Student transitions throughout the higher education journey: a series

Wonkhe and Salesforce have explored student transitions throughout the higher education journey in a series of three online events in 2024.

Ensuring smooth transitions for students both into and during their higher education journeys is a central challenge for UK higher education. The implications for student success, for the financial bottom line of providers, and the ways in which institutions are monitored and regulated all relate to this key consideration. To dive into this integral conversation, Wonkhe were delighted to partner with Salesforce on a series of three online events to explore student transitions.

Over the series we looked at three crucial transitions: firstly, at the transition into higher education; in March, we considered induction; and in May we looked at the transition from student to graduate. At each transition, there are key actions for students to take and ways that universities can support and engage their students to help them make informed choices through these crucial periods.

The competition for, and choices available to prospective students is fiercer than ever before. And the rising cost of living and a changing narrative about the wider value of higher education, not helped by government rhetoric about “low value courses” and “rip off degrees” has contributed to a recent dip in applications and enrolment into the sector – at a time when there are more 18 year olds. The online event series explored what institutions can do to counter this backdrop and the steps universities are taking and support available to them to support these important student transitions through their lifecycle.

Recordings from the events

Student transitions – from higher education into graduate work and lifelong learning

10 May 2024, 12.00-1.00pm

The last event in our series will focus on how to support students after graduation, once they have entered work – especially those that might need extra help to secure graduate-level employment, and those who may return as lifelong learners. We’ll explore how we can build meaningful relationships with graduates, what you need to provide them and what they want to hear from you. With thanks to Professor Alex Hughes, former Deputy Vice Chancellor Global Engagement and Employability at the University of Westminster, Charlotte Baker, President at Winchester Students’ Union, and Paul Gratrick, President of AGCAS and Head of Operations in Student Experience and Enhancement at the University of Liverpool. Charlotte’s slides can be found here.

Student transitions – effective induction and onboarding

21 March 2024, 12.00-1.00pm

How do we bring new students into the higher education family and support them with the tools they need to succeed? We’ll discuss how to make induction and onboarding effective, fostering a sense of community with students to ensure smooth transitions into higher education.

With thanks to Kerr Castle, quality and standards specialist, Quality Assurance Agency, Michelle Morgan, dean of students, University of East London and Luke Millard, dean and professor of student development, Abertay University. Michelle’s slides can be found here and Kerr’s slides can be found here.

Student transitions – from outreach, to application and enrolment

18 January 2024, 12.00-1.00pm

How can institutions best engage prospective students, provide them with the right information at the right time, and deploy innovative approaches to help maximise enrolment? In this online event, we explored outreach strategies, the application pipeline, and how to build engagement and conversion to support student transitions into higher education. We heard institutional case studies and heard their perspective on how they are responding to the changing recruitment landscape, as well from our partners at Salesforce.

With thanks to Jon Coe, head of student recruitment at the University of Sheffield, Lucy O’Grady, head of digital channels and content at Canterbury Christ Church University, and Julio Villalobos, education strategic industry advisor, Salesforce. Chaired by Aaron Porter, director of partnerships at Wonkhe.