Student Engagement [TG3/Engagement]

Libraries are integral to the student experience in Higher Education. How can we promote student engagement and amplify the student voice in our processes and practice?

This event will give practical examples of how some institutions are encouraging student engagement and voice. We will also hear at a broader level from Dr. Michelle Morgan how research has shown that universities and libraries should be developing a focus on belonging and engagement with the University community developing an inclusive approach and helping with the transition to university which many students can find overwhelming.

Programme:

14.00 Introduction

14.05 Dr Michelle Morgan, University of East London: ‘Improving the transition to Higher Education’

14.35 Questions

14.40  Steve Peters and Jason Shirley, Canterbury Christ Church: ‘Promoting wellbeing and amplifying student voice’

The presenters will highlight the Canterbury Christ Church University wellbeing campaign Stressless and focus on student voice and engagement through feedback and UX research activities.

15.10 Questions

15.15 Break

15.20 Speaker tbc

15.55 Questions

16.00 Finish

Speakers:

Dr Michelle Morgan is a national and internationally recognised Student Experience Transitions Specialist across all levels of study and is extensively published in the area. She is currently Dean of Students at the University of East London. Michelle is a Principal Fellow of the HEA, Fellow of the AUA, an elected council member of UKCGE and Student Minds Mental Health Charter Assessor. During her varied career, Michelle has been a faculty manager, lecturer, researcher and academic manager. She describes herself as a ‘Third Space Integrated Student Experience Practitioner’ who develops initiatives based on pragmatic and practical research. Michelle has over 50 publications and has presented over 100 national and international conference papers (including 52 keynotes and 30 invited papers). She has developed a free portal for staff which provides a range of information and links for anyone interested in improving the student experience in higher education www.improvingthestudentexperience.com In 2024, Michelle was awarded the European First Year Experience Leadership Award and the SRHE Contribution to the Field Award for her work in L&T and Student Transitions.

Steve Peters joined Canterbury Christ Church University in 2003, working within the Library and Learning Resources department. For the last two years, in the role of User Engagement Manager, Steve has focussed on improving the student experience as well as the department’s marketing and communications. Steve is a passionate UX research champion and leads a committee engaging with library users to improve the resources, facilities and services on offer. Steve works closely with his User Experience Team to deliver a range of engagement activities including the wellbeing campaign Stressless, feedback events and student led displays. Steve believes strongly in co-creation with students and works with student volunteers, ‘Champions’, who help develop and improve the library’s offer.

Jason Shirley has been with Canterbury Christ Church University and the Library and Learning Resources department for 15 years. Jason had experienced roles associated with Library and Information, Collections and Administration before fulfilling the role of User Experience Coordinator 2 years ago. As Coordinator, Jason now works closely with Steve towards all areas of marketing, communication and engagement.

With a substantial amount of customer service experience and a degree in primary education, engagement with the students has always been of great importance and interest. Through Jason’s role, Stressless and other engagement activities have developed ‘an improvement and change environment’ that thrives on student voice.

Information for joining:

• This session is virtual and will run via Zoom. Once your booking has been confirmed, joining instructions will be emailed the day before the event.
• Electronic CPD attendance certificates can be provided on request. Please request via cpd25@london.ac.uk

Cost
£25.00 members
£50.00 for non-member institutions.

Cancellations less than one week before the event will be charged a 50% cancellation fee. In the event of a ‘no-show’ on the day, the full fee will be charged.

To book a place, please use our online booking form. Please remembe to include your purchase order number if needed.