Associate College Partnership Conference ‘Enhancing the student experience through working in partnership’

Progress South Central funded Oxford Brookes to host a partnership conference on the 14th January 2011. The event was aimed at both University and College staff involved in the delivery and organisation of franchise HE courses, at partner further education colleges. 75 people attended the conference on the day 27 of the people were staff members from Oxford Brookes 46 were staff members from partner colleges 2 were staff members from Progress South Central 5 learners currently studying or recently finished the Foundation degree attended part of the day to answer questions about their student experience. In addition a group of second year Foundation degree students joined the conference for lunch. The following evaluation is based on 20 completed and returned forms, so results should be read with caution.

thought the conference was 100% of attendees either thought the conference was ‘excellent’ or ‘good’

The majority of attendees said they would provide reviews, training and other initiatives as a result of the ACP conference

Investigate opportunities for providing additional HE courses in FE Intended follow up, review or training actions Staff Development Expanding e-learning and library resource services Provide effective feedback to learners Investigate opportunities for providing additional HE courses in FE

What attendees propose they will do differently or in addition following the conference Self assessment template Use information and guidance on assessment with students Use feedback from existing students to better the experience for potential students Encourage and support students Review library facilities

60% of the attendees thought the conference effectively addressed the student experience

Employers expectations Ideas of themes for future conferences Involve employers – Employers expectations Ways to encourage students to more Independent learning “How to bridge the gap between Level 3 and Foundation Degree” Cross-college and University team building

being an ‘equal partner’ Additional Comments Student Panels, Very valuable Pleasant food A terrific day, with purpose. I am leaving with a real sense of being an ‘equal partner’ Thank you. Well organised and a worthwhile day Workshops could be a little longer Please keep these ACP conferences!