Improving the degree attainment of Black and minority ethnic students

The proposed work is concerned to focus on practical actions that promote student engagement, rather than on further research. Development and promotion of good practice will build on insights from research (both at Aston and more widely), existing work at Aston on cultural and diversity awareness, and successful embedding of Widening Participation.
 We will:
• Identify an appropriate skills set and knowledge base to support best practice
• Develop a web-based good practice guide to include aspects of classroom management to promote student integration
• Run workshops for staff on the skills set and knowledge base
• Undertake evaluation of the impact of the work, updating the skills set and the good practice guide accordingly

Our approach to supporting BME students has been to implement and embed a range of initiatives that are of benefit to all students, even though they may have been designed initially with specific groups in mind. This is because we believe that inclusivity is often best served by promoting integration, whilst “special” initiatives have the potential to isolate groups further. It is also because 42% of our undergraduate students live in the West Midlands region, and are largely from BME backgrounds anyway.

The project has the full support of the Executive Team. Key drivers are:
•  A university committed to supporting our diverse student body
• Wanting all students to have an equal chance of achieving their potential
• Wanting to create an academic staff group which understands and has the “tools” to create the right environment for all students to achieve their potential

Team members

Ann Hartley, Head of Staff Development
Suki Phull, Head of Programme, Combined Honours
Ros Hill, Senior Lecturer, Life & Health Sciences
Mandy Ingleby, Strategic Advisor for learner Enhancement