idea of a return to normal or the status quo is no longer likely. Students are facing a series of challenges driven by the cost of living with more working part-time, and often for a significant number of hours alongside their studies. 

“The latest generation of students are digital natives and many are choosing to binge watch lectures over a weekend, rather than attend in person, so the notion of engagement driven by presenteeism is no longer fit for purpose. 

“Universities and students’ unions are embracing innovation and crucially, a partnership approach is required. Students must be engaged in the decision making and supported to do this well, bolstering a holistic approach to student success.”

What delegates said