BNU to host UK and Ireland Higher Education and Institutional Research conference 2024
Buckinghamshire New University will host the two-day 2024 HEIR conference on 12-13 September 2024.
The UK and Ireland Higher Education and Institutional Research (HEIR) network brings together academics and members of professional services who are engaged in research and analysis aimed at supporting learning and teaching practice and informing management decision-making. This flagship annual conference provides opportunities for professionals engaged in IR to connect, develop ideas, and disseminate findings.
This year’s theme is equitable student progression and encompasses multiple strands of IR activity that have illuminated previous conferences. Progression is usually taken to mean student progression on their course of study: engaging, being retained, making academic progress and gaining a good award, and our sub-themes of inclusive student experiences, inclusive / decolonised curriculum and learning gain address these aspects of the student journey. With a broader interpretation of ‘progression’, we will curate material that speaks to the ‘into’ and ‘beyond’ stages of the journey: transition into HE and progression into careers and further study.
Professor Damien page, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at BNU, said: "There are few more pressing issues in universities than equity in student progression. We're thrilled to be hosting a conference from the Higher Education and Institutional Research network on 12th September, focusing on progression in its widest scope, from engagement to retention, from the awarding gap to graduate employment, inclusive and de-colonised practice to learning gain."
Keynote speakers will be announced soon and will address the importance of equitable student progression from three perspectives: the importance to policy-makers and governing bodies of fair and efficient student progress, the fulfilment for educators of imparting skills and knowledge, and the transformative effects upon student of realising their educational ambitions and unlocking new opportunities.