Students as Partners in Uncertain Times: Listening, Co-Creating, and Sustaining Change

At a time when higher education is facing profound uncertainty financial pressure, rapid technological change, and shifting expectations, partnership with students offers not just challenge, but hope.

This online forum from the ALDinHE Events Working Group will explore students as partners and curriculum partners as a values-led, sustainable approach to learning development and educational enhancement. Rooted in ALDinHE principles of inclusivity, collaboration, and critical practice, the event will consider where partnership work is now, how it has evolved, and why listening to students is more important than ever, particularly in a post-AI context and as student voice becomes a core theme in the new TEF.

The programme for the event is detailed below and colleagues are welcome to join at any point in the afternoon:

• 1.00pm-1.10pm     Welcome
• 1.10pm-1.50pm    Presentation and Q&A with Dr. Karen Arm and ICC Zipporah Akello (Student Partner), Solent University. Reflections on student partnership initiatives at Solent University
• 1.50pm-1.55pm    Break (5 mins)
• 1.55pm-2.35pm    Presentation and Q&A with Leanne Grice & Jason Forrest, University of the Arts London. Adopting an individualised approach to address student challenges and foster resilience
• 2.35pm-2.45pm     Break (10 mins)
• 2.45pm-3.15pm     Panel discussion
• 3.15pm-3.30pm     Close