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NERUPI News March 2025

Posted on: March 18, 2025

We are delighted to welcome some new members to NERUPI. The University of Cambridge and Arden University have recently joined NERUPI along with Lancaster who have rejoined and Leeds Conservatoire who are now members in their own right. We will be holding an introductory event for new members - including colleagues who have recently joined member universities or have moved into new roles within their institution and are new to NERUPI.

PEER EVALUATION COURSE - ENQUIRE HERE The Peer Evaluation course starts on the 8 April. Described as 'one of the best workshops I have ever attended' by a participant in the QAA sponsored pilot, this course offers a unique opportunity to share and explore evaluation approaches and methods in the context of widening participation. It is also excellent value for money with a substantial fee reduction from £1,500 to £975 for NERUPI and QAA members. We may be able to accommodate more participants but please enquire as soon as possible as spaces are limited

WORKING WITH FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS – online, 3 April. Book HERE. Working with First-generation Students is part of our series of events focused on the new specific student groups highlighted by the OfS through their Equalities of Opportunities Risk Register. These students can be less likely to access elite HEIs, to complete their degrees and progress to graduate level jobs. Research indicates that First-gens can feel isolated and culturally at odds at University, impacting on their mental health, continuation with their studies and attainment. As a result, universities are exploring strategies to develop inclusive environments where all students feel they belong. At this event Dr Jessica Abrahams, University of Bristol, will provide valuable insights from her research about the experiences of FGS both in the UK and other parts of Europe, followed by presentations from Dr James Watts, University of Bristol, Abigail Lewis and Andrea Lambell, Durham University and Dr Jummy Okoya from the University of East London (UEL) exploring strategies to support FGS. There will be opportunities for questions and discussion including of how FGS are categorised and of relevant approaches to evaluation.

NEW Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) working group online 15th May 2-4pm Book HERE
The STEM working group has been set up to share practice and ideas about ways to improve outreach activity, support access, and effectively support success and progression in STEM. The first working group session will start with a lightning talk from Kate Mulcahy from Imperial College London about how their Dangoor Reach out Makerspace is supporting young people.