Equality outcomes for Black ethnic groups

NEON Supporting Practice

Online event.

A recent publication from the House of Commons Library highlights the extent of the challenges learners from Black ethnic groups face in terms of both retention and success within higher education (HE). Despite their progression rates to HE being slightly higher than the average of all groups (63.6% against an average of 61.03%) they are the most likely group to drop out of their studies and least likely to achieve wither a first or upper second class degree. With so many HE providers having identified these issues within their Access and Participation Plans (APPs) this is a crucial issue that the sector must ensure is addressed.

This NEON Supporting Practice event, taking place online on Wednesday 25th March, will give delegates the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the current issues, and hear from a number of initiatives that have proven to improve retention rates and reduce existing attainment gaps. They will also be able to network with colleagues and discuss the challenges they face within their own contexts.

This event will be of particular relevance to:

• Senior managers with responsibility for APPs and/or widening access and participation planning.
• Heads of widening access.
• Heads of student support and/or student success.
• Heads of equality and diversity.
• Colleagues with responsibility for projects designed to improve student retention and reduce awarding gaps.
• Colleagues working within widening access or student support teams.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Dr Katharine Hubbard, Director of Learning Enhancement and Academic Practice, Buckinghamshire New University
• Eleanor Dove, EDI Project Manager – Race Equality Charter, Lancaster University
• Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere, PhD student, Lancaster University
• Kathryn Arnold, Professor of Ecology, University of York
• Julian True, Access and Participation Manager, University of Plymouth
• Aimee Green, Area Manager, South Nottinghamshire, DANCOP
• Rowan Fitzsimons, Access, Student Success and Development Coordinator, University of Manchester

More speakers to be announced soon.

Places are strictly limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Agenda:

10.00: Welcome and Introduction – NEON
10:10: Keynote Dr Katharine Hubbard, Director of Learning Enhancement and Academic Practice, Buckinghamshire New University
10:40: Case study 1- Lancaster University – Eleanor Dove, EDI Project Manager – Race Equality Charter and Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere, PhD student
11:15: Break
11:25: Case study 2 – University of York – Kathryn Arnold, Professor of Ecology
12.00: Case study 3 – University of Plymouth – Julian True, Access and Participation Manager
12:35: Lunch
13:20: Case study 4 – DANCOP – Aimee Green, Area Manager – South Nottinghamshire
13.55: Case study 5 – University of Manchester – Rowan Fitzsimons, Access, Student Success and Development Coordinator
14.25: Break
14.35: Group discussion – breakout sessions
15.35: Group feedback
16.05: Closing thoughts
16.15: Close