Common use of Fair Access Clause in Contracts

Fair Access. The University attracts a high number of mature learners, however, the decline in numbers of part- time mature learners across the sector is a concern and we will therefore strengthen our current work with mature and part-time learners through a programme of bitesize taster courses, informed by academic and employer input. These sessions will be designed to break down barriers, upskill and develop confidence and provide information, advice and guidance to these students, with a further goal to tackle inequality where it exists in particular subject areas. The programme will be delivered in the community, removing perceived barriers to participation. In 2014, the University developed and introduced a foundation entry year option for all undergraduate courses offered on campus, to enable access to HE for students with non-traditional qualifications and support their transition into the university environment. The foundation entry years have proved popular and will continue for 2018-19, providing opportunities to students who would otherwise struggle to gain the necessary entry qualifications to engage with higher education. Social media and call centre activities are designed to engage students with the University prior to their entry. They provide a forum for prospective students to ask questions and discuss concerns with existing students and their peers in an informal and supportive environment. Supported by student mentors and peer-to-peer mentors, these activities include welcome contacts and follow up to ensure that students’ journeys into higher education are as smooth as possible. These help provide reassurance and advice to students from low participation areas or with low levels of family experience in higher education. The social media activities are also arrange in subject groups, so that students can start to create learning networks and communities of practice prior to entry to their course, and have been demonstrated to be very effective in helping students progress and maximise attainment while at university and in achievement of their career goals. In the absence of parents or families to provide role models and support them financially, Care Leavers may require additional support to enable them to succeed on their course and overcome any barriers they may face. The targeted support package for students who are Leavers from Care, which was introduced in September 2014, is continuing with a growing number of students accessing this additional financial and academic/pastoral support package. In addition to the financial support detailed later in this agreement, all UK Home students who are enrolled on a full-time, undergraduate UCLan programme, defined as in care for at least 13 weeks, spanning their 16th birthday and under 25 on the first day of the academic year of commencement of course of study are eligible for a range of targeted support arrangements including:  A dedicated point of contact for advice and support, from application through admission, enrolment and study. This point of contact is able to offer advice on a range of issues and signpost / refer to other services, as required, including offering advice on funding sources which can be accessed in addition to the UCLan Care Leavers’ Bursary  Access to study skills support, enhanced careers support and a personalised Care Leaver plan that covers both academic and pastoral support throughout their time at UCLan  Waivers on deposits for University-owned accommodation / year-round accommodation contracts for students who may not have alternative accommodation during vacations  Access to internships and other employment opportunities whilst at UCLan, to assist with finances. Through our links with the National Network for the Education of Care Leavers and the Virtual Heads within Local Authorities, we have organised bespoke University Experience days for local looked- after young people to get a taster of higher education and raise aspirations. Further information on the Care Leavers’ package of support can be found at: ▇▇▇▇▇://▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇.▇▇/students/money/care_leavers_support.php.