2010 Annual Conference and Exhibition

Sessions All Days (113 Sessions)

Title	The good, the bad and the ugly in professional communication
Speaker	Sue Beckingham (Co-speaker James Craig)
Description	Written communication is at the heart of all our professional lives whether it is composing a simple email, writing a formal report or producing a coherent and well crafted PowerPoint presentation. Understanding the range of styles and approaches, and how to avoid the most common mistakes, can greatly improve the effectiveness, clarity and professionalism of written communications. This session encourages participants to consider ways in which they can improve their skills and offers an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the value and importance of written communications.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Be able to recognise different styles of writing, and know how and when to use or avoid these in different situations Be more aware of what is expected in professional communications Have developed ideas about how they can improve their skills
Target Audience	All welcome
Session Theme	PPD

Title	Destination Europe?-considering administrative staff mobility in an integrating Europe
Speaker	Sally Mckinley
Description	This workshop will explore the AUA's current and potential role in Europe, in line with the remit of the International Higher Education Special Interest Group (IHESIG). The session will focus on ways of fostering the AUA's links with European partner organisations and discuss development and practical planning of relevant activities, study tours and visits. Participants will have a chance to share their ideas informally and consider the potential benefits of a mobility experience to personal development and an administrative career in HE.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Have a better insight into their knowledge of the European Higher Education Area and the European links AUA has developed Know what is involved in organizing a study tour/AUA visit and understand how to plan for them before, during and after Be able to evaluate whether the experience of an AUA study tour/visit to Europe might enhance their career and/or personal development.
Target Audience	All welcome
Session Theme	HES

Title	Are they satisfied? student-centered strategies and the National Student Survey
Speaker	Mike Radcliffe
Description	Understanding the priorities and needs of students is critical to improving student experience and being able to place it at the heart of institutional policy and practice. This session reports on five years of data from the National Student Survey (NSS), explaining the policy context and theories on which it is based and the key messages that are emerging. As a case study, the session will explore Oxford Brookes' efforts to use outcomes from the NSS to shape key parts of its new University Strategy and its adoption of an integrated approach through which enhancing the student experience becomes a priority factor in the institution's decision making and planning.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand the context of the NSS and it's outcomes Understand some approaches to developing improvement strategies using the NSS Have the tools to explore the NSS data for themselves
Target Audience	All welcome, those interested in the student experience
Session Theme	LEX

Title	Institutional Audit-the emerging methodology
Speaker	Jon Renyard
Description	As the QAA prepares to consult on a revised methodology for institutional audit including the possibility of an alternative form of assurance, this session offers participants a timely chance to discuss current progress, before the consultation gets underway in Spring 2010. The workshop will also consider the likely implications for institutions and potential impact on individual roles of the latest developments in future audit methodology.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Have a better understanding of the likely future of audit methodology Have discussed, with peers, the implications of a revised methodology for institutions and the sector Have identified specific challenges for each individual role holder, and started to reflect on how these might be met
Target Audience	Anyone working within the broad field of quality and standards, and anyone else who is interested in this area
Session Theme	LEX

Title	Chairing meetings successfully
Speaker	Jean Grier
Description	Chairing meetings is more often than not the remit of academic staff but on those occasions when committee secretaries are called upon to undertake this role, having the confidence and know how to chair effectively can make all the difference to the overall success of the meeting and what is achieved. This session seeks to uncover the hallmarks of both good and bad chairing by drawing on collective experience as committee attendees and enabling participants to identify strategies and approaches to develop their chairing skills and expertise.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand the role of the committee chair and be able to identify why meetings fail or succeed in their purpose Develop skills in anticipating and handling problem issues Gain confidence in an unfamiliar role
Target Audience	Staff who occasionally chair meetings
Session Theme	PPD

Title	Student involvement in QAA Institutional audit in England and Northern Ireland: an update and lessons learnt to date
Speaker	Maureen McLaughlin (Co-presenter Derfel Owen)
Description	From Spring 2010 students will be involved as full members of QAA Institutional audit teams. This session offers an update on the most recent developments and explores how lessons learnt so far can be applied to develop student involvement effectively within institutional quality assurance and enhancement processes, particularly periodic review. The session also considers how the development of good working relationships with quality professionals and academics within the HE sector can benefit this process overall. And to broaden the context of the session, participants will have a chance to hear about and consider practices in and experiences of other national quality systems.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Be up to date on student involvement in QAA Institutional audit in England and Northern Ireland and reflect on lessons learnt Be aware of background context on student involvement in other national quality systems Be better placed to reflect on how institutions work effectively with student representatives on participation in internal QA processes
Target Audience	University quality officers, both central and faculty/school based
Session Theme	LEX

Title	A route to recognition for staff working in recruitment and admissions
Speaker	Jenny Miller
Description	In light of the launch of a new admissions strand in the AUA Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice, this workshop will present the new qualification strand explaining the benefits for participants as well as the overall structure and content.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand the key features of the new strand of the AUA PG Cert in Professional Practice. Be able to consider the qualification further either for themselves or colleagues and know how to obtain further information Know how the current UCAS CPD programme will integrate with the new strand in the qualification
Target Audience	Admissions administrators, managers of admissions, administrators interested in working in admissions
Session Theme	PPD

Title	Rethinking registration
Speaker	Sandra Mienczakowski (Co-presenter Gordon Thomas)
Description	This workshop focuses on many aspects of the registration process and the concept of a 'registered student' and poses such questions as - what does registration actually mean? What does a student have to do to be considered 'registered'? Does this mean different things to different stakeholders? As a case study, the session will explore the University of Nottingham's approach to managing registration, covering both online and in-person registration events and considering the needs of different groups of students. Participants will have plenty of opportunities for discussion and to share best practice.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Hear how registration is organised at Nottingham and the innovations that the university hopes to introduce Recognise the needs that different groups of students might have Benefit from the opportunity to share best practice with colleagues from across the sector
Target Audience	Anyone with an interest in registry, admissions, student finance, equality, disability, access and WP issues
Session Theme	HES

Title	Restructuring-a practical guide
Speaker	Andrea Bolshaw
Description	The session takes participants through the nuts and bolts of a re-structuring process based on a medium-scale case study and organisational change research. As well as providing practical pointers for managing a re-structure successfully, key issues will be covered including: - developing a strategy through consultation, issuing redundancies, managing displaced staff, implementation of the re-structure plan, in particular focusing on the transition phase, and embedding change to achieve the original goals behind the re-structure.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Gain a practical awareness of the stages and individual steps of a re-structure from conception through to implementation Appreciate the benefits and planning considerations of a re-structuring process Recognise the skills needed to manage change effectively
Target Audience	Senior and middle managers in HE
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Student Experience- the big picture
Speaker	Andrew West
Description	This informal presentation offers plenty of opportunity to take part in discussions focusing on the broader context of the student experience. Whilst AUA members contribute significantly to the student experience within institutions and beyond, the session encourages participants to consider their real understanding of the student experience and explore the linkages between a student's learning and his/her broader experience of university life. The future of student support in HE will also be discussed looking at changes to the role and key strategic issues facing those working in student services and student administration/registry roles.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Gain an understanding of the breadth of the student experience Have considered some of the key current issues in student support and administration in a broad context Have identified topics for further exploration and development in their own role/institution
Target Audience	Staff working in student services, student support, student administration and registry. Of particular interest to those working in specialist strands of student support and administration/registry with an interest in exploring a broader perspective.
Session Theme	HES

Title	Bespoke professional travel booking systems
Speaker	Michelle Kipling
Description	The session will cover all the issues that lead to the need to review the travel procurement processes at Manchester Business School; how the contract was negotiated; the experience of working with the Amex Team to ensure the university travel policy and financial regulations were adhered to; launching the service and getting buy-in from colleagues; the benefits of the system; the problems that arose; the issues that remain; and how the School and the university are moving forward to continue to overcome the issues surrounding travel procurement, including the introduction of a more sustainable travel policy.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Gain insight into the costs/benefits of working with an external partner for travel procurement via both online and offline tools Understand the issues that need to be considered when working with an external corporate partner for travel procurement Consider the possible alternatives to working with an external corporate partner for travel procurement
Target Audience	Anyone involved in procurement; cost savings and financial planning; general project managers
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Professionalising customer service in HE-sharing best practice with the private sector
Speaker	Jennifer Hinsley (Co-presenter Anna Truman, Senior Account Manager, Marriott UK)
Description	The growing pressure to provide customer focused professional services for students requires a new approach that the HE sector does not traditionally excel at. Whilst attendance at staff development events, vision statements and service level agreements can improve service standards, this session argues that much can be learned from private sector models of customer service. The Faculty of Health & Social Care, University of Salford, has partnered with the Marriott Hotel chain to explore this. This session will look at the progress of this partnership, focusing on both operational successes and pitfalls experienced and the strategic development of the partnership to achieve excellence in customer services for the future.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand the approach taken to structure customer services within the Faculty of Health & Social Care and gain an appreciation of the demands and pressures of customer services both within HE and the private sector Understand the core values, beliefs and philosophies of Marriott and it’s ‘spirit to serve’ philosophy – and how this impacts the Marriott associates, customers and communities where the hotels are located Critically examine what HE institutions can learn from the private sector and how this can be exploited through partnership and from operational to professionalised customer services at the front line of universities
Target Audience	Customer service managers, school and faculty administrators, office managers and anyone interested in customer service in HE
Session Theme	LEX

Title	Innovation: overcoming the barriers
Speaker	Dr Tony Rich (Dr Peter Funnell)
Description	In response to the increasingly complex and demanding requirements of governments and multiple stakeholders university structures are changing. New collaborations and hybrid structures are emerging and this workshop explores this through a series of case studies including IDEA, a joint venture between BT, University College London, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, University Campus Suffolk and Suffolk New College, set up to design and deliver a unique skills escalator for the ICT sector and a dental outreach partnership in Southend, involving Essex, Queen Mary and local PCTs. The session considers the role of administrative systems, processes and people in encouraging and facilitating new ways of working whilst maintaining resource probity and academic quality.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Be able to reflect on key policy issues and politics surrounding new collaborations. Gain knowledge of innovative developments through case studies in ICT and dentistry Be able to reflect on barriers to innovation and how they might be tackled
Target Audience	All welcome
Session Theme	HES

Title	Is there anybody out there? a holistic approach to student attendance monitoring - the Derby model
Speaker	Beverley Matthews (Co-presenter Richard Tarplee)
Description	Now that modular funding is directly linked to student engagement with assessment, it is ever more important to monitor student attendance on modules. A change in the patterns of student attendance can be a critical indicator of risk of withdrawal from university and research also demonstrates that student participation in timetabled sessions increases achievement. This session presents Derby’s innovative and holistic approach to monitoring attendance covering how Derby has introduced electronic bar code reader systems, how attendance information is used as an early warning indicator of a student at risk and how, using this information, students and staff are made aware of the impact on achievement and completion rates.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand how Derby uses a holistic approach to student attendance monitoring Learn how electronic systems and reporting systems can benefit student experience, achievement and retention Discuss and share practice on student attendance monitoring, barriers to success and possible solutions
Target Audience	Anyone with an interest in student engagement, retention, achievement and completion
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	CRM for recruitment and admissions
Speaker	Kenton Lewis (Co-presenter Debbie Naude)
Description	This presentation will describe how St George's University of London (with assistance from SUMS Consulting) reviewed and improved their recruitment and admissions process, to ensure a more student focused approach.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand the role of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) in recruitment and admissions Understand student journey mapping Be aware of issues in implementing a student focused solution
Target Audience	Recruitment and admissions administrators and managers
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	AUA Study Tour to India 3: Understanding India-UK collaboration from the Indian perspective
Speaker	Dr Radka Newton (Co-presenter Ian Jones and Catherine Kirk)
Description	The AUA Study tour to India in November 2009 offered participants from both public and private sector institutions a unique and unprecedented opportunity to explore the Indian HE sector. This session presents an outline of the outcomes based on peer interviews between the delegation of UK HE administrators and their Indian counterparts. The focus of the session will be on collaboration with HE partners in India, the key barriers to and benefits of partnership development and the role of collaboration in institutional internationalisation strategies in India. Participants can also benefit from up to date information on current developments in the Indian HE sector.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Appreciate the complexity of HE collaborations with overseas partners focusing on India, understand the Indian HE system and their expectations from overseas collaborations Obtain a perspective on current Indian overseas collaborations and be able to evaluate possibilities for their own institutions Appreciate the differences of collaboration administration in India and the impact on Anglo-Indian partnership development and its effective management
Target Audience	HE staff involved in international partnership management
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Advanced marketing strategy
Speaker	Rosemary Stamp
Description	This session will explore the role of marketing strategy within the corporate strategic planning process: - obstacles to developing a marketing strategy and how to overcome them, developing marketing strategy for competitive positioning, incorporating macro-environmental change into marketing planning, developing strategy ownership and how to evaluate marketing strategy.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Gain an understanding of the role of marketing strategy within corporate strategic planning Be aware of which key marketing strategies are most appropriate for the institution dependent upon its current market position and its diverse stakeholders Understand the key success rules and elements required for successful strategy and how to achieve ownership for the strategy within the organisation
Target Audience	Institutional leaders and senior managers
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Steps to avoiding the OIA
Speaker	Dr Chris Ince (Co-presenter Dr Glyn Jones)
Description	In this interactive and participative workshop, participants will draw on their own experiences to identify strategies and approaches for minimizing the escalation of student complaints through internal procedures and ultimately to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for HE (OIA). Drawing on case studies of complaints investigations, the session will discuss key factors that contribute to students progressing complaints through internal processes such as, not responding to aspects of the complaint and inappropriate resolution, with the aim of developing greater awareness of the prerequisites to successful complaint handling and resolution.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Increase their awareness of contributory factors to the escalation of complaints Share best practice for handling and resolving complaints Discuss and learn from experiences of complaint handling and resolution to enhance internal procedures
Target Audience	Staff with institutional responsibility for investigating student complaints, staff who act as the institution's point of contact with the OIA
Session Theme	LEX

Title	Administrator to Academic – is the move possible
Speaker	Ann Patey, University of Portsmouth
Description	Crossing the divide between administrative and academic roles is a complex process challenging the culture of many HE institutions in which role conflict and ambiguity are seen as the inevitable and unwelcome result. However, changes in education and training have led to greater responsibilities for administrators who are now called upon to understand the wider educational context sometimes through a seemingly logical cross over into an academic role. This session addresses the issues presented by this and focuses on research to investigate the success and failure of administrators who have aspired to academic positions and includes the speaker’s own journey to successfully cross the divide.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Have a greater awareness of cultures of organisations in relation to role hybridisation, ambiguity and conflict Understand more about the modern higher education organisations and the roles their staff play in them Realise that anything is possible if you want it badly enough
Target Audience	Anyone interested in the possible movement of staff between professional roles in education
Session Theme	PPDs

Title	Customer Service in HE-search for the true path!
Speaker	Clive Betts (Co-presenter Steve Rathborn)
Description	Increasing student “savvy”, relentless financial pressure and increased public and media awareness mean that customer service is now a critical issue for UK universities. In 2009 The Leadership Foundation invested in a unique national project to establish what universities should be doing about HE customer service by investigating fundamental principles, empirical research and current practice. This session is a great opportunity to hear, for the first time, the results of this timely study. The session will present the results of research into customer service principles and reality within and beyond HE; highlight case studies of existing solutions; and demonstrate resources grown by the project to enable staff to take greater responsibility for delivering and improving customer services.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Explore some of the theoretical principles and empirical studies concerning customer service within and beyond HE and gain insights into what customer service really means in HE Will learn about different approaches to service quality and customer service skills used in a range of HEIs Learn about the quality frameworks and standards relevant to customer service within and beyond HE and how these are being deployed
Target Audience	Although relevant to all university staff, anyone with direct responsibility for services and service teams will find this session of greatest interest
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Lessons for diversity from the National Student Survey
Speaker	Paula Surridge
Description	The session presents findings from the sector wide analysis of the 2005-2007 National Student Surveys. It focuses on issues of equality and diversity within the student experience, highlighting how the NSS helps us to identify areas of concern with regard to diversity within the HE sector. It also stresses the need for a real recognition of diversity of experiences as the NSS highlights that different student groups have differing experiences of aspects of student life, with no single group experiencing all aspects more positively or more negatively than other groups.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand the potential for the NSS to inform equality and diversity policy Be able to interpret statistical analysis of the NSS Be able to place institutional student experience issues within wider context of NSS
Target Audience	Anyone with an interest in issues of equality and diversity in HE and with responsibility for student experience and the NSS
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	AUA Partnerships Special Interest Group (SIG)- what it is and how it works
Speaker	Susan Deacon
Description	The Partnerships Group’s principle, but not exclusive, focus is to look at developing and working in partnerships between institutions in the UK. This will be an interactive session to show how the Group is working, and will include background information about partnerships. It will also be a chance to ask questions about partnership working, and share ideas and experience.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Gain an understanding of current partnership working within the UK Gain an understanding of how a SIG works Show how to use the Partnerships website technology to be able to share ideas and best practice
Target Audience	Anyone involved in working with partnerships and anyone interested in knowing more about working with partnerships
Session Theme	HES

Title	Learn to Juggle –a practical session
Speaker	Kenton Lewis
Description	Juggling can be a great benefit to concentration, relaxation and enjoyment and this is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who has ever wanted to try it to give it a go. As an easily learned hobby juggling offers a chance to break away from the rigours and stress of life and work. Absolutely no experience is needed and by the end of the session participant jugglers should be able to juggle a standard three ball cascade and maybe even have a few other tricks they can perform. The session will be fully interactive, practical and fun. Participants will need to pay £7.50 for equipment but get to take home their juggling balls at the end.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Be aware of the many benefits of juggling and be inspired to give it a go Understand the basic method for juggling a three ball cascade Have practical experience with input and support from the session leader
Target Audience	Anyone who is interested in learning a new skill to relax and help with concentration and for fun
Session Theme	LEX

Title	Articulating change in HE-from vision, project plan to implementation
Speaker	Dr Chris Sarchet (Co-presenter Christine Child and Kathy Fowler)
Description	Managing and achieving change in HE is a serious challenge. This interactive workshop offers mutual learning and support for colleagues experiencing and managing change. The focus will be on the development of a vision, a project plan and on implementation based upon real life case histories. Participants will be encouraged to raise issues they wish to be discussed with the presenters prior to the workshop so that they can be incorporated into the session. The aim of the session is to improve practice and professionalism and identify how the Managing Change in HE Special Interest Group can work more effectively to support colleagues and enhance the profession of administration.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Gain practical guidance on the key components that comprise a successful change project Gain practical guidance for participants for managing their change projects Get advice on where to seek support
Target Audience	Administrative staff and managers in HE
Session Theme	PPD

Title	Don’t try this at home-how not to re-engineer a business process
Speaker	Jean Grier
Description	Spotting inefficiencies in our business processes and then working to iron them out is an important issue for the proactive administrator but it is essential to approach the exercise in the right way. Built around a fictional case study of a project which went horribly wrong, this workshop is designed to tease out the issues and prompt discussion. What worked, what didn’t work, and how could the project have been managed better?
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand the essentials and appreciate the pitfalls of any business process review Appreciate the importance of support by management Know how to approach a business process review (BPR) opportunity locally with increased understanding and confidence
Target Audience	Administrators thinking of reviewing business processes or involved in management of small projects
Session Theme	PPD

Title	Where are the students? monitoring the attendance of students at the University of Nottingham
Speaker	Ian Hamley (Co-presenter Chris Bexton and Adele Brown)
Description	This presentation will summarise the approach taken by the University of Nottingham to confirm the attendance of its students; a process which has been initiated for home and overseas students. The key strategic decisions taken by the university regarding how to monitor student attendance and satisfy external bodies, including the UK Border Agency will be examined. The presenting team will also discuss the administrative and management mechanisms developed to achieve this for both taught and research students and encourage delegates to reflect and share their experiences on how their institution has approached this issue. The advantages and drawbacks of monitoring the attendance of all students within a complex organisational structure will be highlighted.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Gain awareness and understanding of how a Russell Group university is undertaking attendance monitoring Gain awareness and understanding of the administrative and management processes involved in monitoring attendance Take part in a critical analysis of whether and/or how this operation could be improved in their institutions
Target Audience	Administrators who are implementing the attendance monitoring requirements in HE
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Out of sight, but not out of mind
Speaker	Julie Stone (Co-presenter Tee Holden)
Description	This session will give participants the chance to share the experience of a project established to evaluate, investigate and enhance the experience of online learners at the University of Derby. The session will focus on the outcomes to date and present the innovations and processes implemented to support online students including targeted CRM, feedback campaigns and new ideas about how to interact with students at a distance. The success of the one year project has led to a further extension and, given the government’s drive to encourage international online distance learning activity across HE, this session offers a timely chance to discuss this area of provision.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand the motivation and drivers of distance learners and the differentiation of their journey Gain an appreciation of tools and technologies available to support students at a distance and approaches required Be aware of the benefits of a community of practice amongst academic and other professional staff, to support distance learners
Target Audience	Anyone working with distance learners and participants from institutions that wish to increase and grow their distance learning business
Session Theme	LEX

Title	Professional careers in HE
Speaker	Maureen Skinner
Description	This session will present the findings of research conducted by the joint LFHE/AHUA Sector Working Group on Professional Careers in HE. Following interviews with a sample of professional services staff in the first phase of the project, a survey of HEIs has now been conducted to gain the institutional perspective on the issues raised by individual members of professional services staff. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss the findings in small groups and contribute to the debate surrounding career development and career management practices in higher education.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand the objectives of the project and the work undertaken in the first phase Learn about the findings of the second phase research and the institutional perspective on professional careers in higher education Take part in the debate around career development and career management practices for professional services staff working in higher education
Target Audience	All professional services staff
Session Theme	PPD

Title	How positive psychology can assist professional development
Speaker	Professor Alan Mortiboys
Description	Positive Psychology is a rapidly developing area of study. It focuses on factors which enable individuals and communities to thrive. Many strands of investigation in the area of Positive Psychology have direct relevance for the world of work and professional lives. This workshop will assist participants in exploring how four specific aspects of Positive Psychology can be used to plan professional development.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Be able to explain what Positive Psychology is investigating Be able to relate the concepts of Strengths-based Development Flow Learned Optimism and Emotional Intelligence to their own working life Be able to determine how far they can use concepts from Positive Psychology in planning for professional development
Target Audience	Anyone interested in personal professional development.
Session Theme	PPD

Title	Supporting student transition Part One: arrival, orientation and induction
Speaker	Michelle Morgan
Description	This session is Part One of Two. Supporting students through each transition of the student lifecycle is essential in enabling them to succeed at university. The phases are: Pre-arrival, Orientation, INduction (new students), ReINduction (returning students) and OUTduction (preparing students to leave). Part One will look at Pre-arrival, Orientation and INduction which are critical activities in introducing new students to university life and embedding them into their studies as soon as possible. These activities should dovetail seamlessly into the curriculum, teaching and learning processes and achieve a balance between the range of activities students undertake whilst avoiding overloading them with information. This session will consider research in the area and practical initiatives.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand the importance of the different transitions in the student lifecycle Understand how the support offered during these transitions can impact on retention rates and student progression Be aware of the need to plan and develop activities around a diverse student population
Target Audience	Anyone involved in the student experience
Session Theme	LEX

Title	Articulation-a joined up experience or disconnected students
Speaker	Andrew Deegan-Wood
Description	Articulation is a core aspect of widening participation for many post-1992 universities. Students entering HE through such routes are likely to have specific support requirements in order to achieve their maximum potential. The session will examine the use of data recorded as part of the administrative process in providing targeted support for students entering HE through articulation. Small group work will enable participants to share their own experiences of articulation and offer ideas for improving support to articulating students.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand the importance of articulation in supporting the widening participation agenda Learn how to use articulation data to identify issues impacting on the quality of the student experience Understand the likely impact of the recession upon patterns of articulation in the immediate future
Target Audience	All welcome but of particular interest to those involved in supporting progression from FE, recruitment/retention in HE and planning officers
Session Theme	LEX

Title	Student enrolment-potholes and pitstops
Speaker	Jean Mutton (Co-presenter Sue Morrison)
Description	In July 2009, Derby received a JISC award to conduct research into the student experience of enrolment. Prior to its conclusion at the end of April 2010, participants will have the opportunity to hear about the holistic approach that the project has taken through which it has focused on the student relationship, not the system. The session will explore the particular challenges presented in achieving an effective and efficient process that must be planned many months in advance of enrolment. This session will also include a review of the process behind making a JISC bid as well as disseminating outcomes from the project.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Hear about key messages and outcomes arising from the project Understand how service process design techniques informed the project Find out about the Derby experience of the JISC bidding process.
Target Audience	Managers and staff involved in student enrolment and anyone undertaking a small scale research project or making a bid for external funding
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Brand and positioning for competitive advantage
Speaker	Rosemary Stamp
Description	The session will explore the potential of brand and position to increase competitive advantage. It will focus on the context and challenge of brand in HE, the role of brand and positioning in the corporate proposition, how stakeholders respond to brands and how to manage expectations and deliver brand promises. The session will also cover mapping of the current organisational proposition, positioning as demonstrable "difference" in establishing a competitive edge, future scoping the market and future proofing the brand. Included is a critical brand and positioning health check posing such questions as: - what is missing from your brand? what do you need to divest or adopt to achieve competitive positioning in your key markets?
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Gain an understanding of the strategic role of brand and organisational positioning in the competitive HE market place. Be aware of the key components of brand strategy and development processes for complex organisations Gain insight into the challenges facing their corporate brand proposition and how their brand may need to change to meet new sector shifts and trends Understand brand positioning and how this needs to be created, developed and maintained for competitive success
Target Audience	Institutional leaders, senior managers
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Alternative to email overload-using technology to effectively communicate with staff and students
Speaker	Ruth Squire (Co-presenter Kirsty Wadsley)
Description	Communicating effectively with staff and students, whilst regularly hearing complaints about the volume of emails this involves, is becoming part of the daily experience of administrators. During this session the presenters will give an overview of how staff within the Widening Participation and Student Recruitment team at St George’s, University of London have adopted new forms of technology to communicate without always using email. Participants will hear how a variety of media including the university’s Virtual Learning Environment, specialist software and a freely available WIKI have enabled the team to coordinate a 200 strong student ambassador scheme, provide a one-stop source of key information about qualifications and how these new technologies have led to greater coverage and more in-depth work.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand how different electronic resources can be used to support an administrative function when working with large and/or diverse groups of staff and students Reflect on how they currently use electronic resources to support their role and share this practice with fellow participants Develop and share new ideas as to how they might implement best practice in this area
Target Audience	Anyone with an interest in using new technology to facilitate management and/or communication with staff and/or students
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Processes at your fingertips
Speaker	Mark Power (Co-presenter Michael Cousins)
Description	Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) has an established process management framework. However, in response to a need to ensure consistent processes across the university Triaster, a web-based process library that makes it simple to capture, share, use and improve processes across the organization, was chosen as the means to map and communicate changes to these processes. The Triaster solution is now being extended to the broader process framework, and its potential has been cited in Feedback from the EFQM Excellence Award Assessment, in which LJMU was a finalist in 2009. The session will talk through the process mapping project and highlight lessons learned. An interactive demonstration of the full process library will allow participants to explore the detail of the processes themselves.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand the principles of process mapping, and how they can be applied in real projects to deliver benefits to a university and learn from LJMU’s experience of building a process library in the context of a major organisational change initiative Understand the critical success factors, and the major risks, of undertaking process mapping to support a project Be aware of a practical methodology to capture, share, use, and ultimately improve university processes and learn how processes can be used to express and implement strategy in operational terms
Target Audience	Change Managers, Business Analysts, Quality Managers, Process Owners (Operational Managers)
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	How to do equality impact assessments and live to tell the story
Speaker	Professor Peter Bush (Co-presenter Paul Crofts)
Description	The session will look at how Equality Impact Assessments (EIA) and especially initial screenings, can be built into the process of policy development, the review and evaluation of existing policies and procedures or service reviews. It is based on the learning experiences from one university. EIA screenings should be carried out as part of the university's statutory duty to promote racial, gender and disability equality.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Be enthused to mainstream equality impact assessments into policy development and/or service reviews Overcome fears and anxieties of engaging with the equality impact assessment process Have undertaken a practical example of an EIA screening
Target Audience	Anyone who has responsibility for the development of policies and procedures and/or anyone responsible for reviewing service provision
Session Theme	LEX

Title	Your role in the management of successful strategic partnerships
Speaker	Chris Young (Co-presenter Alison Mitchell)
Description	Managing successful strategic partnerships is of increasing importance to HE institutions. Typically seen as the preserve of specialist management units or departments, a strategic integration of Business and Community Engagement (BCE) activity actually requires the development of successful, effective external partnerships to take place across the organisation. This workshop will offer short presentations with group discussion exercises to explore the increased importance of BCE. The discussion sessions will help participants to identify the range of activities taking place, and their role(s) in managing and maintaining the strategic partnerships that enable their success. Individual skills development and identification of specific CPD opportunities in this area will also be explored. Delivered in collaboration with the JISC Business and Community Engagement Programme.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Gain an increased understanding of the importance of strategic external relationships to HE and the diversity of activity that may be classed as BCE Understand the importance of cross-functional processes such as CRM in linking together the management and administration of external relationships throughout an institution Recognise that personal skills development has a role to play in increasing BCE and that this isn’t solely the remit of staff in specialist units or departments
Target Audience	Anyone involved in administration and management, not necessarily in a defined role dealing with external partnerships, and anyone from across the range of institutional services
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	More with less-delivering better services with less resource
Speaker	Jon Renyard
Description	Institutional budgets are coming under increasing pressure. As universities are required to meet ever more wide-ranging challenges, the unit of resource is capped, and alternative forms of funding are ever more competitive and students increasingly demanding. The Arts University College has successfully retained high levels of student satisfaction whilst reducing costs, and this session considers some of the approaches taken to achieve this, as well as offering the opportunity to discuss alternative ideas.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Consider the core functions of each service, and potential efficiencies Reflect on successful changes made by other institutions, and their potential application Consider, with peers, how best to approach process reviews to lead to effective outcomes
Target Audience	Anyone working in any central service
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Public funding in HE - HEFCE what it does and what it doesn’t
Speaker	Kath Thompson (Co-presenter Caroline Charlton)
Description	This session will explain the role of HEFCE in the English HE sector. The session will cover the purpose of HEFCE and the legislation that defines its role, HEFCE's formal relationship with each HEI, how block grants are allocated to HEIs and their purpose and special funding initiatives. Participants will have the opportunity for questions and discussion during the workshop.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Have a greater familiarity with the source and route of much of HE funding Be able to contribute more effectively to their institution's relationship with HEFCE Have a greater understanding of HE's place in society and why government contributes to its funding
Target Audience	Early career university administrators
Session Theme	HES

Title	Universities and the economy: impact, values and challenges
Speaker	Ursula Kelly
Description	(THIS SESSION DETAIL IS EARLY STAGE - NEEDS UPDATING) This session will highlight the findings of the largest ever UK research programme on the economic, social and community impact of HE. The Impact of Higher Education institutions on Regional Economies research initiative has been running since 2007 and is due to finish in 2010. It is supported by the ESRC and HEFCE, SFC, HEFCW and DEL and involves researchers from 17 UK institutions. (????) Key researchers including Prof Jeremy Howells of Manchester and Dr Paul Benneworth of Newcastle have indicated an interest in participating in these sessions for the AUA. Other researchers may also join the sessions (TBC). I would like to discuss this proposal further with the AUA conference organizers to tailor it to AUA specific interests. See www.impact-hei.ac.uk for details of the research initiative.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Develop a greater understanding of the many ways in which HEIs make a social and economic impact Gain new insights into the latest cutting edge research on the role of HE Be informed of future thinking about the value of what HEIs do
Target Audience	HE managers and AUA members
Session Theme	HES

Title	Developing and implementing strategy-a faculty case study
Speaker	Paul Marshall (Co-presenter Rowena Armstrong)
Description	One of the challenges presented by the professionalisation of strategic and academic planning in HEIs is how institutional processes can be made more effective at a sub-faculty level. This session looks at one large federal faculty of the University of Leeds and the steps it has taken in the last two academic sessions to develop, implement and support a meaningful faculty planning process that dovetails with the university's process. Participants will have the opportunity to explore how administrative good practice is being developed and shared across the faculty to enable the successful implementation of strategic plans.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Be able to identify the key challenges in developing a robust and meaningful faculty planning process Understand and be able to apply the key principles behind building and implementing an effective planning process Understand how intra-faculty good administrative practice can be effectively identified, shared and implemented
Target Audience	Anyone with an interest in academic planning at a sub-institutional level
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Pulling together-how graduation can be used to unify an institution and improve the student experience
Speaker	Rachel Frost (Co-presenter Maz Brook)
Description	In 2007 the University of Essex changed the venue of it’s graduation to its new Lecture Hall. This provided a catalyst to review the entire graduation event, its content and delivery. This led to the development of a strategy and shared vision for graduation and the establishment of a cross-functional graduation planning group to oversee the management of future events. As well as delivering a contemporary, yet still traditional graduation for students, the process offered an opportunity to develop an annual team-building event involving all areas of the university community. The session will focus on how successfully managed teamwork can impact on the student graduation experience and will offer a chance to discuss experiences and share best practice.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Develop an understanding of the importance and impact of teamwork in successfully delivering graduation Understand the strategy and approach used at the University of Essex, the reasons for this and the different approaches used by other HEIs Gain an appreciation of the concept that graduation is a holistic event for an HEI which delivers positive benefits for students, guests and staff and is not just a bookend to the academic year
Target Audience	HE administrators and managers with an involvement or interest in the delivery of graduation and anyone seeking to understand the benefits of team working in improving the student experience
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Admissions tests in HE-an overview
Speaker	Rachel Greatrix
Description	HE admissions tests have been used internationally for many years including some well established tests in use in the UK. Within the sector and government there is a growing interest in the use of admissions tests to aid differentiation between (often very able) candidates and address issues around widening participation. This session will look at what admissions tests are in use in the UK and internationally, what these tests comprise and the emerging evidence around their use. Participants will have a chance to have a go at some test questions and to share their experiences of the use of these tests in admissions.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Have a greater understanding of the breadth of admissions tests used in the UK and internationally Have insight into current research in this area Have participated in answering some test questions
Target Audience	Admissions staff and administrators with an interest in this area
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	The idea of a university-themes in the history and philosophy of English Universities
Speaker	Mike Ratcliffe
Description	A lively lecture format will introduce participants to the highs and lows of 800 years of university history, focusing particularly on the ideas that have underpinned developments. Participants will learn about key events in university history, and encounter some of the characters that have influenced both the thinking and practice in HE. A major focus will be on comparisons between the patterns of HE in England with universities in America, Scotland and Germany. The session aims to show that by understanding past debates and events we can make fuller contributions to current debates. This context will be of interest to those new to HE who wish to increase their understanding of HE culture and practice.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand the history of some of the key themes underlying English HE Appreciate some differences between English HE and other systems, particularly those in the US Apply some of the historical ideas of HE to current situations and policy choices
Target Audience	Anyone new to the sector, PGCert participants
Session Theme	HES

Title	AUA Study Tour to India 2: Understanding India-student experience and widening participation
Speaker	Simon Eades (Co-presenters Hetal Maniar and Sue Beckingham)
Description	The session will outline the outcomes of the AUA Study tour to India, November 2009. The findings are based on peer interviews carried out between the delegation of UK HE administrators and their counterparts in India. This session will address the meaning of widening participation in the Indian context, given the diversity of Indian society and the barriers presented by caste and rural isolation. The presenters will cover approaches to affirmative action policies in this area and discuss answers that emerged through the tour about a range of learning and teaching issues, including student support, retention, QA and distance learning, the issues of most concern to students, HEI feedback, student employability and independent learning.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Appreciate what an AUA Study Tour is, and the professional development opportunity it offers Obtain a perspective on the student experience and widening participation in Indian HE and better understand the diversity of Indian HE Reflect on UK practice in the light of the Indian model.
Target Audience	Anyone interested in internationalisation and HE in India
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Administrators in fiction
Speaker	Adam Cresswell
Description	From 'War and Peace' to 'Star Wars', why are fictional administrators so often portrayed as cowardly villains, incompetent clods, jobsworths or sex-objects? Concentrating predominantly on representations within the campus novel, this session will aim to identify and break down some of the stereotypes associated with administrators and administration. Participants will consider where these stereotypes have come from, reflect on their own practice and will work to establish the real qualities and attributes that should constitute the professional 'administrator' of 21st century HE.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Have an engagement with different historical and cultural perceptions of administration Consider notions of personal identity Reflect on their own practice and to identify new areas of personal and professional development
Target Audience	All welcome
Session Theme	PPD

Title	The Applicant Experience and institutional strategy
Speaker	Janet Graham
Description	This workshop focusses on the front end of the student experience debate: the applicant and their experience from when they first think about going to HE to actually studying at the institution. This is at the heart of good practice and central to ensuring insitutions get the applicants they want and enhance retention. Liaison between schools, colleges and HEIs, information, advice and guidance, recruitment activity, widening inclusion, relationship building, tracking –are all vital for potential student to learn more about the course and institution and for HEI staff to learn about their new students. The session will cover strategic considerations within institution’s missions and teaching and learning strategy. It will examine how policies and procedures could be developed to meet the needs of the institution and applicant within the applicant experience, how the use of the web, IT support and paperless systems could be expanded, how planning and change could be managed in this area, the role of marketing and customer relationship management, contextual data and the individual holistic assessment, monitoring and tracking of applicants.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand the importance of the applicant experience to institutions Understand the link between smarter working between different offices, departments etc and an enhanced applicant expereince Learn about the Supporting Professionalism in Admissions Programme (SPA), which supports HEIs in developing good practice and professionalism in admissions, student recruitment and widening inclusion and its work on the applicant experience, as an important precursor to the student experience
Target Audience	Anyone interested in good practice and professionalism around the applicant experience, both newcomers and those more experienced.
Session Theme

Title	Welcoming your students-creating a sense of community in a university’s halls of residence
Speaker	Dr Glyn Jones (Co-presenter Laura Roberts)
Description	The session provides a practical guide to organising large scale induction events to new students. The workshop draws on Kingston University's experience in responding to student feedback via surveys and student councils to enhance induction for new students. The rationale for the respective induction activities was to facilitate new students' transition into the HE environment. Three particular case studies are focused on in the session: the use of Student Ambassadors to provide generic advice and guidance to new students; the establishment of a Welcome Centre running alongside enrolment to raise awareness of student support services; and the organisation of Halls Welcome Events for 2500 students. The session is designed to be interactive and participative, drawing on the experience of participants.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Be provided with a practical guide to organising large scale induction events for new students in the university and in Halls Evaluate and share best practice on inducting new students into university life Understand ways to enhance induction for new students
Target Audience	Anyone with responsibility for students in residential accommodation, Accommodation Services
Session Theme	HES

Title	Pride and Prejudice-problems with national and international league tables
Speaker	Dr Paul Greatrix (Co-presenter Dr Tony Rich)
Description	Building on previous sessions at AUA conferences, the two presenters unpack the complex issues surrounding the significant differences in how international league tables of universities and colleges are compiled, and question the merits and problems of the whole concept of league tables. Participants can expect and are welcome to take part in a lively debate as well as having the opportunity to pick up some advice on how to make sense of different international as well as UK league tables and the criteria they employ, including the ways in which they address the key issues of research and teaching quality.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand more about the methodologies of international league tables Be better informed about some of the absurdities at the heart of national and international league tables Feel more confident when seeking to discredit one or other of the tables for erroneously recording a drop in their institution’s ranking
Target Audience	No experience necessary
Session Theme	PPD

Title	Universities and the Student Loan Company
Speaker	Gordon Thomas
Description	The Student Loans Company launched ‘studentfinance england’ on 9th February 2009. This session explains the loans and grants that undergraduate students are entitled to and looks at ‘studentfinanceengland’ twelve months on. There will also be a discussion on strategies that universities can employ to assist applicants and their parents.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Have a basic understanding of the finances available to Home and EU undergraduate students, grants, student loans Recognise the challenges posed to non-standard students and to university welfare, financial & academic support teams Recognise differences between students from England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland in the devolved student finance systems
Target Audience	Anyone with an interest in student finance and/or equality, access & widening participation issues
Session Theme	HES

Title	Managing assessment systems and processes
Speaker	Sandra Mienczakowski (Co-presenters Ian Hamley and Chris Bexton)
Description	This session will provide an overview of the key challenges facing HEIs in the 21st century in relation to the management of assessment systems and processes and describes how the University of Nottingham has responded to these challenges. The discussion will focus on key issues to be addressed, problems faced in the past and anticipated in the future, as well as internal and external constraints. Included will be examples of good practice, advice and guidance. Although issues surrounding the academic practice of assessing students will not be covered the context of the session will recognise that ‘trends in assessment policy and practice’ and the ‘consideration of the purposes of assessment’ are topical debates.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Gain an understanding of the key challenges facing HEIs in relation to the management of assessment systems and processes Recognise the needs that different groups of students might have Share best practice with colleagues from across the sector
Target Audience	Anyone with an interest in the administration of assessment systems/processes and/or equality, access and widening participation issues
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	What shall we teach them?- the history of HE curriculum from Socrates to Subject Benchmarking Statements
Speaker	Mike Ratcliffe
Description	This session will examine the development of thinking in relation to what should be taught in HE and to whom. Classical notions of the higher education that should be available to the elite have been adapted to first encompass a wider conception of professions, and now to frame a mass higher education system. Notions of a curriculum for a system designed to educate a governing elite through the development of their intellect are complex for systems that effectively now educate the majority of the work force. This has been the subject of fierce public debate: - this discussion will explore the impact of this and the current issues. The session will draw on comparative examples, and will build on previous presentations.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand how the HE curriculum has developed Be versed in the debates about the HE curri Understand the link between curriculum development and access to university education
Target Audience	General interest
Session Theme	HES

Title	Kettles and car parks-managing a faculty relocation
Speaker	Chas Burnett (Co-presenters Emma Gilbert)
Description	Chas Burnett was responsible for the move of his faculty from the centre of Leeds to the Headingly Campus in 1996, and later ran a session at AUA conference called "how to move your faculty 5 miles". He has just moved back to the city centre with the rest of his faculty, and again has had responsibility for parts of the move. Along with colleagues Richard Corbett and Emma Gilbert, this discussion will provide hints and tips on how to survive involvement in a project of this size, as well as some of the highs and lows of the planning and the implementation of the move. Participants will be invited to plan the layout of one of the buildings that the faculty moved into, and will face some of the real life problems that arose.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Identify problems and issues relating to a faculty relocation Gain an appreciation of the hard work undertaken by the key players involved in the move Identify solutions to personal objections and individual concerns about change
Target Audience	Anyone who has been or will be involved in a large scale physical relocation and anyone who wants to know what they've missed
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Student CRB checks-working towards best practice in administrating checks in a multi-campus university
Speaker	Rachel Frost (Co-presenters Heather Tracey)
Description	The University of Essex has recently implemented a centralised system for its student CRB checks. This has resulted from an increased level of students studying courses in areas which require work with children or vulnerable adults. With a view to providing a more streamlined process for students and increasing efficiency, the University is rolling out new procedures with the aid of an electronic system. This session will facilitate discussion about the improvements made and difficulties encountered in establishing a multi-campus system in line with legal and ethical requirements, and allow participants to share their experiences. It will also provide an opportunity for administrators to consider the implications of the introduction of the Independent Safeguarding Authority and the Vetting and Barring Scheme.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Become familiar with one way of approaching the administration of student CRB checks in an HEI and hear about other approaches Be aware of how to identify potential difficulties in establishing a multi-campus system, and methods that can be used to overcome them Develop an informed basis for consideration of the future evolution of procedures for student CRB checks, including the developments in the field as a whole and their impact on the HE sector
Target Audience	Any HEI administrators with an involvement or interest in the requirement for student CRB checks and the implementation of procedures to manage these checks
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	The Destruction of Academic Freedom and its Global Victims
Speaker	Anne Lonsdale
Description	Wherever there is a dictatorship or totalitarian regime, its first quarrel is with those who oppose it. They are frequently found in universities, places where teaching and research should be allowed to flourish. All over the world, university lecturers and researchers are persecuted, imprisoned, tortured, sentenced to death or forced to flee their country for challenging those in power. At present many have had to leave Iran, Iraq or Zimbabwe, but, sadly, there are always new sources of persecution and the countries of origin of our academic colleagues have changed constantly since CARA's work began with refugees from Nazi Germany in the 1930s. CARA works with the CARA Scholars at Risk UK Universities Network (which currently has 44 member universities) to support academics who find their way to Britain, either as temporary exiles or seeking permanent asylum. Our newly-published Best Practice Guide is based on their experiences and aims to help all universities to make the most of the invaluable academic and practical support networks they can offer.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- An understanding of the needs and concerns of refugees and at-risk academics and of the inexpensive steps which universities can take to support them. An understanding of the valuable contribution such academics can make to teaching and scholarly resources. A guide to the mapping of internal institutional resources to find new ways of collaborative internal working to best effect, in this and other areas of need
Target Audience	All those at every level in a university administration who may be involved in dealing with refugee academics and scholars at risk in their university, whether as applicants, students, staff or academic visitors.
Session Theme	HES

Title	The role of administrators in revealing and enhancing curriculum design processes
Speaker	Claire Eustance (Co-presenter Duncan Reeder)
Description	Curriculum design and development in HE has traditionally been the responsibility of academics. Not any more, according to a new project at the University of Greenwich. In a changing market for learning, factors such as speed of study, opportunities for year-round study, employer requirements, location and mode of study are becoming increasingly important drivers to curriculum design. Effectively addressing these factors means that alongside the expertise of academic curriculum designers, there is a need to harness the knowledge and experiences of administrators. This session will explore how the University of Greenwich’s UG-Flex project is capturing the expertise of administrators alongside academic staff to enhance its systems and business processes in order to deliver a more agile and diverse curriculum.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Find out about techniques for engaging administrators to enable them to contribute their expertise to inform curriculum design process Learn to identify shared concerns and interests of administrators and academics in relation to curriculum design Understand effective ways to manage a project involving both administrators and academics as stakeholders
Target Audience	Administrators, academics and managers
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Developing the public servants of the future: the contribution of the UK universities
Speaker	Professor Paul Joyce (Co-presenter Tanya Lawes and Professor Andrew Gray)
Description	This session will consider how UK universities can help meet the challenges of developing public servants for the future. The changing context in which tomorrow’s public services will be delivered and how Government departments and other public service organisations are responding to this through strategies to develop skills, knowledge and capabilities will be reviewed. Questions considered will be: - What is different about the skills, knowledge and capabilities required in the future? What is the relationship between the personal acquisition of skills, the development of organisational capability in public service organisations, and the delivery of better services to the public? What changes will universities and academic teaching staff have to make in order to support the development of future skills?
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Gain an understanding about the challenges facing public servants in the years to come, and how this is influencing thinking about skills, training and development Have an opportunity to reflect on the offer provided by UK universities to public servants Have an opportunity to reflect on the teaching and learning methods adopted in UK universities for programmes targeted at public servants, including the role of projects in MPAs and engagement with employers, and the role of lecturers and supervisors
Target Audience	Anyone engaged in planning and delivering programmes targeted at current or future public servants
Session Theme	HES

Title	Competitive Customer Relationship Management-delivering a positive customer experience in a highly competitive market context
Speaker	Rosemary Stamp
Description	The session will address the competitive context for higher education and consider why higher education needs to compete in customer relationships. It will explore developing a consumer oriented approach to relationship management in the organisation, measuring the impact of CRM on recruitment and retention and adding value and creating a differential. Key success factors in CRM strategy will be covered as well as the power of "word of mouth" recommendation and how to make it work for the institution.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Gain an understanding of consumer behaviour in higher education and beyond Understand and know how to deploy the key techniques required to deliver effective customer relationships Recognise the need to add value to the institutional offer, how to compete for the attention of diverse stakeholders and deliver a differentiated experience
Target Audience	Senior managers and departmental heads
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	The same but different-a comparison of student support and fees, and university planning and funding: Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom
Speaker	Jeff Holmes
Description	In the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia, change is afoot. Financial support and the costs students incur, university planning and funding and regulatory frameworks are being examined. In Australia and New Zealand, new governments are seeking to make their mark on the HE sector and in the UK student support and fees were critically examined in the “Students and Universities” report. In Australia, the Bradley review examined the HE sector and in New Zealand the new Government is dealing with Investment Plans introduced only two years ago. This presentation compares and contrasts student support and fees, university planning and funding, and the frameworks of the Australian, New Zealand and United Kingdom university sectors to identify similarities, differences and challenges.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Learn about HE systems that are similar yet diverse, beholden to shifting Government policy, and stretched by market forces Be challenged to look over the horizon, and to consider different viewpoints and alternative approaches to planning, funding and student support as they are exposed to policies and procedures that are similar, yet distinctive; with variations in themes and priorities Be encouraged to pursue their professional development across national and global boundaries
Target Audience	Anyone involved in planning, funding, governance, negotiating with government about these issues and student support staff. Staff responsible for planning admissions and enrolments, and anyone involved in long term capital works and work force planning
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Introduction to committee servicing
Speaker	Jean Grier
Description	This workshop session provides a life-raft for new committee secretaries or those who only occasionally work with committees including working parties, exam boards, review panels, and covers the various steps in putting together an agenda and supporting papers, establishing the role of committee secretary and that of the chair, working with committee members, and handling the meeting itself. Points to bear in mind when drafting the minutes and tackling the follow-up action will also be covered.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Gain an understanding of the committee secretary’s role Understand the steps involved in preparing for a meeting Gain an understanding of appropriate minuting styles and develop an appreciation of work beyond the meeting itself
Target Audience	Anyone new to committee servicing
Session Theme	HES

Title	Using technology for global leadership development across the disciplines-a US perspective
Speaker	Dianne Wright (Co-presenters Gesulla Toussiant and Sydney Freeman)
Description	The presentation will highlight the results of a research study conducted across three selected discipline areas:- computer science and engineering, business management and higher education leadership - to determine the use of various technologies in the delivery of leadership development programmes as well as to determine the extent to which the curricula offered by these programs is considered "global". Distinctions will also be discussed between the terms "internationalisation" and "globalisation". The research design consisted of document analyses of websites, the administration of a survey questionnaire and telephone interviews of program leaders of the selected disciplines leading to comparative analyses and shared findings.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Be aware of cutting edge technologies used in the US to deliver global leadership development education and training (professional preparation) programs. Benefit from discussion that will focus on their perceptions regarding the extent to which leadership development curricula offered by selected disciplines in the U.S. is considered "global". Be able to distinguish between the terms "globalisation" and "internationalisation".
Target Audience	Academic leaders and administrators in HE and faculty
Session Theme	PPD

Title	How to support academic staff within institutions
Speaker	Anne Craven
Description	In the UK, over recent decades, the academic profession, alongside universities themselves, has changed in many ways. Universities now exist in an internationalised, highly networked world, where information, communications and people rapidly move across the globe. In this session, the experience of academics in relation to their disciplines and their disciplinary communities and the benefits that disciplinary allegiances offer and the numerous challenges facing them will be explored. The concept of academics as knowledge workers producing and disseminating innovations within an institutional context will be considered as well as a review of how management and university administrators can best support academic staff to enable university institutions to emerge as winners in the tough competitive world of HE today.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand the working environment of academic staff better including an enhanced understanding of the nature of academic disciplines and disciplinary communities as well as the changing nature of HE Learn about and share good practice on supporting academic staff both as members of an academic discipline and also as members of an institution Learn about and share good practice on how academic work can best be managed and how institutions can forge better allegiances with their academic staff
Target Audience	All university administrative staff; specifically, departmental administrators
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	AUA study tour to India: Leading a study tour-what they don’t tell you
Speaker	Dr Sonia Virdee, Director of Strategic Planning, University of Essex
Description	The AUA Study Tour to India took place in November 2009 following months of meticulous planning. It was a very successful tour, and an enjoyable and valuable professional development experience for all concerned. The findings provide a unique and fascinating insight into HE in India and this session will lift the lid on what it was really like to lead the first Study Tour to India including the pitfalls and the high points.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand the aims of the AUA Study Tour programme Understand the professional development benefits and the challenges of organising an overseas visit Appreciate the main findings and benefits of the Study Tour to India
Target Audience	Anyone with an interest in an overseas visit as professional development
Session Theme	PPD

Title	To be or not to be- the professionalism of the Higher Education Worker in Australia
Speaker	Susan Hudson
Description	“Our People 2015” is a broad staffing strategy developed by the University of Western Sydney to support its future sustainability. The first part of this presentation discusses the development, implementation and outcomes of the “Our People 2015” project. In mapping appropriate reward and recognition strategies, this aspect of “Our People 2015” led to a consideration of the professionalism of the Higher Education Worker. The second part of this session concentrates on discourse surrounding the recognition of the “Profession of Tertiary Education Workers” and the work being undertaken by the Australian Association for Tertiary Education Management (ATEM) to have the term “Professional Staff” formally adopted across all Australian institutions. The presentation contains a poster as presented to the 2009 ATEM conference.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Be introduced to the issues of “general staff” and nomenclatures used across the sector globally Gain understanding of a methodology used in developing a staffing strategy for a tertiary education institution Benefit from networking opportunities with an Australian colleague
Target Audience	Anyone interested in developing a staffing strategy, the discourse on nomenclature used for staff and in networking with an Australian University
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Escaping the Red Queen effect- conditions for success in the new economics of HE
Speaker	Mike Boxall
Description	The environment and economics of HE are changing in fundamental ways which render traditional university business models obsolete. This presents challenges to deeply held assumptions about the nature of HE provision, which must be reframed if universities are to remain relevant and valued in the emerging global market for learning and knowledge services. This presentation will review the external changes and their implications for universities, and will explore the ways in which conventional thinking about the basic ‘building blocks’ of HE are under challenge. It will present some alternative scenarios for future university models, and offer a framework of essential attributes for institutional success in the new world of HE.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand the fundamental nature of the shifts in demand, funding and provision for HE services, and the implications for current institutions Be encouraged to consider possible alternatives and innovations in provision, based on identifying and rethinking inbuilt assumptions inherent in current models Gain insight into the framework and criteria for assessing the appropriateness of current institutional strategies and for developing ‘outside-in’ strategies better attuned to new demands and conditions for institutional sustainability
Target Audience	Senior managers in both institutional and academic leadership roles with responsibilities for strategy, planning and business development
Session Theme	HES

Title	The role of gender in student degree attainment
Speaker	Ruth Woodfield
Description	This session will explore issues surrounding gender-differentiated attainment patterns amongst undergraduates in UK HEIs. It will consider research evidence for why men are trailing women in achieving a "good degree" in many subjects, whilst women still lag slightly behind in achieving First Class degrees. The discussion will investigate why men and women persist in selecting very different disciplines in which to undertake their degrees and the impact of this on their achievement levels and future careers. Gender differences in the student experience and its relation to attainment will also be considered. Discussion will draw on participants’ experience, identifying best practice and developing ideas for increasing equality of opportunity in degree choice and outcome, whilst maintaining freedom of choice.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Be aware of key explanations for gender differences in degree attainment Reflect on practices within their own experience in the light of the explanations and assess the extent to which they shed light on identified areas that might be problematic in terms of gender equity and best practice areas Reflect on and attempt to identify areas where UK HEIs are not maximising the chances of gender equity in relation to degree outcome, and where they could develop practices that would support such an aim
Target Audience	Administrators who have general experience of managing degree programmes, who may have noticed gender differences but who may not be fully aware of national patterns or research-based evidence for explaining such differences
Session Theme	HES

Title	Well I wouldn’t start from here-a beginner’s guide to managing an academic project
Speaker	Richard Gill
Description	The introduction of a new undergraduate degree structure at the University of Keele was the presenter's first experience of managing a major academic project. The session will explore basic project management theory. This will be discussed in light of the experience of a real-life project with the aim of identifying where institutional constraints can place restrictions on the application of theory and how resulting issues can be resolved. Case-studies from the Keele project will be used to initiate discussion and participants will be asked to think about possible resolutions to the problems encountered. Participants will be asked to identify a project at their own institution and suggest how they might apply what has been discussed to aid in its implementation.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Be able to identify good practice in the management of an academic project Be able to start to discuss the application of basic project management theory to real-world situations Understand how to evaluate the importance of communication to the success of an academic project
Target Audience	Anyone looking to manage their first academic project or who wish to discuss their experiences of project management, both good and bad, in a supportive environment. Predominantly administrative staff in academic-related fields
Session Theme	LEX

Title	Exploring the academic-administrative divide-career framework opportunities for the ‘third space’
Speaker	Dr Giles Brown, Administration/School Manager, University of Bristol and Editor-in-Chief of ‘Perspectives-Policy and Practice in Higher Education’
Description	With talk of the 'third space' and developing a career framework for professional services staff in HE, this session explores the possibilities for re-balancing administration, leadership and management between administrative and academic staff. The session will be led by an Administration/School Manager who will discuss the advantages and limitations of his current working relationship with the academic Head of School and other academic managers, and explore future directions and possibilities, both in his own institution and in other settings, with the participants. The session aims to provide a framework for discussion, with a view to informing individual practice and role negotiations, and in shaping future administrative-academic divisions of labour by feeding back into the HEFCE - LGM and other projects.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Explore ways of developing professional services roles in HE and have the opportunity to contribute to the debate surrounding the emerging career framework opportunities for professional services staff in UK HE Develop an understanding, based on a specific case study of the possibilities for distributing roles and responsibilities between academic and professional services staff Have the opportunity to discuss with speakers and peers their own roles and the opportunities and limitations of these, as well as ways of developing effective working relationships
Target Audience	Aspiring HE professional services staff and managers responsible for careers and career opportunities. Anyone interested in understanding the possibilities of a career framework for professional services staff and contributing to its development and delivery
Session Theme	PPD

Title	Tools to review timetabling: benchmarking and process modeling
Speaker	Claire Taylor
Description	This session introduces basic benchmarking ideas and then illustrates the use of benchmarking by SUMS in reviewing timetabling at member universities. The session will then consider how this fits into a wider review and looks at the use of process modeling as another tool that can be used to improve process and illustrates the use of this tool by case study
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Learn how to use benchmarking as a tool Learn how to use a few key metrics to assess the situation at any university Understand how to review the timetabling process to look for improvement opportunities
Target Audience	Timetablers, departmental administrators, room bookers
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Changing times and changing markets: issues and developments in the HE landscape
Speaker	Peter Reader
Description	Should universities and students adopt a more consumer led approach to higher education? By providing an overview of current HE issues from marketing and communication perspective, and highlighting those of particular interest and concern, the session will challenge, critique and help individual judgments to be made. It will place issues in the context of a constantly evolving HE landscape, offer some perspectives on their potential impacts, and suggest and evaluate a number of possible future developments.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Have a greater appreciation of the growing complexity of the HE market, providing enhanced understanding of the range of issues impacting on HE markets Be clearer about the practical issues that need to be addressed, be aware of the critical role of marketing and communication, and will have some relevant information to help them make their own judgments and to be able to interact in their own institution
Target Audience	All welcome
Session Theme	HES

Title	Supporting Student Transitions part 2 - REINduction and OUTduction
Speaker	Michelle Morgan
Description	This session is part two of two. Supporting students through each transition of the student lifecycle is essential in enabling them to succeed at university. The phases are: Pre-arrival, Orientation, INduction (new students), ReINduction (returning students) and OUTduction (preparing students to leave). ReINduction for years 2 and 3 is a valuable activity to ensure that students are aware of what is expected of them in that year and what support they can utilise to help them develop to their full potential and succeed in their university life. Preparing students to start thinking about life beyond university starts in year 2 so phasing in activities in years 2 and 3 to support OUTduction is important. This session will look at research in the area and practical initiatives.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- understand the importance of the different transitions in the student lifecycle understand how the support offered during these transitions can impact on retention rates and student progression understand the need to plan and develop activities around a diverse student population
Target Audience	All colleagues involved in the student experience
Session Theme

Title	Introduction to PRINCE2 Project Management and its use in the University sector
Speaker	Dr Chris Sarchet
Description	PRINCE 2 is a project management methodology that has a successful record of achieving change in both the public and private sector in the UK. Participants will be provided with an overview of the methodology and the learning provided by practitioners from its use in the University of Bedfordshire where it has been used to form the University in 2006 as well as on building and process change projects such as the introduction of a new timetabling process and software.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Participants will be provided with an overview of the methodology Advice and guidance will be provided on the practical application of the methodology in an English university Useful tools for project management that have been used will be provided
Target Audience	Administrative staff and managers who work on projects or are about to commence a project
Session Theme

Title	The student experience - everyone's business
Speaker	David Sadler
Description	The HE Academy has a vision that students in UK higher education enjoy the highest quality learning experience in the world. They share this aspiration with academic and professional services colleagues across the sector. Over a number of years the Academy has established a record of working with a range of interested groups and individuals to gather and disseminate good practice. From admission to graduation, from raising aspirations to entering employment, academic and professional services colleagues work in partnership to deliver a world-renowned higher education experience right across the UK, and the Academy has unrivalled resources to support us all in delivering the most effective and rewarding experience for students. This session will give participants an opportunity to find out more about the HE Academy, its work and how it can support your professional practice.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Have a better knowledge of the work of the HE Academy Have a better understanding of ways in which professional services colleagues support the student experience Consider how good practice gathered nationally can be adopted and adapted to local situations
Target Audience	All
Session Theme

Title	Delivering on equality; developing an equality scheme that’s worth more than the paper it’s written on
Speaker	Chris Hall (Co-presenter Ellen Pugh)
Description	The Equality Bill has changed the way HEIs have to present equality schemes and action plans. It has also changed the way institutions have to report progress and assess the impact of policies and procedures on equality. This practical and interactive session, which will be led by experts from the Equality Challenge Unit, will explore the different ways in which the legislation can be met and how meaningful progress can be reported.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Learn how to set about developing an equality scheme that meets new legislation and delivers on equality Understand what an equality impact assessment is and how to set about undertaking one Understand how to advance equality in a ‘light touch’ environment
Target Audience	Anyone with responsibility for developing equality schemes, collecting and monitoring equalities data, undertaking equality impact assessments
Session Theme	LEX

Title	Turning the university supertanker: the professional administrator role in the delivery of change strategies
Speaker	Liz Bell (Co-presenter Miriam Moir)
Description	Change is the only constant in HE today. Professional university administrators can be an important, stabilising catalyst in responding to change and are real partners in the business of providing higher education. This session provides an opportunity to learn more about the theories underpinning the view of professional service colleagues as active partners and specifically about their importance to an institution's successful change strategy. Participants can contribute to the debate about the relationship and tensions between academics and administrators, and hear about a successful programme in one university which is developing its professional administrators, in part through the provision of an annual conference along the lines of this AUA event.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand the background of change within which they operate both externally driven and internal to the institution Recognise how a strong core of professional administrators can positively influence change strategy Be able to evaluate the possibilities of introducing a development programme in their own university
Target Audience	All welcome
Session Theme	PPD

Title	Mind the Gap-generations: how value systems are developed and how these influence attitudes and behaviours
Speaker	Dean van Leeuwen
Description	This award-winning presentation repeatedly requested by CEOs and event planners around the world, is a multi-media, humour-filled exploration of the different generations: how value systems are developed and how these influence attitudes and behaviours. By understanding the impact of different generations, inside and outside organisations, individuals can improve customer relationships, and the productivity and interactions of their teams. The session helps participants understand why people older and younger than themselves have different value systems, and how a generation gap influences attitudes and behaviours. It concludes with practical applications suitable for the audience - this includes how to attract, retain and engage employees, how to connect with valued customers and service clients, across the generations.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand why it is they don’t always understand people older or younger than ourselves Learn about the importance of recognising and utilising generational diversity in the workplace Learn how by tapping into people’s value systems we can get more out of the people we live and work with
Target Audience	All AUA members especially people with managerial roles
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Equality and diversity and international staff
Speaker	Dr Viv Caruana
Description	This session focuses on what and how we have learned about the international student body and suggests how these lessons can be applied to support international staff through the merging of internationalisation and the Equality and Diversity agenda. As UK universities recruit increasing numbers of international staff they are also establishing websites, advice centres, networks and other resources dedicated to supporting this group. The session will consider how research to date on the student as a source of cultural capital has concerned the quality of their learning experience and identified that integration is a key issue in harnessing cultural capital. Similarly, international staff are an invaluable source of cultural capital and this session will seek to explore why relatively little is known about their motivations, expectations and experiences.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Compare and contrast the ways in which HEIs are supporting international staff new to UK academic culture with approaches adopted for international students Discuss how internationalisation strategy relates to equality and diversity in principle and in their own institutions Identify the ways in which international offices and equality and diversity offices can work together to ensure an environment which is not only inclusive of, but values the diversity of our international colleagues on UK campuses
Target Audience	Managers and administrators and particularly colleagues working in equality and diversity and international offices
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Fitness to practice-managing complexity and conflict in the relationship between student, placement and HEI
Speaker	Steve Wordsworth (Co-presenter Jackie Flowers)
Description	When a judgment by a practitioner that a student is unfit for practice can be overruled by the HEI, practitioners often feel that their professional judgment is being questioned. Furthermore, even though an HEI panel has found that a student is fit to practice, it can be difficult to find a further placement for them, which leaves the HEI open to contractual challenge by the student. The presenters have observed that professional judgment has usually been overturned because due process has not been followed, either in assessment of the student or in the way that a fitness for practice referral has been made. This has formed the basis of development work which this session will explore.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand how to analyse the complexity of relationships between the HEI, student, and placement provider Know how to evaluate ways of reducing misunderstanding and conflict between HEI/student/placement in fitness to practice cases Be up to date on development work in this area
Target Audience	Anyone working in areas which operate a fitness to practice policy, staff with responsibility for managing fitness to practice policies and procedures
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Transnational education in the UK context...
Speaker	Malcolm Morrison (Co-presenter Professor Lesley Dobree)
Description	TNE is a growing business opportunity for UK universities for a number of strategic reasons unique to each institution. When conducted on a large scale TNE presents particular challenges in terms of due diligence, organisational processes and the maintenance of academic standards and quality. This presentation will focus on Anglia Ruskin’s expanding commitment and approach to TNE, will highlight the issues raised (some unexpected) and resolved and the organisational change that has been necessary to achieve success. It will also draw on Anglia Ruskin’s very recent involvement in QAA’s current (2009/10) audit of UK HEIs’ collaborative links in Malaysia.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Gain an understanding of transnational education and its potential strategic value for UK universities Learn about the particular challenges and issues to be faced by an institution wishing to develop TNE Learn about some of the issues raised from Anglia Ruskin’s perspective in its engagement with QAA’s audit of UK HEIs’ collaborative links in Malaysia
Target Audience	Senior managers responsible for organisational change in response to strategic initiatives, staff involved in managing transnational education whether in a central or devolved office/unit, quality assurance managers with responsibility for setting and maintaining standards and quality at overseas delivery locations
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Change Management at Salford- a work in progress
Speaker	Paul Cartwright (Co-presenter Jayne Hughes)
Description	The University of Salford is undergoing a period of significant and wide reaching change, responding, as all institutions must do, to an increasingly competitive and challenging environment. The session will describe Salford’s journey to date, from its “bottom up” approach through its “Rethinking the University” initiative, through its “Realising our Vision” brand, and via the inception of the Change Management Unit and its integration into university strategy and operations. The session will cover the context for change, the background to the formation of the Change Management Unit, and a summary of the actions undertaken to date, and the challenges for the Unit under a new VC.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Gain a basic knowledge of one organisation’s approach to change management Be provided with informed and professional examples of aspects of change management, associated challenges and potential solutions Gain insight into the advancement of the integration of recognised business improvement models into higher education management and administration
Target Audience	Anyone involved in change from both a strategic and an operational perspective
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Providing professional development online for administrators and staff
Speaker	Donald Bunis
Description	Since the autumn of 2003 the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) has been offering professional development classes over the internet to its members, who are located within the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and New Zealand. The programme has grown over the years from one class taught twice each year to five classes, each taught two or three times annually. The programme is set to expand further during 2010. This session describes the need for programmes such as this, particularly during economic downturns when travel budgets are limited. The educational model on which these courses has been built will be explained, as will the methods employed for developing and delivering the courses.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Appreciate the need to create online professional development opportunities for administrative staff, particularly at middle management levels Learn a model for developing online professional development programmes with high levels of educational effectiveness Learn one business model for mounting and supporting online professional development classes
Target Audience	Anyone interested in professional development for administrators and their staff.
Session Theme	PPD

Title	Update on strategic sector-wide UHR projects which help to improve the performance of HE institutions
Speaker	Jane Embley (co-presenter Nick Rogers)
Description	This session gives a brief update on some important sector-wide projects being led by Universities HR (UHR) which will be of relevance to other AUA-related activities and interests. In particular a new People Management Framework will be presented which gives all institutions the ability to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of its people management practices (as well as the performance of their HR functions), supports benchmarking of those practices across the sector, nationally and locally, and most importantly, encourages institutions to demonstrate links between people-related activities and their contribution to corporate strategic objectives including the student experience. This approach is novel both within and outside the sector and represents an exciting development for forward-thinking universities.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Have a better understanding of the role and contribution of UHR to the sector Be encouraged to discuss the concept of the new People Management Framework within their institutions not only with HR colleagues but university secretaries, registrars and other senior managers
Target Audience	All
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Writing and reviewing for print
Speaker	Dr Giles Brown, Administration/School Manager, University of Bristol and Editor-in-Chief of ‘Perspectives-Policy and Practice in Higher Education’
Description	This session will outline key aspects of developing a topic for publication, including choosing the subject matter, identifying an appropriate publication, deciding on and appealing to the target audience, the use of case studies, relating theory and practice, and choice of style. Participants are encouraged to bring their own ideas for discussion, particularly about areas of interest where more published work is required or areas in which they are currently researching for qualifications in HE administration. Information will be provided about AUA’s publications, and Newslink and perspectives will be used as case studies.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Find out what makes a good publication and the role of the referee in the publications process Be in a position to identify topics and a target publication, and develop these topics avoiding common mistakes Benefit from general advice on writing papers, articles and shorter pieces, including book reviews and understand the range of AUA's publications, their scope, aims and target audience, and the role of publishing in disseminating good practice and career development
Target Audience	Anyone who would like to write and review for publication across a variety of media in the HE administration, leadership and management field. Anyone registered for the PG Cert and/or undertaking further qualifications in HE administration and management.
Session Theme	PPD

Title	Supporting student and staff exchanges
Speaker	Margaret Jenness (Co-presenter Zita Eckett)
Description	Supporting universities in the pursuit of greater mobility of both staff and students presents not only challenges but also opportunities which this session will consider. Two major processes affecting HE across Europe are the Lisbon Strategy and the Bologna Process. The goal of the Lisbon strategy is to make the EU ”the most competitive and dynamic knowledge driven economy in the world ...capable of sustainable growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion by 2010”. The 'knowledge triangle' - research, education and innovation - is core to meeting this as is mobility. Greater mobility brings increased career opportunities for students and teachers in the European employment market. The Communiqué issued by European Higher Education ministers in April 2009 reaffirmed the importance of mobility and set a target of 20% of students graduating in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) to have had a study/training period abroad by 2020. Calls were also made for career structures to be adapted to facilitate mobility of teachers, early stage researchers and other staff.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Gain an understanding of the European Lifelong Learning Programme with staff and student mobility as the key focus Understand the importance of having appropriate institutional structures and procedures in place and the need for ‘whole university’ commitment Have an awareness of the career development opportunities offered by the Programme
Target Audience	Administrators at any level involved with or interested in student and staff exchanges
Session Theme	HES

Title	Beyond Borders: International travel and study-it’s not for administrators?
Speaker	Ian Munton (Co-presenter Kirsty Wadsley)
Description	A structured, well constructed study trip can inspire individuals and also lead to change and developments in an institution, showing departments who are sometimes, by nature, inward looking in their approach that there is another way. The session will highlight the value of international travel and cultural exchanges for university administrators and provide participants with an insight into the process of planning an international visit, the experience itself and the impact on an individual and department upon return. Both presenters will detail personal experiences and approaches which include exchanges on areas such as peer mentoring, student transition, equality, and widening participation.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Gain an understanding of the practical process undertaken in arranging an international study trip Understand how to use the experience to create change and improvements upon return Recognise the long term benefits both personally and to a department/institution
Target Audience	Administrators, student services staff, widening participation staff and anyone interested in personal and professional development opportunities
Session Theme	PPD

Title	Is small beautiful? Is bigger better? Life at different institutions?
Speaker	Jon Renyard
Description	Institutions within the UK HE sector differ dramatically in terms of scale from over 30,000 to less than 500 students! This session is for anyone who has ever wondered what it's like to work in a smaller institution and assumed, perhaps, that it wouldn't suit them. And for those who maybe think about working in a much larger institution, but are not sure about making the leap. This session offers a chance to reflect on the differences and the similarities with the presenter who has worked in, and enjoyed, both.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Have a better understanding of some common features of smaller institutions Reflect on the factors which determine institutional character and profile Gain an enhanced understanding of the diversity of the sector, whether for professional or personal interest
Target Audience	Anyone interested particularly those who may be thinking of career progression
Session Theme	PPD

Title	What happens after what comes next?- uncovering the five key drivers of disruptive change in the next 5 years
Speaker	Dr Graeme Codrington
Description	This session provides the context for the disruptive changes shaping the new world of work. In a turbulent world, it is more necessary than ever to have some means of anticipating what the future will be. This session will present a framework that will show participants how to do just that, by focusing on five key drivers of change: technology, institutional upheaval, changing demographics, the environment and shifting societal values. Complete with relevant and interesting facts, case studies and multi-media clips, the content is drawn from Tomorrow Today’s wide international experience and research.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Gain understanding of the new world of work, and a framework for developing strategy Develop insights into the drivers of change in the world as we move out of the current economic recession Take part in developing strategic insights and in discussions that challenge commonly held assumptions about business and how the world works
Target Audience	Anyone involved in developing strategy, or thinking about the future at their institutions
Session Theme	HES

Title	AUA Study Tour to India: Understanding India-HE management and governance
Speaker	Dr Tove Oliver (Co-presenters Dr Nikki Horseman and Dr Andrew Young)
Description	The session will outline the outcomes of the AUA Study tour to India, November 2009. The findings are based on peer interviews carried out between the delegation of UK HE administrators and their counterparts in India. This session will explore the similarities and differences in the HE governance and management arrangements in the UK and India, review the diversity in the governance and government of both countries and the degree of centralised control versus autonomy in both HE systems. The effects of scale on provision and administration will also be considered as well as aspirations for internationalisation in terms of students, staff and collaboration between HEIs both nationally and globally.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Appreciate what an AUA Study Tour is, and the professional development opportunity it offers Appreciate the diversity of the Indian HE systems and similarities and differences when compared with the UK Understand the impact of scale on HE management in India.
Target Audience	Anyone with an interest in HE management, internationalisation and in HE in India
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Equality legislation and its impact on HE
Speaker	Jenny Miller
Description	This workshop will present an overview of the equality legislation that is relevant to staff working at the recruitment and application stage of FE and HE. It will identify the recent changes in the law and the implications for FE and HE institutions. Time will be given to allow participants to reflect on the positive contribution compliance can give an institution rather than the negative of avoidance of prosecution. Participants will be encouraged to consider what further steps they and their institution could do to encourage a fully diverse student and staff population. A key feature of this workshop will be signposting to sources of further information. The workshop will be interactive with opportunity for sharing information, best practice and ideas.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Be able to describe key features of current equality legislation, identify most recent changes and know where to find further information Be able to identify the implications for different parts of their institution and for students at different stages of their student experience, particularly during admissions Be able to describe examples of good practice in encouraging diversity in their own institution and formulate ideas to take back to their workplace
Target Audience	Administrators who would like to consider how to encourage equality and diversity through their role
Session Theme	HES

Title	How to build a quality database
Speaker	Ian Richardson
Description	The Quality, Standards, Review and Enhancement team at Leeds Metropolitan University is responsible for many activities, including strategic planning approval, institutional recognition, course approval and validation, collaborations and partnerships, management of the collaborative portfolio, in addition to external examiners. The team's 'quality' database, designed and built by the presenter, captures all of the above, inter-links them and creates a wide range of reports at the touch of a button. This session shows how a quality and standards office manages its activities without having to use multiple spreadsheets, lists and databases to track what it does, followed by a demonstration of how to build a database in MS Access that is intuitive, integrated, expandable, future-proof and, most importantly, easily accessible by those who don't use Access.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Recognise the basic elements of a relational database and how they interact with each other Analyse the structure of a database used in the context of a quality and standards office Reflect upon what makes a 'quality' database including user interface, forms and reports
Target Audience	Anyone working in an administrative office looking for better ways to manage their data and those with a general interest in MS Access and databases
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Strategic Management. What’s in a title?
Speaker	James Craig
Description	People talk about strategic management, but what does it really mean? What is strategy? Can management ever be non-strategic? Why is strategy so important to University managers and administrators? This session will be in the form of a workshop at which various aspects of strategic management will first be presented and then discussed.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Gain a deeper understanding of what strategic management means generally in business Have a greater appreciation of strategic opportunities at their institutions Benefit from an opportunity to share best practice, particularly as it relates to working with academic staff
Target Audience	Anyone in a managerial role or who wishes to learn more about strategy
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Furthering the involvement of disabled students in HEI policy and practice
Speaker	Amy Bryant (Co-presenters Jean Mutton)
Description	This session will report on the outcomes of the Equality Challenge Unit and the HE Academy’s project to Further the Involvement of Disabled Students into HE policy and practice. The project involved seven HEIs from England and Wales developing a range of involvement activities to further the involvement of disabled students at their respective institution. The session will provide participants with the legal context for involvement and provide insight into how the project went about piloting a range of involvement strategies to benefit disabled students in institutional practice.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand the legal and equality context for involvement Know what to consider when setting up involvement strategies: the benefits and risks of student involvement and the pre-requisite conditions required for student involvement to occur Learn about a variety of involvement strategies transferable to a range of institutional contexts and how to ensure their sustainability
Target Audience	Anyone with responsibility for developing institutional policies and practice
Session Theme	LEX

Title	Trust me I’m an administrator-what is professionalism in higher education management
Speaker	Matthew Andrews, Academic Registrar, Oxford Brookes University
Description	As traditional professions are under attack for elitism and the mystique of professionals is diminished by the increased role of ‘lay’ authorities, the internet, and the encouragement of DIY skills in many walks of life, this session will examine the appeal of professionalisation. The aim of this session is to encourage reflection on trends within HE management and administration and how they relate to concepts of profession, professional and professionalisation. Key questions to debate include: What is a profession? How is a professional identified? What is involved in the process of professionalisation? Also considered will be how an individual may associate their role with the concept of a professional by looking at the traits of ‘good administrators’. The AUA's role in promoting professionalisation will also be explored.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Engage with the idea of what is meant by being a ‘professional’ and therefore what might be meant by the ‘professionalisation’ of higher education administration and management Be able to reflect on the implications of ‘professionalisation’ for their own role and career development. Better understand how the AUA and other organisations are contributing to professionalisation within the sector.
Target Audience	Anyone with an interest in professionalisation
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Closing the gap: using evaluation to inform practice in supporting transition
Speaker	Gemma Kirkbride (Co-presenter Barbara Herring)
Description	For the last eight years, Newcastle University has run PARTNERS - a comprehensive programme of pre-entry activities and entry routes to help students make informed choices about HE. The University has spent considerable time and effort monitoring and evaluating levels of student satisfaction. Two years ago, supported by a HEFCE-funded project, it was decided to take a fresh look at what was being evaluated and why, and crucially, whether this helped to better understand the support, skills and knowledge students require for successful transition to HE. Following a detailed audit of evaluation activities, the outcome was an evaluation framework based on the lifecycle of students. This workshop will look at the findings, the implications for students, and future priorities.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand the evaluation processes employed by a busy Student Recruitment Team Understand the importance of good evaluation in designing and delivering events to support student transition and meet students' needs Share best practice regarding the approach to evaluation
Target Audience	Anyone involved in marketing, student recruitment, widening participation, transition support
Session Theme	HES

Title	Extremism and radicalism on campus-a discussion and action planning session on promoting good relations within the campus community
Speaker	Chris Nicholas
Description	The terms 'extremism' and 'radicalism' are frequently used but this session sets out to define what they actually mean and explore the links with equality issues. The discussion will debate how HEIs can protect staff and students from unacceptable and dangerous behaviour, and ensure that the important features of higher education, such as academic freedom, are maintained. Participants will explore key definitions to ensure a shared understanding of common terminology, the types of activity that can constitute extremism and radicalism, and ways to deal with them as part of a model of promoting good relations between different groups. The session will then focus on practical ways forward based on the model to enable participants to take key actions back to their institution.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Develop a shared understanding of key terminology in this area Be better equipped to pre-empt and deal with unacceptable activity in relation to extremism and radicalism Identify key actions to take back to their respective institutions
Target Audience	All welcome - governors, SMTs, estates, registrars, HR professionals, equality and diversity practitioners, staff, Student Union and Trade Union representatives
Session Theme	HES

Title	How to improve service provision to your members through the use of Web 2.0 technologies
Speaker	Sarah Ellis
Description	This workshop will look at specific services or products provided by professional bodies to their members such as publishing, hosting communities of practice, engaging with members. It will help participants to understand how using Web 2.0 technologies can create cost savings, raise the profile of your organizations and enhance engagement with members.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Learn how professionals are using social media in both their work and personal life Discover what members expect from their professional bodies Explore what Web 2.0 technologies professional bodies are using and what they are using it for
Target Audience	Anyone who wants to understand the benefits and challenges of Web 2.0 for a membership organisation
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Understanding and managing student expectations-its impact on student retention
Speaker	Michelle Morgan
Description	Understanding and managing student expectations is crucial in the delivery of a successful induction programme and the retention of students. This session aims to demonstrate the importance of understanding and managing student expectations and how to collect the relevant information and use the results to help shape induction and retention policies.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand the impact of student expectations on retention Understand how to collect relevant information Know how to use the results to help shape induction and retention policies and manage student expectations
Target Audience	Anyone involved in improving the student experience
Session Theme	LEX

Title	Oh no! The auditors are coming- what is an internal audit and how to make the most of it?
Speaker	Imogen Barton (co-presenter John Myerscough
Description	This session introduces participants to the benefits of the internal audit. HEIs face increasing scrutiny about the decisions they make and the way they implement them and this session suggests that internal audit can be a highly effective means to ensure that policies and systems are operating as they should. Although an internal audit should be a positive experience - a valuable opportunity to get feedback on the effectiveness and efficiencies of the processes, inviting others to scrutinise ones activities is not always easy. This workshop will provide participants an opportunity to explore what internal auditing means and what one can expect from an auditor. There will be an opportunity to work through an audit scenario and then discuss it with a senior auditor and other participants.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Leave the session with a good understanding of the difference between internal and external auditing Gain an understanding of how internal auditing works, including the kinds of investigations that might be used Gain an appreciation of how to prepare for an internal audit in their area of work
Target Audience	New managers, middle and senior administrators
Session Theme	LEX

Title	The role of education in the new economy
Speaker	Steve Gilroy
Description	This session will explore what the New Economy will mean for the educational sector – what strategies, challenges and opportunities will present themselves and the leadership that is needed to respond effectively to this new environment. The New Economy describes fundamental changes that are taking place, which go far beyond recovery from recession, producing radically different behaviour by customers, including actual and prospective students, partly driven by advances in technology especially the internet. The session will consider the implications for the way educational institutions market themselves and look at how success in attracting potential students means selling the overall university experience and recognising that, through blogs, forums and social networking, students now shape HEIs brand as much as the institutions do themselves.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand the new market conditions that will drive change within the education sector Understand strategies that should be considered to achieve success Learn what qualities and style of leadership will be needed in this new environment in order to succeed
Target Audience	Deans, principals and administrators
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Marketing your project, department or service
Speaker	Rosemary Stamp
Description	The session will be of value to HE managers who are leading strategic projects or initiatives and require a better understanding of marketing at a strategic level. It will provide non-marketing managers with the skills to develop and execute, in collaboration with their teams, more effective marketing strategies and outreach plans. It will look at how to raise the service’s profile and attract the attention of key opinion formers. Participants will gain a greater awareness of how to market their services/products internally and externally and how to develop an effective, integrated approach to managing relations with stakeholders and be more customer focused. The session will be practical and interactive including the opportunity to discuss and define participants' business and their role.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Be able to apply marketing and branding issues to services or departmental planning and understand how to target and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholder groups Understand the best marketing methods to tackle "live" challenges and problems Write an outline marketing strategy for their project, department or service
Target Audience	Managers within HE services or departments. Anyone with responsibility for the brand management and marketing of their service or department with stakeholde
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	Partnerships and alliances: a marriage made in heaven or one of convenience?
Speaker	Jayne Barker, Departmental Administrator, University of Sheffield
Description	Recent government announcements on HE funding strategies over the coming years signal a decline in the unit of resource and a need for HEIs to seek additional external income streams through new and different relationships with a range of organisations. In this session, experiences of two very different partnering scenarios, one with the NHS and one with a university spinout company are shared. Practice is put into context by taking a brief look at some of the research in this area which suggests a changing role for the HE sector in society. The discussion will draw on the experiences of participants to consider the advantages and challenges in these partnerships.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Consider the changing role of HE in society, particularly in light of increasing economic pressures Develop a deeper understanding of some of the issues arising from partnerships with external organisations Share experiences and good practice in seeking and developing partnerships
Target Audience	Anyone working at the interface between HEIs and external organisations, or interested in doing so.
Session Theme	HES

Title	Supporting International Staff in UK HE
Speaker	Heather Timm (Co-presenter Christopher Butcher)
Description	Recruitment of international staff in UK HE is rising and the cost to recruit and retain them is significant. Research conducted in 2007 showed that many international staff are unfamiliar with the UK and UK HE and that there is little formal or organised support to address this. The International Staff Website project, funded by HEFCE, offers tailored support covering personal and work-related issues as well as guidance about UK HE with the aim of enhancing the quality of teaching and hence the student learning experience. The session introduces the International Staff Website as a simple and practical quick-win solution, takes participants through how the site works, how UK universities can subscribe and the benefits to both UK HEIs and international staff.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Review the support provided to incoming international staff in their home institution Be more aware of additional support available and the cost benefits of implementing this Know how the International Staff Website works and its benefits
Target Audience	Senior administrators and human resources professionals concerned with international staff mobility
Session Theme	AMHE

Title	What future for UK higher education? - What is the shape of the sector in five to ten years time?
Speaker	Professor Roger Brown
Description	This session will review the main challenges facing the sector in the next five to ten years. This includes changes in demography, increased competition for students and teaching funds, increased research concentration, increasing international competition, severe public and private expenditure constraints and increased regulation. The session will put forward for discussion the argument that the result of these developments and the perennial difficulty of matching expenditure to income is likely to bring about a reshaping of the sector with sharper differences between different categories of institution and a much lesser degree of coherence in the sector as a whole.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Increase their awareness of the factors that are likely to drive institutional behaviour in the next five to ten years Gain a sharper appreciation of the environment in which most institutions are likely to be operating in that period Gain an apprehension of the specific competitive circumstances in which particular types of institution are likely to find themselves in that period
Target Audience	Anyone with responsibility for institutional strategy either generally or specifically including estates, IT, personnel, finance, resources, heads of major services
Session Theme	HES

Title	Best practice in supporting external examiners
Speaker	Charlotte Verney (Co-presenter Ann Read)
Description	This session explores issues related to external examiners including the need to balance delivery of the HE assessment process and regulations with the expectations and processes of particular institutions. Since each university’s regulations and processes are unique and an examiner can be working in one institution whilst examining in others, potentially at different levels, this can pose a significant challenge. The session considers Solent’s approach to external examiner recruitment, induction and support and offers a demonstration of its external examiner website which has been positively received. Participants can share good practice and review ways institutions support examiners to familiarise themselves with their regulations, processes and expectations as part of induction as well as keeping them up to date with changes.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Identify best practice in supporting external examiners Consider what information is essential, and what information is desirable/useful for external examiners Understand what is involved in creating and maintaining an external examiner website
Target Audience	Anyone involved in the recruitment, induction and support of external examiners and staff involved in the design and maintenance of administrative websites
Session Theme	LEX

Title	Institutional Practice and Points Based Systems
Speaker	Helen Eastham (Co-presenter Catherine Marston)
Description	The purpose of the session is to consider aspects of institutional practice in relation to PBS at different stages in the student journey including pre-arrival, arrival and continuing study. Consideration will be given to record keeping and reporting activities and how these are translated into policy and procedure that supports compliance while maintaining the immigration status of the student and the reputation of the institution. The challenge of trying to ensure that students subject to immigration control are treated equally to other groups of students in academic and other areas will be considered.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Recognise good practice in indentifying internal policies which promote equality Be able to identify the different aspects of the student journey Understand how to ensure international students are treated equally to other groups
Target Audience	PBS administrators, managers (advisory, specialist support), policy/quality providers
Session Theme	LEX

Title	One size does not fit all! Culture and customer service development in HEIs-different approaches for different institutions
Speaker	Tim Russell (Co-presenter Annelise Cruickshank)
Description	Universities are now looking increasingly at attracting and retaining a wider spectrum of students and generating multiple income streams. But the competition is tough, both in this country and overseas. Meanwhile, customers, including the complex range of HEI stakeholders, are ever more demanding and 'customer service' has become the catch-all mantra. This session compares and contrasts work over many years for major multinationals and emphasises the need for holistic approaches, considering organisational structures, rules and regulations, policies and procedures and skills training. It also reflects on the importance of cross-cultural and cross-generational differences in values, behaviours and learning styles. Above all, it stresses the importance of linking HEI recruitment, job design, work flow, standards setting, performance management and rewards systems.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Be able to describe the customer service pressures on different types of HEI, both in the UK and globally Be able to describe different approaches to customer service development and the applicability of each Be able to determine which approaches are most suitable for their own institution
Target Audience	All.
Session Theme

Title	Driving change management in a tertiary education management professional association-an Australian perspective from ATEM
Speaker	Dr Stephen Weller
Description	This presentation explores the changing role of a professional association in the changing environment of Australian tertiary education. It considers the recent history of ATEM (Association for Tertiary Education Management) in the context of the changes in the Australian tertiary education sector following the election of the Rudd Labor Government in 2007. It explores a targeted change management approach to the repositioning of ATEM to be well placed to respond to the challenges of the changed Australian tertiary education sector.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Gain a better understanding of the role of ATEM as a tertiary education professional association Gain an appreciation of the nature of the changes to the Australian tertiary education sector Gain an understanding of change management strategies that can be used to ensure successful engagement
Target Audience	Any interested in the role of tertiary education and specifically developments in Australia
Session Theme	HES

Title	The role of personal advisors in supporting undergraduate students
Speaker	Catherine Foster (Co-presenter Helen Higson)
Description	Following a review in 2006, Aston Business School moved away from a traditional Personal Tutoring model using academic staff to the ‘Personal Advisor’ model. The Personal Advisor Scheme offers students a “drop in” style support structure, available five days a week, staffed by trained members of support staff. This session will present the research undertaken at the beginning of the change process and discuss the current model of supporting undergraduate students. Evaluation research undertaken with students into their perceptions and take up of the scheme since 2006 will also be discussed, highlighting benefits from the students’ point of view. The session will conclude with key benefits and challenges of this model and future plans. Participants' feedback and comments will be welcome.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Become familiar with and learn about a current successful student support strategy Explore how to engage with and identify pastoral care issues within a mass higher education/student market Have an opportunity to identify other approaches/ideas/feedback from participants
Target Audience	All welcome including academics, administrators, student support and widening participation
Session Theme	PPD

Title	Be your own fairy godmother-planning your own tailor-made work domestic and leisure balance
Speaker	Liz Hall
Description	Aimed primarily at those who want to improve their work/life balance, this interactive session will see participants conducting their own lifestyle audit with exercises, quizzes and searching questions all designed to make them feel more in control of their destiny. Participants will define and examine their goals, ambitions and what they are prepared to sacrifice and what they are not! This session should be of especial interest to baby boomers thinking about the next stages of their lives or anyone who wishes to examine ways of living and working in the current economic climate.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand what it is they want from their career, life and future Identify what they need and want from both their career and home life and take away some strategies and solutions to achieve the right balance Have a plan that is workable for them as individuals
Target Audience	Anyone interested in reviewing their current position and making plans for the future
Session Theme	PPD

Title	Promoting equity and success for black and ethnic minority students
Speaker	Jane Berry (Co-presenter Gary Loke)
Description	Although participation of BME students in HE is proportionately higher than for white students, their attainment in first degree programmes is markedly lower. The findings of the ‘Ethnicity, Gender and Degree Attainment Project’ undertaken by the Higher Education Academy and Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) published in 2008 highlighted the imperative that degree differentials be addressed as issues of social justice and of compliance with legislative requirements to eliminate discrimination and promote equality of opportunity. This session examines the research evidence based on outcomes of an ongoing programme being undertaken by the Academy and ECU and discusses institutional responses to an identified gap in achievement, the implications of linking equality policy to academic and other practices designed to support success of students for different groups of staff.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Be presented with an overview of recent research findings on why BME students might be failing to reach their potential in relation to degree attainment Gain an appreciation of the importance of the further linkage between the principles and practice of equality and diversity and learning, teaching and assessment functions at governance, strategic and curriculum delivery levels Learn by illustration from current examples of institutional initiatives to improve the degree attainment of BME students
Target Audience	Administrators and managers in learning and teaching enhancement centres, staff and educational development units, faculty offices, student support services, welfare and advice, management information, equality and diversity offices, equal opportunities units, widening participation.
Session Theme	PPD

Title	Equality and Diversity: an expensive luxury?
Speaker	Judith Cherry
Description	This session will introduce participants to Opportunity Now and present a review of the existing research into the business case for equality and diversity. The focus will be on evidence for the positive impact of equality in all areas of activity including recruitment and retention of talented employees, employee engagement, the student talent pool, engaging other community stakeholders, fostering innovation and creativity through diversity. Through the session participants will explore the link between diversity and organisational mission and values in the university sector and discuss examples of the positive impact of diversity initiatives taken from HE members of Opportunity Now.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Find out about the business case for equality and diversity Hear about practical examples of positive impact of diversity initiatives Know about resources provided by Opportunity Now to help spread best practice
Target Audience	Employees in HE sector with diversity/HR responsibilities
Session Theme	LEX

Title	Monitoring sexual orientation of staff-the benefits and the barriers
Speaker	Sarah Lewis (Co-presenter Chris Hall)
Description	The Equality Bill will bring with it a positive duty to advance equality on the grounds of sexual orientation. Monitoring is a key tool for HEIs wishing to evidence the impact of their work to promote equality in this area. Coventry University introduced monitoring for sexual orientation in 2009. This session will look at their story and the key barriers that were overcome when introducing monitoring. The session will cover why there is a need to monitor, creating the right environment for monitoring, overcoming senior management and staff resistance, collecting the data and what to do with the data once it has been collected.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand how to build a case for monitoring of sexual orientation Learn how to create the right environment to monitor successfully Know how to go about monitoring and using the data collected effectively
Target Audience	Staff with responsibility for collecting and maintaining staff data, who have an equality and diversity brief or conduct EIAs, HR.
Session Theme	LEX

Title	Organisational development-harnessing people power to maximize competitive advantage in difficult financial circumstances
Speaker	Steve Benfield
Description	This session is a must for anyone looking to lead quality improvements and deliver high-quality services amid tighter budget constraints and a growing scrutiny of operational efficiency. The session will explore ways to increase capacity to lead and improve community well being by having a more joined up organisational development (OD) strategy. Through a variety of learning activities and techniques, participants will gain a better understanding of what organisational development is and how it can create an environment that supports world class service delivery in challenging economic times. There wlll also be guidance on ways to increase leadership and improvement capability.
Learning Outcome	Participants will:- Understand what OD means and discover how it impacts upon the ability to achieve leadership objectives and save money Know how an effective OD strategy can benefit an organisation, help to deliver sustainable vision, values and business performance aspirations and encourage a focus on “what matters most” strategically in OD Understand how to establish a key set of OD measures and key performance indicators to monitor shift in organisational well being and performance
Target Audience	Directors, leaders and senior administrators
Session Theme	AMHE

The Association of University Administrators - Events

2010 Annual Conference and Exhibition

Sessions All Days (113 Sessions)

Search Session