Enhancement Themes Conference 2009

Leeds for Life: the University of Leeds approach to developing graduates for the 21st Century

Caroline LetherlandChristopher WarringtonClara Davies

March 2009

‘An entitlement for all students

which helps them integrate

their academic and wider university experience

and prepare for their future.’

Leeds for Life: What it is

March 2009

Leeds for Life: Why we’re doing it

• At the heart of the University’s strategy

• To help students recognise the distinctiveness of their Leeds education

• To motivate and empower students

• To encourage greater reflection

• To increase the attractiveness of the University to prospective students

• Response to NSS and other student feedback

March 2009

Leeds for Life: What our students want

• Diverse student population

• Different levels of engagement and involvement in University life will mean different students will want different things from Leeds for Life

• Feedback collated from focus groups and Staff-Student Forums

Leeds for Life – website demo

www.leedsforlife.leeds.ac.uk/

March 2009

Leeds for Life: Key Developments

Transition to first year

• Induction reviewed

• “Integrating students into the academic community” - identified examples of good practice in the following areas:

• Forming relationship before arrival: Communications & Orientation

• Induction extended over the first semester / year

• Induction embedded in the curriculum

• Academic study & skills support

March 2009

Leeds for Life: Key Developments

Leeds Model for Personal Tutoring

• Model aims to provide an improved, unified approach to academic support for students that is:

• Purposeful, structured

• Proactive, clearly articulated

• Systematic - provides overview of performance and scheduled ongoing academic support

• Holistic (full range of activity), developmental

• Individual, one-to-one, equally available

• Tutor as referral agent for personal difficulties

• Supported by integrated IT

Personal tutoring information

from School PDP,

PT documentation

or LfL webforms

Leeds for Life Skills and Attributes

informationfrom LfL website

University

Transcript information

from Web for Faculty

Leeds for Life Living CVa single store of information

Academic CV template

Traditional CV template

Skills-based CV template

CVs/Applications for specific vacancies

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The “Living CV”

March 2009

Leeds for Life: Key Challenges

• Academic buy-in

• Attracting the non-engaged students

• The transition from school to university in relation expectation setting

• Ensuring Leeds for Life becomes part of every day business

• Balance between responding to student and academic need

Leeds for Life

Any questions?

March 2009

Group activity

Questions – 20 minutes:

• How have you addressed the following challenges in your own Institutions?:

• Academic engagement

• Student engagement

• Transition to first year

• Please share your ideas and prepare to report back