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University in 2013: supporting a challenged generation?. Professor Tom Ward Pro Vice Chancellor (Education) HE Advisers’ Conference, 2013. Durham University. Shaped by the past, creating the future 3 faculties 25 departments 16 colleges 11,553 undergraduates (2011/12)
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University in 2013:supporting a challenged generation? Professor Tom Ward Pro Vice Chancellor (Education) HE Advisers’ Conference, 2013
Durham University Shaped by the past, creating the future 3 faculties 25 departments 16 colleges 11,553 undergraduates (2011/12) 4,493 postgraduates (2011/12)
“Ranking” universities • Universities differ in type as well as ranking; • Rankings can suggest a spurious linear ordering of a complicated set of comparisons; • Our job is to help students reach their potential; • “Better” is not automatically better for you; • “More informed” makes the difference.
What our students think… Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2011 Durham University won six Top 10 'WhatUni' awards, as voted for by our students: 1stfor Courses and Lectures 1stfor Clubs and Societies Top 3for Job Prospects Top 4 for Accommodation Top 6 for University Facilities
The rounded student • Students who will get the most from Durham are well-rounded people who do things intensely: • Academic study; • Sport, drama, charitable work; • Socialising.
Necessary barriers… • High entry standards; • Competition for places; • A college system to navigate; • Intense course pace.
Reality Durham students are…
Practical matters… • Predicted grades must meet the offer; • We have a shared interest in good guidance; • We are serious about the rounded student; • Applicants can submit a separate personal statement for Durham; • The college system boosts confidence and develops skills; • We are serious about fair access.
Strategic matters… • We need to protect students from tensions in the system; • The call on the Treasury is being controlled by reductions in numbers; • The regulated market is riddled with contradictions; • A real college system is expensive; • Expect further turbulence.
Thank you –any comments or questions? Professor Tom Ward Pro Vice Chancellor (Education)