Office for Students

We’re back on the road again and today we're at the Southern Unions Conference at Buckinghamshire New University Union.   We're hosting an interactive session at 2pm today, inviting delegates to collaborate on our statement of expectations for disabled students.   You can also ask us anything at our drop-in stand between 3-5pm (plus sign up for the OfS-SU Rep Network).   We’re really looking forward to meeting SU colleagues, hearing about their work… and raising awareness of ours.   If you’re attending the conference today, please come and say hello!

Calling all new and returning Student Reps! Join us on Tuesday 1 September, 1330-1430, for our annual Introduction to the Office for Students webinar. This session will provide you with an overview of our work and an opportunity for you to ask any questions to support your role. You'll hear from colleagues from across the OfS, including those with experience working in SUs in volunteer and staff positions. You can register and submit any questions here: https://lnkd.in/e6yByB8n We look forward to seeing you!

Students at British Academy of Jewellery have been told that their higher education courses will be closed.    We've published information for students affected by this decision, including where to get support and advice.     Find out more: https://lnkd.in/es53TfAC

Congratulations to everyone receiving their A-level, BTEC, or other level 3 results today. Whether you're heading to your first choice of university or college, applying to alternative courses through Clearing, going into the workplace, or taking some time to consider your next steps, we wish you the best of luck. To find out more about your options, compare courses, and get advice, head to the Discover Uni website: https://lnkd.in/d2k9tigT

We’re at this year’s National Union of Students (UK) Membership Services Conference at The Manchester Metropolitan University.   We've been delighted to meet SU colleagues from across the country and hearing about how they’re supporting students (and very pleased to find we have a colour palette in common with Manchester Met's SU building).   We’re also looking forward to hosting a session tomorrow, where we'll invite delegates to collaborate with us on our statement of expectations for disabled students.   If you’re attending the conference, please join us at 10am on Thursday 13 August!

I had a great time at the Office for Students for my placement, such a rewarding experience! Read about my time in industry, and the other students in my cohort, below ⬇️

Today, we've published rules for a new freedom of speech complaints scheme which opens on 1 September, and updated our free speech guidance for universities and colleges. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eu3fHgDC

Most students have good things to say about their time at university or college, but we know disabled students continue to face barriers and report poorer experiences than their peers. This is reflected in a range of evidence, including this year's National Student Survey results. We want to help institutions put that right, which is why we're developing a new statement of expectations for universities and colleges in relation to disability.   We know lots of institutions are working hard to improve the experiences of disabled students, and we’ve been really grateful for the opportunity to hear from a range of practitioners working in this space. Most recently, we’ve been busy running a series of workshops with PASSHE (Professional Association of Specific Learning Difference Specialists in Higher Education) National Conference, the NADP (National Association of Disability Practitioners), and AMOSSHE, The Student Services Organisation.   Hearing about the diverse experiences of disabled students, the barriers practitioners are coming up against when trying to make changes, and how our statement of expectations can address these has been invaluable. We look forward to continuing these conversations over the coming months with practitioners and student service leads, as well as students, institutions, charities, and other organisations led by and for disabled people.   A big thank you to everyone who has contributed their views so far. Find out more about the statement of expectations here: https://lnkd.in/e9TQPMam

We've published our latest set of board papers. Watch the video below for an overview from our Chair, Professor Edward Peck, who reflects on the discussions and the programme of work that lies ahead for the OfS. https://lnkd.in/eBJfCwbw