Developing a student support and retention strategy for Part Time

learners in the context of a conventional University

Speakers

• Dr Darryl Bibby – Dean, School of Lifelong Learning

• Colin Black – Operations Manager, School of Lifelong Learning

• Dr Judy Rumbelow – Associate Dean, School of Lifelong Learning

What do you Know About Part Time Students?

• How many Part Time UG students are currently studying in the HE sector in the UK?

• What proportion of the overall UG student population studies Part Time in the UK?

• What proportion of UG Part Time students is over 25?

• What is the gender split of UG Part Time students?

• What proportion of UG Part Time students are sponsored by their employers?

What do you Know About Part Time Students?

• How many Part Time UG students are currently studying in the HE sector in the UK?

• 581,760 individuals, 226,886 FTE 1

• What proportion of the overall UG student population studies Part Time in the UK?

• 34% 2

• What proportion of UG Part Time students is over 25? • 75% 2

• What is the gender split of UG Part Time students?• 64.6% female – 35.4% male 2

• What proportion of UG Part Time students are sponsored by their employers?

• 11% 2Source: 1) Students in Higher Education Institutions 2003/04

2) Universities UK Research into Part Time Learning

Aim of the Session

• To consider the differences in strategy, systems and procedures for supporting part-time students within the School of Lifelong Learning and the rest of Coventry University

Overview

• An outline of Part Time learning as delivered through the School of Lifelong Learning – 15 minutes

– Curriculum– Student Support– Operations and Finance

• Discussion session – 10 minutes• Part Time learning in a Full Time context – 10 minutes

– Curriculum– University strategy– University systems

• Discussion session – 20 minutes

Curriculum

• Short Fat Modules• Work Related Curriculum• Dual Accreditation• Case Studies/Experience• Pre-requisites• Delivery at Work• Interface Between VQ and HE

Student Support

• Induction• Sessional Tutors• Personal Tutors• Allocated Administrators• Flexible Hours and Delivery Patterns• Application, Enrolment and Invoicing

Operations

• Room Bookings• Facilities• Computer Access• Library• Assignment Handling• Offsite Delivery

Finance

• Contracts• Payments• Invoicing• Bad Debt

Discussion Topic

• To what extent does your organisation provide tailored curriculum, support and services for Part Time mature students?

• What impact does this have on the retention of such students?

Part Time students in a Full Time context

• What is Part Time?• Relationship with Full Time students• Different approaches in different Faculties• Variety of support systems• Access to University systems

Curriculum

• Dominance of Full Time curriculum• Timetable v Learning• Coherence of Part Time offer • Quality processes

University Strategy

• Not accounting for Part Time activity in University curriculum related strategies (teaching and learning, assessment, e-learning, widening participation, third stream funding)

• Resource allocation models; academic staff contracts and commitments beyond teaching hrs

• Fees• Scholarships and bursaries• Staffing full time v sessional staff

University Systems

• Generating Enquiries • Marketing, web site• Communicating with potential students• Handling enquiries• Student tracking• Relationship management

Discussion Topic

• A customised system for Part Time students in a conventional University offers support tailored to their needs. However, it also creates difficulties working within a system designed for the majority of Full Time students.

• Can this tension be resolved? • Suggestions please!?