Intra-HE transition workshop

A focus on expectations, disclosure, retention and

progression

18/04/23 Transition at University 1

Structure of the workshop

Questionnaire as basis for our workshop activity. 1. Context of questionnaire, brief overview. 2. Themes: disclosure, expectations and retention and progression3. Group discussions around these three themes in relation to the responses received from the questionnaire.

18/04/23 2Transition at University

Context to the Questionnaire

• Check information and guidance around information regarding transition.• This questionnaire also shows

how transition is experienced by disabled students.

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Context to the Questionnaire (2)

- Demographics:• RHUL, Kingston, Imperial College,

Greenwich students• Majority of responses from mature

students (60% over 21; 40% under 21)• 60% SpLDs, 9% mental health

condition, 8% combination of conditions

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Results (1)

• Vast majority (81%) had considered a STEM-related career before university

• Courses chosen out of interest for the subject (before previous studies or competence and career prospects)

• 85% were still considering such career at the time of answering the questionnaire

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Results (2)

• 3 main sources of career advice: - tutors (50% +)- parents - web

• Careers advisors and services least used resource, just above advice received from friends.

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Results (3)

• 73% thought that their disability was going to be a challenge in their future career

• Most positive responses from SpLD students.

• Other disabilities concerned about; 9 to 5 job; handling stress

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Disclosure

• 66% applied for DSA; 21% didn’t • Majority had to declare disability at

some point• Disclosure at work was also brought

up; more uncertainty about the decision to disclose

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Disclosure (comment 1)

“I was advised at college not to declare so didn’t know that there would be support” (Geography, Long standing illness)

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Disclosure (comment 2)

• “I found that disability support didn’t ask me what my specific problems or concerns were. They tried to fit me to a template and force upon me methods of learning in areas where I didn’t need help.” (Psychology, SpLD)

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Disclosure (comment 3)

“The current drive on disabled student experience is beginning to smack of litigation mitigation a navel gazing exercise focused on marshalling the evidence to "prove" that every things cushy.” (Microbiology, SpLD)

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Expectations

• 94% said the support received whilst at university matched expectations

• More positive about support received at university, compared to the one received at school or from careers-related advice.

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Expectations (comment 1)

• “I was not expecting as much help as I have had in the past with my condition but there is always a place to go if I need to ask questions related to my disability. It’s more than I need personally.” (Physics, ASD)

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Expectations (comment 2)

“I expected a case worker - a one stop contact person with knowledge of my condition and for varied support and advice needs (academic and disability-related)” (Computing, Long-standing illness)

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Progression and retention

Main adjustments mentioned that have contributed to retention and progression:-one-to-one support (study skills> mentoring> contact with an individual member of staff)-Availability of staff- Teaching material in advance/ teaching material posted online18/04/23 Transition at University 15

Progression and retention (comment 1)

• “No help for specific science based problems. The support people don't know enough about the specific way science papers have to be written and the way exam answers have to be done, so are unable to help”. (Biomedical Sciences, SpLD)

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Progression and retention (comment 2)

• “What would have helped most is having some form of essay support that is subject specific as I often wonder if I am not properly representing the content that I know but there is nothing that essay support can currently do to help as they don't really know my subject.” (Geology, SpLD)

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Progression and retention (comment 3)

• “Not tailored to doctoral level studies” (Clinical Psychology, multiple disabilities)

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Questions to consider

• What is the most striking for you in each of these quotes?

• Do you recognise the experience that they describe?

• Do these quotes raise any questions for you?

• What measures have been taken/ could be taken to improve this experience of disclosure, manage/meet expectations, improve progression and retention?

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