Call for Papers

NEON Symposium 2020

NEON would like to invite the submission of research papers and examples of best practice for the NEON Symposium 2020.

The theme will be:

“Let’s work together – how can students shape the future of widening access”

We will examine the priority placed on involving students, both prospective and existing, in the design, delivery and evaluation of widening access & participation at the strategic and operational level.

The voice of students, their stories, experiences and views are becoming increasingly important as we find ourselves trying to navigate higher education (HE) and widening access in uncertain times.

Universities are now trying and re-open whilst maintaining social distancing, provide lessons online, conduct outreach work online or within the constraints of social distancing. The student voice is crucial to understanding whether universities are delivering what they set out to, and how well they are doing so.

In particular, the voice of students from under-represented groups is crucial to understanding how current circumstances affect them in similar and unique ways. Moreover, the views of students are a key means of measuring success in the short term, in the absence of data on outcomes within this specific context.

How can we ensure more effective, equal partnership with the beneficiaries of widening access initiatives and that the student voice becomes a key part of the work which is carried out across the whole student lifecycle?

And how, in this current time, when there is uncertainty and lack of knowledge relative to in other circumstances, can we obtain the student voice in a way that truly captures their experience?

During the event, we will be discussing the importance of partnership working in order to both widen access to HE and to support students from under-represented groups into employment.  We will talk about the challenges of engaging students in a productive way that enhances the work we do and ensures that their needs are being met.

We are seeking research papers/best practice examples that focus on the above theme. More general papers covering any area of access & participation work are also welcome.

Presenting at the NEON Symposium will have a tangible outcome for presenters i.e.:

  • Informing the agenda and work of NEON 
  • Inclusion in the NEON Resource Room 
  • Sharing your institution’s/organisation’s work with a broad range of delegates
  • Presenting at the largest UK conference that focuses upon widening access

We would particularly be keen to receive paper proposals, or presentations, which focus on how best to capture the student voice when face to face  but will also welcome, and encourage, proposals for the importance of capturing the student voice in a meaningful way, as a measure of success and to initiate long-term change.

The use of the student voice in increasing widening participation can be discussed at several levels and at different stages of the student life-cycle. Some examples are given below:

Strategy:

  • Developing institutional approaches to constructing and delivering Access and Participation Plans (APPs);
  • Strategic approaches to widening access across the student lifecycle;
  • Embedding widening access within institutional policy.

Pre-entry and transition:

  • Widening access by improving attainment in schools and colleges;
  • Helping prospective students to make informed choices in higher education;
  • Facilitating progression of under-represented groups to higher education;
  • Innovative admissions procedures to ensure access is transparent and fair;
  • Engaging with all target groups – We would particularly welcome papers that focus upon Gypsy, Roma Travellers, Asylum Seekers, Children of Military Families, and other groups that are becoming more important in widening access work.

The undergraduate experience:

  • Innovations in learning and teaching in working with students from under-represented groups;
  • Ensuring that current delivery is beneficial to a range of students.

Student outcomes:

  • Using technology to improve student outcomes for those from under-represented groups;
  • Improving student outcomes for learners from BAME backgrounds;
  • Student services and improving student outcomes for those from under-represented groups, particularly those with disabilities;
  • Discipline based approaches to improving outcome of students from under-represented groups;
  • University careers provision and widening access work;
  • Working with widening access students to improve degree outcomes and employability;
  • Widening access to postgraduate studies.

General

  • Impact evaluations on access and participation initiatives;
  • Progression to and through higher education work that focuses on intersectional issues in access and participation.

Paper presentations should be between 15 minutes in length with an additional 5-10 minutes allocated for further questions. 

Please note: all presenters of the NEON Symposium are required to register for the event.

If you wish to submit a paper proposal, please submit a 500 word abstract by filling the survey here – https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JBT6HVY

The closing date for submissions is Friday 28th August 2020.