Reports Archive - Page 2 of 5 - Alterline

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…

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…

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.

New project announcement:

University of Glasgow

We are thrilled to announce a new project with the University of Glasgow. Working with the Student Services Team we are supporting them in developing an innovative model for delivering services, help and support in the new space. Keen to put students at the heart of the process, the Student Services team has commissioned Alterline to run a series of focus groups with students to explore their current experiences of campus services and future aspirations for the Learning and Teaching Hub.

New project announcement:

London South Bank University – The next stage of ‘Redefining alumni relations’

In 2015 Alterline were commissioned by the Alumni Relations team at London South Bank University (LSBU) to conduct research with internal stakeholders and alumni that would help reposition them as an important contributor to the University (click here to read more).

We’re delighted to announce we will be taking the lead on the next stage of ‘Redefining alumni relations’ at LSBU, by providing an in-depth, qualitative understanding of the lives of alumni. The new project will generate richer insights and capture the lived experiences of alumni before, throughout and after their time at the institution. The research report and subsequent documentary-style videos will be used to inform strategies for engagement with alumni and give current students an understanding of how the university fits into their wider lives and career goals.

Manchester student life – research to support the Union’s strategic plan

Alterline’s research and consultancy support, alongside their ground breaking segmentation were instrumental in the development of our new strategic plan. They brought real insight and challenge to the process and transformed our understanding and relationship with our students.Ben Ward - Union Director With over 43,000 students the University of Manchester Students’ Union has the largest membership of any…

Engaging with academics: University of Manchester Library reading lists project

To deliver a great student experience, the University of Manchester Library is working to ensure the right texts are available to students, in the right format, at the right time. Seemingly a simple goal, there are multiple components which need to be understood and influenced; the behaviours and needs of modern students; academics’ pedagogical practices and curriculums; technological products available;…

The Power of Ethnography: Driving improvements in university libraries

Ethnography literally means ‘a portrait of a people’. An ethnography is a written description of a particular culture – the customs, beliefs, and behaviour – based on information collected through fieldwork.Marvin Harris - Anthropologist Developed from the academic discipline of cultural anthropology, ethnography is the study of people in their natural environment. It is increasingly being used by…

Students’ #Brexit or #Remain?

The student vote in the EU Referendum is incredibly important. Almost 2 million UK students are eligible to vote this week meaning their decision could have a huge impact on the outcome of the referendum. Whether the UK decides to remain or Brexit the outcome will impact on the younger generation’s future who will live with the consequences. Huge efforts…

The importance of accommodation to the student experience

‘Home’ is a fundamental part of our lives. Exploring students’ homes in a recent survey we asked people to upload a picture of their favourite thing about their accommodation. Far more than just a place to cook, wash, eat and sleep – students shared images that brought to life experiences and memories that are having a substantial impact on university…