JISC Support for All

SUMMARY

The college recently bid for and won funds from JISC to support a project to examine the relationship between the college and learners needing support.

The aim is to take a fresh look at the support available on-course and pre-exit for students on programstudent_supportmes who either come to college with issues which may create barriers to success, or who are remote from the college and may feel isolated at times when they need help and support most.

This project should address issues felt by students who need support through their course of study in a manner that is appropriate, effective and efficient. It is anticipated that most activity will be around processes and procedures rather than specific content creation.

The project will start by reviewing processes and procedures in place for student support through Learner Services and then look to see how well these fit with the needs of the learner. This may lead to revision, adjustment or wholesale change as found to be appropriate. The ideal outcome will be a clearly stated menu of support which will suit the business of the college and the delivery of appropriate support to students.

A particular aim is to look at the use of technology to develop a support structure which responds quickly to needs, responds appropriately to the learners’ situation and provides a cost effective service on the part of the college.a106_200

Being based in an area which has traditionally had low uptake of Further and Higher Education, with many school leavers heading for negative destinations, students have had to overcome barriers on coming to college and rely on the support of staff to maintain their studies due to pastoral and educational issues.

We will focus on ways of developing communication with and addressing the learning and support needs of the young people. The desire of Scottish Government and local Council action plans is to ensure learners are supported into positive destinations. Specific Scottish Funding Council funds to support these learner groups have now been withdrawn but there is a desire that colleges should maintain engagement and serve the needs of the local communities.

JISC Objectives