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03/03/2010 - UPP Chief Exec highlights importance of enhancing the student experience
Sean O’Shea, Chief Executive of UPP, today outlined UPP’s role in enhancing the student experience at a high profile policy roundtable debate. The event, entitled ‘How can universities continue to enhance the student experience at a time of higher education funding cuts?’ was organised by the 1994 Group of leading research-intensive universities, in partnership with UPP.
In his speech, Mr O’Shea called for further cooperation between the public and private sector to help fill the gap in funding and continue to meet the demands and aspirations of students.
The event was chaired by Ann Mroz, Editor of the Times Higher Education. Sean O’Shea appeared on a panel alongside John Hayes MP, Shadow Minister for Lifelong Learning, Higher Education & Skills; Professor Janice Kay, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Exeter and Chair, 1994Group Student Experience Policy Group and Aaron Porter, Vice President (Higher Education), National Union of Students.
Speaking at the debate, Sean O’Shea, Chief Executive of UPP, said:
“We strongly believe that it is absolutely critical that we all work together to continue to enhance the student experience. As the leading on-campus provider of student accommodation and campus infrastructure we work in partnership with universities, including in this critical area. We’ve drawn over £1 billion of private investment into the sector, to fund campus infrastructure that meets the expectations and aspirations of the student community. With plans to invest a further £1 billion in the sector, we will continue to play our part in improving the student experience and enabling universities to focus more on vital core services such as teaching and research.”
Alistair Jarvis, Director of Communications at the 1994 Group, said:
“It is clear that students rate their experience at 1994 Group universities very highly. The most recent National Student Survey showed that 7 of the top 10 UK universities for student experience are 1994 Group Universities. However, we must not be complacent. Across the 1994 Group, we are committed to continuing to enhancing the student experience and working with student representatives, the wider higher education sector and government to achieve this. Even under challenging financial circumstances, universities have no excuse not to prioritise the student experience.”
The 1994 Group represents 19 of UK’s leading student-focused research-intensive universities. During the event, the 1994 Group launched a new student experience innovative practice report. This new report gives a selection of innovative examples of how 1994 Group universities are enhancing the student experience. The examples included programmes to enhance graduate employability, creating supportive learning environments, innovative communication and feedback mechanisms, and university wide approaches. The report is available at: www.1994group.ac.uk
The event was attended by 29 senior representatives across the higher education sector including university leaders, policy makers, business representatives and directors of major higher education organisations.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Martha Dalton, Fran O’Leary, David Reilly, Jefferson Communications
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Notes to Editors
1. UPP
University Partnerships Programme (UPP) is the trading name of UPP Group Holdings Ltd and its subsidiaries. It specialises in funding, developing and operating student accommodation and campus infrastructure schemes as well as delivering asset management services. It has invested almost £1 billion in the Higher Education sector and plans to invest a further £1 billion over the next two years.
http://www.upp-ltd.com
2. UPP’s current university partners include the University of Exeter, the University of Kent, Lancaster University, Leeds Metropolitan University, Loughborough University, the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, Oxford Brookes University, University of Plymouth, University of Reading and the University of York.
3. The 1994 Group represents 19 of UK’s leading student-focused research-intensive universities. It was established in 1994 to promote excellence in University research and teaching. 7 of the top 10 universities for student experience are 1994 Group Universities (2009 National Student Survey) 1994 Group members include 10 of the top 18 universities in the UK in The Guardian University Guide League Table published on the 12th May 2009. The 1994 Group represents: University of Bath, Birkbeck University of London, Durham University, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, University of Exeter, Goldsmiths University of London, Institute of Education University of London, Royal Holloway University of London, Lancaster University, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, Queen Mary University of London, University of Reading, University of St Andrews, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of Surrey, University of Sussex, University of York. For further information on the 1994 Group, please contact Alistair Jarvis, Director of Communications, 1994 Group - Tel: 07779 232731 - Email:
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