Common use of Expenditure on Additional Access and Retention Measures Clause in Contracts

Expenditure on Additional Access and Retention Measures. In line with the access guidelines we have reviewed our data, drawing on the HESA widening participation and student retention performance indicators and benchmarks which confirm that the University College has a high percentage of under-represented students accessing the institution significantly above the sector average, but a higher than benchmark non-continuation and non- completion rates. In line with OFFA guidance the University College expects to spend an amount equating to 18% of expenditure above the £6,000 fee level. The emphasis will be on targeted outreach and collaborative activity and on retention and completion activities; it is proposed that the balance of funding will be a one third / two thirds split between these two sets of activities. A number of fee waivers and financial bursary arrangements will be offered to students, and their success in influencing student behaviour will be closely monitored. The University College will also participate in the National Scholarship Scheme (see Section 4.4). Students accessing the institution before 2012/13 will continue to be supported through the current Access Agreement arrangements. The expenditure on access measures indicated in this agreement relate to provision for new entrants in 2012/13 and also to retention and support measures for continuing students. The total sum that the University College will spend on access measure is estimated to be c. £490,000; this relates to anticipated expenditure for students on all three years of undergraduate degrees in 2012/13. The trend data for the University College in relation to its performance indicators and benchmarks over the last five years is detailed in the following table. a) Participation of under-represented Groups in HE: young and mature entrants 2004-2009 Young Full time First Degree - State Schools (Table 1a) Young Full Time First Degree - From Social Class IIIM, IV and V (Tables 1a) % % UCPM Benchmark UK UCPM Benchmark UK b) Non-continuation following year of entry - all FT First Degree entrants 2003-2008 Young entrants not in HE following year of entry (Table 3a) Mature entrants not in HE following year of entry (Table 3a) % % UCPM Benchmark UK UCPM Benchmark UK Mature non continuation with no previous HE (Table 3c) Projected outcomes - neither award nor transfer (Table 5) % % UCPM Benchmark UK UCPM Benchmark UK