Student engagement in our inclusion work

Student engagement is a key theme within the inclusion programme, and more specifically in relation to our work to promote disability equality and enhance student retention and success.  We work with institutions to develop students’ role as partners within decision making and enhancement processes.

Student engagement and sense of belonging are central to retention and success.  The Academy is supporting and coordinating the work of 22 HEIs, along with Action on Access, as part of a national evaluation programme focused on what works (funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and HEFCE). 

The involvement of disabled students is a legal requirement (Disability Equality Duty, 2006).  In partnership with Equality Challenge Unit, we have run a longitudinal programme, involving seven institutions in England and Wales, designed to further the involvement of disabled students within institutional policy and practice.  The programme resulted in a national event and launch of guidance publication entitled Strategic Approaches to Disabled Student Engagement.  A new programme for institutions on this theme has been launched in autumn 2010.

There is also an eight-part series of e-bulletins available, including one on student engagement.  These aim to provide bite-size, targeted advice and guidance on different aspects of inclusive learning and teaching.