REG bulletins
March 2011
The group notes with concern the departure of Michel Gunn (University Equality Champion) and Louise Zandian (Equality in Learning and Teaching Co-ordinator). These colleagues had briefs which specifically included E&D and the REG seek some assurances as to how E&D issues will be followed up both strategically within the leadership of the University and operationally within Faculties and Departments
One of our key priorities for action is Education and we have been discussing BME and International students who may have particular needs or difficulties with understanding the academic (LTA) and/or support processes in place in relation to learning to write good academic assignments and avoiding Plagiarism. There is a suggestion of inconsistency across Faculties and Departments with regard to use of PLATO, Turn It In, etc which may adversely affect some students. The hard data available regarding the number of proven cases of International/BME students committing academic offences remains very concerning and whilst being keen to support University aims to increase our international student population, there is a need for more detailed work to unpick the complex issues involved in the experiences of international/BME students. Again the dissolving of the BME steering group is noted with some concern. How will Faculties be taking on the challenges and who will focus on, monitor and feedback on any changes in strategy, actions etc?
Broecke and Nicholls (2007) research highlights the inequality that Black students face, reporting facts such as the attainment gap between Black and White students in FE and HE. The REG would like to propose that some research be undertaken to analyse the destination of BME and International leavers and to look at trends on graduate employability amongst BME students. A student could be employed to undertake a short project which would be funded by the REG.
