Published on 13 March 2017
Sunderland has been shortlisted in the ‘Student Diversity and Widening Participation’ category of the Guardian University Awards 2017.
The annual awards, organised by the Guardian newspaper, celebrate exceptional work by universities across the UK and share best practice, success and imaginative thinking.
In the Student Diversity and Widening Participation category judges were looking for an innovative initiative that has demonstrably helped to increase the number of disadvantaged and non-traditional students entering the university – specifically students from low-income families, those with disabilities or students from under-represented groups, including ethnic minorities.
"We’re delighted that our hard work to develop and deliver an outreach programme, which has increased participation in University among mature learners, has been recognised"
Our submission related to our work to encourage mature learners to return to learning. Sunderland has a long tradition of welcoming adult-learners who want to progress into Higher Education and we have a wealth of support services available to ensure the student’s journey is rewarding, examples include:
- Many of our Student Ambassadors are Returners to Learning
- We know many returners have high-levels of motivation and commitment so we take all previous study and work-related skills into consideration so we can be flexible about entry
- We have extended programmes for those wanting to undertake a foundation-year before a degree
- We have foundation degrees delivered by partner colleges, supported in our own-staffed Gateways within the colleges with guaranteed top-up routes
Lesley Griffin, Assistant Director, Marketing and Recruitment commented: “The University of Sunderland has been one of the leading-institutions for 25 years in widening participation, building social-capital and confidence in our students. We’ve delivered opportunities to people of all ages and backgrounds and provided them with the support to reach their potential.
“We’re delighted that our hard work to develop and deliver an outreach programme, which has increased participation in University among mature learners, has been recognised. Being shortlisted for a Guardian University Award is brilliant news for the team and I’m very proud of everyone involved, and of the students who have made a great success of entering higher education later in life.”
The finalists will be announced at an Awards ceremony in London on 29 March 2017.