Office for Students

We've published a new insight report looking at the impact of a marking and assessment boycott carried out by university and college teaching staff in 2023 and the steps taken by universities and colleges to mitigate disruption. Read the report: https://bit.ly/3RatmMf Read our updated guidance to institutions on protecting the interests of students during industrial action: https://lnkd.in/eyyiBm5r

How have you been using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help you with your studies? How has your uni/college used AI to support teaching and what guidance have you had on using AI? What opportunities do you think AI creates for higher education? What is the impact of AI on higher education? If you have thoughts on this topic, we want to hear from you at our student webinar on 7 May. Book your place now at https://lnkd.in/ey4yU9qN

Equality of opportunity is fundamental to our purpose and the way we regulate. Over the last year, we've been directing funding towards the growth of Level 4 and 5 courses to develop more diverse pathways through higher education. Our Head of Student Pathways and Progression, Alastair Wilson, reflects on initial feedback from recipient institutions and the impacts they believe this funding is having on students, communities and regional economies. Read the blog: https://lnkd.in/ejBGAzdR

Students: do you know your consumer rights? Do you know the things you should be looking out for in your contracts? You invest a lot of time and money in higher education, and it can be difficult to move to a different course if you're dissatisfied. Knowing your consumer rights should help you to: ✅ get the information you need when deciding which university, college or course to choose ✅get fair treatment while you’re studying and know how to raise any concerns you have about your provider or course ✅ be protected if things go wrong on your course Read our case reports where we explain the terms in students’ contracts we considered potentially unfair, and any changes the university or college made in response to the assessment by Trading Standards. https://bit.ly/3RCmAyT

Missed yesterday's online discussion about our proposed changes to the way we register higher education providers? You still have a chance to give your views - join us at 10AM on Wednesday 9 April to have your say. We are particularly (but not only) interested in hearing from students, staff, academics and leaders at higher education providers that are interested in applying to register with the OfS. To secure a place, head to: https://bit.ly/43uIXxr

We've published the findings from our investigation into Applied Business Academy (ABA) relating to concerns about its Diploma in Education and Training (DET) course.   The investigation found that only six per cent of student placements offered as part of the course were suitable.   Read the press release: https://bit.ly/4ciTAG0 Read the report: https://bit.ly/43AsUhN

Students: we need your help to understand how AI is transforming your experience of university or college. We’re excited to invite you to connect with us and like-minded peers as we explore the future of AI in higher education. Join us for an online focus group to discuss how students are using AI, the challenges and opportunities it brings, and how your uni or college is integrating it into your studies. 📅When? Tuesday 8 April, 15:00-16:00 🧑🎓 Who’s it for? Students at all levels of higher education and student representatives ✉️ How can I join? Please email strategyteam@officeforstudents.org.uk. We will then send you the joining instructions. If you have any accessibility requirements, please include them in your response.

Are you a student, staff member, or leader at a university or college that's planning to register with us? We're inviting you to join our open, interactive discussions, where you'll have the chance to tell us what you think about our proposed reforms to our registration requirements. 📅Wednesday 2 April, 1100–1300 📅Wednesday 9 April, 1000–1200 To secure a place, head to: https://bit.ly/43uIXxr

The Office for Students (OfS) has fined the University of Sussex £585,000 after an investigation found the university’s governing documents failed to uphold freedom of speech and academic freedom, as well as failings in the university’s management and governance processes.   Read the press release: https://lnkd.in/ectYHRdC

Our recent visit to Loughborough College was truly memorable – not least because of campus VIP Mylie, a therapy dog who brings smiles and a sense of calm to everyone she meets. Speaking with students – including elite athletes – about their achievements and experiences was inspiring, as was our tour of the college’s sport therapy suite, where students run clinics for the local community.