Towns Like Us Sylvia GibbsHead of Widening ParticipationUniversity of Huddersfield
The geography of University LifeDreaming spiresHistoric cities Red brickModernist bubblesLocal Techs or University of Huddersfield
Impact in Huddersfield is two-wayPhysical presenceEconomic impactSocial impactKey to survival and innovationEssential part of the town
Town Gown RelationsLong history of fraught relationsBeing replaced by a new community and WP rolePromoted by HEIs, Gov and RDAs
What form does it take?What models are emerging?
Strategic models in HE(Layer, 2005)Partnership: HE within FE arrangementsRegeneration: HE access linked to local economic change and growthBuilding capacity: use of existing outreach centresShared campus: two or more universities combine to create a new facility
University of Huddersfield WP Mission Strategic Plan 2006-2010: The University is committed to its local community and to actively taking education to students in order to widen participation, as well as delivering excellence in teaching and enhancing students success
University of Huddersfield model
2 University Centres in Oldham and Barnsleyreplacing HE in FE additional capacityregeneration agendaWidening participation agendaCommunity engagement agendaOwn character Benefitting from the centre
Our approachTowns Like Us- transfer Huddersfield regeneration and WP experienceChoose areas in most needThe objective is to take HE to students in their own communities Built upon, a genuine partnership with willing partners, especially the Colleges and the Boroughs
Why Oldham and Barnsley?Worst under representation in HE
Chart1
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0.27272727270.33333333330.19047619050.3
0.09090909090.3750.23809523810.2
0.04545454550.250.09523809520.15
0.04545454550.04166666670.04761904760.05
Proportion of wards with young participation index
Situation been getting worse
The Challenge in OldhamThe highest percentage of the population with a Bangladeshi background in the North of England. At 8.6% this percentage is almost 16 times the national average. Percentage of population from the Pakistani ethnic minority is 12.4%. It is one of the highest in the North of England and is over nine times the national average. In some parts a white working-class culture with low educational aspirationsHigh index of deprivation reflected in a poor health record with a relatively high proportion, 19.2%, of those of working age who have limiting long term illnesses this percentage is some 42% above the national average. Low proportion of those in employment in professional and managerial occupations (16.7% c.f. national average of 26.3%)
The Real Challenge hard to recruit students in economically deprived areasWidening participation in these areas clearly represents a significant challenge for schools, colleges and HE providers as well as other stakeholders (KPMG HE Market Demand Assessment, 2003)
Academic and management issues
Academic and Management Issues at UCB and UCODistinct mission and curriculum a new kind of UniversityResponding to local emerging need is complexSome key on-site staff plus access to all services and staff at main site
Financial support to all Schools and Services
Achievements at UCBNew students dramatic increase in 200697% p/t; 64% f/tOverall headcount increase 27%HESES 2005 (headcount): FT 261 PT 214 2006 (headcount): FT 299 PT 303Widening participation locallymajority local (within 4/5 miles of campus)MOSAIC: Industrial Grit; Coronation St
12345678Top 8 postcodes for 06/07 entry. 50% of all new starters come from these 8 postcodesKey post code areas
Achievements at UCOOverall headcount increase over 3 years is 34%HESES 2004 (headcount): FT 384 PT 242HESES 2005 (headcount): FT 419 PT 369 2006 (headcount): FT 436 PT 408
Widening participation locallymajority localGood ethnic mixIncreasing numbers at OSFC to feed through
Achievements & ChallengesLots still to learnStudent numbers up but short of very ambitious target for 2006/07 Need to strengthen the identity of each Centre in local communitiesNeed different curriculum in each centreTowns are all different
Towns Like Us ? People and Place matterAll communities need their own solutions.
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