Struggling students to be supported by new champion
by Educate Magazine June 9, 2022 · Education News
Students will benefit from more joined-up support from their universities thanks to the creation of the first ever student support champion the government has announced.
Higher and further education minister Michelle Donelan has appointed Edward Peck CBE, who is vice-chancellor and president of Nottingham Trent University, to the new role, which has been established to help universities make sure students complete their studies and have access to extra help if they need it.
The appointment comes following the disruption faced by students during the pandemic. The new champion will advise universities on keeping students engaged with all aspects of campus life including how to spot the early warning signs of students who are struggling with their studies or mental health. It follows a survey published by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) and AdvanceHE showing mental health is the most common reason students give for considering dropping out.
The announcement was made by Minister Donelan in a speech at HEPI’s annual conference and follows a study suggesting students with higher levels of engagement and a greater sense of ‘belonging’ with their university do better academically.
Higher and further education minister Michelle Donelan said: “Year after year, hundreds of thousands of talented students brimming with potential attend our world-class universities, determined to make their mark on the world.
“Unfortunately, not every university experience is a positive one, and it’s all too easy for students to become overwhelmed.
High levels of student engagement and a sense of belonging have been linked with students performing well at university and reducing early drop-out rates. A recent joint study by Pearson and higher education outlet WonkHE showed those students with the sense of belonging associated with high engagement are likely to enjoy more academic success.
Out of those surveyed, 72% who agreed that they belonged at their institution felt confident about their academic skills compared to just 34% who reported that they did not feel such a sense of belonging.
The news comes as the Office for Students confirms how it will allocate almost £1.4bn of higher education funding, which will support high quality teaching and facilities including in science and engineering, subjects that support the NHS, and degree apprenticeships.
