New project on clearing choices for student recruitment teams

New project on clearing choices for student recruitment teams

Don’t miss out on our new collaborative research opportunity. The competitive nature of student recruitment has increased dramatically in the past decade and, in recent years, ‘clearing’ is playing an increasingly important role. Knowing how to better influence decisions at this critical and pressured time will help universities plan for their clearing activity and maximise their return on their investment.
June 18, 2019
Unlocking exceptional student experiences – are staff the key?

Unlocking exceptional student experiences – are staff the key?

Since before the introduction of higher tuition fees in 2012, we have been working closely and collaboratively with universities across the country supporting their strategic approaches to providing outstanding student experiences. In our work with universities we engage with students directly to capture their thoughts and feelings on the issues that are most important to them. One of the most…
March 14, 2019
The boundaries of cheating and plagiarism

The boundaries of cheating and plagiarism

Students are under pressure. Students’ and parents’ expectations of university; the balancing of social and academic life; the fear of not achieving their expected grades, and the potential impact of that on their future employment prospects are all factors that can lead to students seeking uncharacteristic pathways to survive and succeed. The attraction of “cheating” should not be underestimated. Alterline…
February 18, 2019
Is the strength of your alumni relationships based on the value of the exchange?

Is the strength of your alumni relationships based on the value of the exchange?

I’ve spent some time recently meeting university alumni teams discussing some of the challenges they face in today’s climate with higher education under increased scrutiny and pressure. We talked about current approaches to encouraging recent graduates to join the alumni fold; recruiting older graduates to be active alumni and finding the best way of reaching out to them if email…
February 18, 2019
University space – critical to developing university communities

University space – critical to developing university communities

Feeling part of a community and being connected with like-minded people who share our interests or values is an important element of life satisfaction. For students, this sense of being part of “something”, part of a community, is an integral feature of a successful and happy student experience. In a recent Alterline study looking at the interplay and relationship between…
January 18, 2019
Who’s influencing young people’s university decisions?

Who’s influencing young people’s university decisions?

Whilst the prospective student remains the primary target audience for university recruitment strategies, more institutions are now actively targeting other influencers too. In late 2017 we ran our first University Futures collaboration with 10 universities from across the UK, generating fresh insights into how children and young people from the ages of 6 to 18 view, and make, decisions about…
November 26, 2018
“What does a tick mean?!” Exploring poor experiences of assessment and feedback through student experience research

“What does a tick mean?!” Exploring poor experiences of assessment and feedback through student experience research

Since the advent of the National Student Survey (NSS) assessment and feedback has received consistently lower ratings compared to other areas, however concerns in this area have been highlighted in institutional experience surveys going as far back as the late 1980s. The result is neither good for students nor good for institutions facing increased pressure from the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). …
June 30, 2017
Experts in ‘now’: making the most of your alumni in the era of the TEF

Experts in ‘now’: making the most of your alumni in the era of the TEF

In the rapidly changing landscape of the UK labour market and higher education sector, recent graduates have experience that institutions can take advantage of to provide up-to-date, first-hand advice to current and prospective students about making it on the road to career and life success. Alterline's Dr Beth Carley discusses how alumni engagement can contribute to the strategic objectives of universities…
May 23, 2017
Why university libraries are becoming more coffee shop and less text book

Why university libraries are becoming more coffee shop and less text book

Students spend a lot of time in the university library, but is the experience what it should be? Alterline Research Director Ben Hickman explains how university libraries can help student experience in a world where tuition fees may soon be linked to the Teaching Excellence Framework. Customers.  It’s not a word often used to describe university students. But rises in…
April 27, 2017

New project announcement:

Understanding the digital behaviour and experiences of students at the University of Sheffield Library

The University of Sheffield Library has commissioned Alterline to deliver an in-depth qualitative study investigating students’ and academics’ experiences of their digital offer. The project will combine ethnographic observation, interviews and focus groups and will culminate in a report which explores current behaviours, identifies key areas for improvement and maps users’ needs and expectations. The Library will use the evidence to shape their digital strategy and improve user experiences.

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