Jisc Change Agents' Network Conference 2024

In 2023, a consortium of three post-92 universities and Students’ Unions came together to address the urgency in student engagement with timetabled on-campus classes. Post COVID-19, universities worldwide have witnessed changes in student engagement in regard to physical attendance with timetabled on campus classes, as well as wider engagement with the campus estate and services such as students’ unions. Following clear evidence relating to pressures upon students relating to the cost-of-living crisis where employment draws students’ time to support themselves financially, there is an urgent need to re-think university practice to support student success. Additional to financial matters, the increased accessibility to learning through online means innovated during the global pandemic, has further led to changes in physical student engagement with catch up digital opportunities, where there is perhaps a perception that in-person attendance is less necessary following similar student experiences as secondary and further education. As institutions adapt for the long-term, short-term concern relating to student drop out, increases in poor mental health, and low student learning outcomes concern colleagues, where there is an urgent need to share perspectives and best practice between institutions. In this session, the speakers will report on literature and qualitative findings outcomes of a cross-institutional research study with more than 40 Student Academic Representatives and enable delegates to develop practical solutions for their local contexts.