Student Inclusion Consultants and Their Role within Higher Education Facilities

Exploring student voice of underrepresented students and the changes they can make in higher education.

Abstract

Abstract

Every year, current Northumbria University students from underrepresented groups are offered flexible, paid opportunities to enhance the student experience by working as Student Inclusion Consultants (SIC).

Our lived experience is used to identify and address barriers to access, success and progression, as well as to ensure the student experience is accessible and inclusive for all students. Examples of underrepresented student groups who are employed as SICs include commuter students, student carers, disabled students, and mature students.

Since the scheme’s inception in 2020, over 50 SICs have been appointed across all our campuses (Newcastle, London and Amsterdam) and across all faculties. The scheme is funded by the University’s Access and Participation Plan (APP) and has, to date, provided students with over 1,500 hours of paid work and professional skills development.

The scheme is based on the principles of students as co-creators, working with university staff on a wide-reaching range of projects. In practice this can include the design and delivery of focus groups, researching and producing reports, and presenting at conferences. The key thread to all of this is the elevation of our underrepresented student voice.

As SIC’s we’d like to share our insight and reflections on the scheme with you, having been involved with its design, development and delivery at various stages.