Supporting Student Diversity in Higher Education: A practical guide

The drive to increase participation in higher education has gained huge momentum globally in recent years but all too often academics and those involved in admission to higher education are unsure of the best ways to recruit and retain particular types of student. Supporting Student Diversity in Higher Educationis a practical manual that is designed to help managers, academics and members of the professional service teams within universities, to recruit and support a diverse student body at the same time as delivering a quality student experience in a challenging and pressured environment. Using the 'Student Experience Practitioner Model' as a framework, this book helps colleagues responsible for improving the student experience navigate their way through the maze of student diversity across all levels of study, determining what to deliver, how to deliver it and to whom. It interlinks academic, welfare and support activities at faculty department, school, course and university level to support the student in their university journey. Containing 40 practical and innovative undergraduate UK and international case studies from across 12 countries spanning four continents, this book provides proven practical examples of recruiting and supporting a diverse student body. It includes initiatives to support: Mature students (e.g. academic re-engagement); Students with special needs (e.g. dyslexia and other disabilities); International students (e.g. language support requirements); Students at risk (e.g. lower socio-economic groups, care leavers, male learners); Transfer and direct entry students (e.g. supporting students through this transition); Individual learners and their learning needs (impact of personality on learning); Students who support students (e.g. peer support); This book will be of great use to senior and middle administrative managers and academics involved in the recruitment, retention and progression of students; and also to anyone involved in education policy and students aiming to work in Higher Education.