Wonkhe presents
Belong from the beginning
Building connections, confidence and inclusion at university
Online
Get DirectionsWe know that belonging is crucial for students. But what facilitates it? And what are the consequences for students when they feel that they do not belong at their university?
Wonkhe and Pearson conducted a national research project, spanning the length of a calendar year with over 5,500 staff and student participants, and in partnership with 15 students’ unions. The project produced some stark findings about what facilitates – or prevents – feelings of belonging across almost every aspect of the student experience.
Students who felt they belonged at their university reported substantial differences in their academic confidence, their course inclusivity, and their peer networks, compared to students who reported feelings of not belonging. This event will be an opportunity to launch the research in full and digest it.
We will also present further insights and wider research, have expert discussion on the implications, examples of good practice, recommendations that colleagues can use to build a practical plan of action to improve student belonging and inclusion for the long term. It’s an essential event for anyone concerned with belonging and inclusion at university today.
Read our final report on belonging – The four foundations of belonging at university here.
Agenda
9.30 Welcome and introduction
9.45 Nic Beech, Vice Chancellor of Middlesex University reflects on research and its significance to the sector
10.00 A recap of the research and its findings
10.30 Session 1: Building connections – Reflecting on the report, a group of sector experts will give examples of how they are building connection among students across their universities
Above everything else outlined in the report, the greatest impact that universities can have on students’ sense of belonging is to improve the way they connect their students. It sounds simple, and both staff and students see it as essential, yet students did not report a strong sense of connection, either at course level or university level. Reflecting on the report, a group of sector experts will give examples of how they are building connection among their students.
11.15 Break
11.30 Session 2: Inclusive content – How to build an inclusive educational experience for students and staff to foster belonging across the university
12.30 Session 3: Moving forward together – Picking up the recommendations to turn into action, we’ll discuss how the whole university can put things in place for the future
13.30 Close
The event will be recorded, and ticket holders will receive a recording shortly after it finishes.
In partnership with
In partnership with
Wonkhe presents
Belong from the beginning
Building connections, confidence and inclusion at university
Online
Get DirectionsWe know that belonging is crucial for students. But what facilitates it? And what are the consequences for students when they feel that they do not belong at their university?
Wonkhe and Pearson conducted a national research project, spanning the length of a calendar year with over 5,500 staff and student participants, and in partnership with 15 students’ unions. The project produced some stark findings about what facilitates – or prevents – feelings of belonging across almost every aspect of the student experience.
Students who felt they belonged at their university reported substantial differences in their academic confidence, their course inclusivity, and their peer networks, compared to students who reported feelings of not belonging. This event will be an opportunity to launch the research in full and digest it.
We will also present further insights and wider research, have expert discussion on the implications, examples of good practice, recommendations that colleagues can use to build a practical plan of action to improve student belonging and inclusion for the long term. It’s an essential event for anyone concerned with belonging and inclusion at university today.
Read our final report on belonging – The four foundations of belonging at university here.
Agenda
9.30 Welcome and introduction
9.45 Nic Beech, Vice Chancellor of Middlesex University reflects on research and its significance to the sector
10.00 A recap of the research and its findings
10.30 Session 1: Building connections – Reflecting on the report, a group of sector experts will give examples of how they are building connection among students across their universities
Above everything else outlined in the report, the greatest impact that universities can have on students’ sense of belonging is to improve the way they connect their students. It sounds simple, and both staff and students see it as essential, yet students did not report a strong sense of connection, either at course level or university level. Reflecting on the report, a group of sector experts will give examples of how they are building connection among their students.
11.15 Break
11.30 Session 2: Inclusive content – How to build an inclusive educational experience for students and staff to foster belonging across the university
12.30 Session 3: Moving forward together – Picking up the recommendations to turn into action, we’ll discuss how the whole university can put things in place for the future
13.30 Close
The event will be recorded, and ticket holders will receive a recording shortly after it finishes.
In partnership with
In partnership with
Speakers
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Nic Beech
Vice chancellor, Middlesex University -
Sunday Blake
Associate Editor, WonkheSunday Blake is President at Exeter Guild of Students
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![]( "Anna Jackson is Head of Customer Insights at Pearson.")
Anna Jackson
Head of Customer Insights, PearsonAnna Jackson is Head of Customer Insights at Pearson.
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![]( "Mark Leach is the founder, Editor in Chief and CEO of Wonkhe. Mark worked in policy, politics and public affairs in and around UK higher education and founded Wonkhe in 2011 while working as a jobbing policy wonk in the sector. The first part of his career took him to the National Union of Students, HEFCE, University Alliance, GuildHE as well as a stint in politics as a special adviser to the former Shadow Minister for Universities & Science. Mark began full-time work on Wonkhe in mid-2014 growing it into a thriving business. As CEO, Mark is responsible for running and developing Wonkhe and as Editor in Chief oversees Wonkhe’s editorial platforms. You can read more about everything that Wonkhe does here.")
Mark Leach
Founder & Editor in Chief, Wonkhe and former Labour adviserMark Leach is the founder, Editor in Chief and CEO of Wonkhe. Mark worked in policy, politics and public affairs in and around UK higher education and founded Wonkhe in 2011 while working as a jobbing policy wonk in the sector. The first part of his career took him to the National Union of Students, … Continued
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![]( "Gail Capper is Outcomes and Insight Manager at Pearson")
Gail Capper
Outcomes and Insight Manager, PearsonGail Capper is Outcomes and Insight Manager at Pearson
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Tony Moss
Associate pro-vice chancellor of education and student experience at London South Bank Universityyour default content
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Vrinda Nayak
Associate Dean for Taught Students (Racial Equality and Inclusion) at University of Exeter -
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Annie Hughes
Head of the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Centre, Kingston Universityyour default content
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Tinashe Verhaegh
Senior advisor for equality charters, Advance HEyour default content
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![]( "Marianne Evans is President at Bath Spa University SU")
Marianne Evans
President, Bath Spa SUMarianne Evans is President at Bath Spa University SU
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![]( "Michelle is a HE student transition and experience specialist and practitioner. She develops initiatives based on pragmatic and practical research to improve the experience of students and staff. The impact of her work is to enable students to succeed to the best of their ability in a high quality HE environment that challenges and supports them. She is recognised both nationally and internationally and has 29 years\' experience in Higher Education at a time of rapid change (8 years at University level, 21 years at Faculty level).")
Michelle Morgan
Student experience transitions specialist & Dean of Students, University of East LondonMichelle is a HE student transition and experience specialist and practitioner. She develops initiatives based on pragmatic and practical research to improve the experience of students and staff. The impact of her work is to enable students to succeed to the best of their ability in a high quality HE environment that challenges and supports … Continued
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Liz Mossop
Deputy vice chancellor for student development and engagement, University of LincolnLiz Mossop is Deputy Vice Chancellor for Student Development and Engagement at the University of Lincoln. She is a veterinary surgeon who graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh and worked for several years in a private veterinary practice before commencing her academic career. She has a Masters degree and … Continued
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Mary Stuart
Director of Leadership Development at Minerva, UK and former Vice Chancellor, University of LincolnMary Stuart has had a long career in Higher Education covering most academic roles. She spent 15 years at the University of Sussex moving from a lecturing role to becoming Pro Vice Chancellor for Students and Professor of Continuing Education. In 2005, she moved to Kingston University as Deputy Vice Chancellor and in 2009 was … Continued
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![]( "Rebecca Freeman is the Dean of Students at the University of Warwick")
Rebecca Freeman
Dean of Students, University of WarwickRebecca Freeman is the Dean of Students at the University of Warwick
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Sasha Roseneil
Vice Chancellor, University of Sussexyour default content
