The UTS Student Experience Framework invites us to look across the whole student journey, from first experiences to graduation and beyond. This Framework is a work in progress and will be introduced at an upcoming FFYE Forum with Kylie Readman, UTS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students).
Find out more about the key dimensions in the Framework here, then join the FFYE Forum event to explore and discuss the Framework and how it links to current and evolving practice.
Student Success at the centre
The Framework puts student success at the centre, focusing on both academic and personal success. It is framed by four intersecting themes: Engagement, Belonging, Wellbeing and Partnerships.
The student journey can be different for learners depending on various factors such as their study intentions, their pathway into university, their background and experience with formal education, the level or type of study they are undertaking, how long their qualification will take and the mode of delivery.
Engagement: connection to learning, curriculum and future careers
Engagement connects student experience to a curriculum which is designed to foster curiosity, provides appropriate challenge and stimulates learning. Learning is flexible and is designed for accessibility, inclusion and belonging. It includes authentic, verifiable assessment and prioritises high quality feedback.
An engaging student experience delivers student-centred, personalised, technology-enabled learning that is appropriate for the subject and course. Learning experiences foster respect and appreciation for diversity, particularly of the knowledges, perspectives and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This dimension also connects to students’ future prospects, with multiple opportunities for career and future-focussed skill development.
Belonging: connection to people, course and institution
When the University takes action to increase students’ sense of belonging, students feel confident that they are welcome and will be supported. This can increase access and opportunity, contributing to improved educational outcomes for groups who are currently underrepresented in university learning.
Students’ expectations for their university experience are established when they first connect with UTS, and these should align with or be exceeded by their actual experience. Meaningful and positive encounters are nurtured through a personalised student journey, communicating care and concern.
A safe and inclusive environment includes opportunities for peer-to-peer interactions and student leadership, with extra-curricular, outreach and opportunities to enrich and diversify career pathways.
Wellbeing: overall satisfaction with life
Wellbeing is a broad concept that encompasses not just mental health but also physical health, social relationships, and overall satisfaction with life. Wellbeing has a direct impact on students’ ability to learn, and universities can improve wellbeing by taking a holistic and proactive approach, providing access to services, normalising help-seeking behaviour and fostering environments of mutual respect and inclusion.
Partnerships: relationships of respect, collaboration and mutual engagement
Partnerships and relationships bring many benefits, including increased student engagement and motivation, and improved learning outcomes. Student-staff, student-student and student-staff-industry partnerships can help to create authentic learning contexts, increase diversity and inclusivity, and enhance employment opportunities for students, including opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Partnerships help to put the student voice at the centre of decision-making and lead to greater accountability for all.
Be part of the discussion
The goal of proposing a Student Experience Framework is to shift our focus to long-term programs of work with coordinated oversight that are rigorously evaluated to lead to consistent improvement of the student experience at UTS. You can add your own experiences and voice to the discussion at the upcoming FFYE Forum:
Explore more about the Student Experience Framework and the FFYE Grant Program, which focusses in 2023 on how to enhance the student experience of learning and personal success through intentionally designed curriculum practices.