Programme
Schedule-at-a-Glance
Please be informed that this programme is subject to change
09:45 - 10:00
Badge Registrations and Refreshments
10:00 - 10:15
Welcome
Richard Nicholl, Head of Educational Programmes – Europe, CASE
David Gilani, Head of Student Engagement and Advocacy, Middlesex University
Ruth Wood, Head of Student Communications, Canterbury Christ Church University
10:15 - 10:45
'What do we know about student communications so far?’ initial findings from a meta-analysis of our surveys.
David Gilani, Head of Student Engagement and Advocacy, Middlesex University
10:45 - 11:30
Re-setting relationships with students as we emerge from the pandemic.
The pandemic had a profound affect upon the needs and expectations of our students. Continuing students were catapulted into a new set of experiences and ways of learning, and new students came into a very different ‘university life’ than they had been planning for. Tensions were high and the focus of communications shifted, as we battled through changing government guidance its implications. Our game had truly changed.
In this session, Kim will share experiences from across the University of Manchester (the largest single-site University in the UK) as they ‘hit the re-set button’ on their strategic approach to communicating and engaging with students - positively transforming relationships and cementing partnership working between students, The University, and The Students’ Union; to establish the ‘new normal’.
Kim Graakjaer, Head of Student Communications, The University of Manchester
11:30 - 12:00 TEA BREAK
12:00 - 12:45
Choosing the right platforms for social media engagement
This high energy session will help you get to grips with the channels and content that really work. With practical examples on how to develop, leverage, and maximise your content inclusively and sustainably, we’ll also look at how to gain advocacy and traction internally with a special focus on TikTok and how to make it work for your organisation.
Emma Leech, Director of Marketing and Communications, Nottingham Trent University
12:45 - 13:30
Student safety communications and campaigns
In this session, Rachael Phelps and Thea Hartman from the Student Communications Team at the University of Southampton will talk about student safety campaigns and the communications approach at the University. The session will look back at what has been done in the past and critically the future landscape for safety centred campaigns to ensure a safe and secure student community. This will include an overview of a recent success – a new Student Safety Site. The site is an internal, student platform made in collaboration with Hampshire Police to host information to help students stay safe and where to access support if they need it.
Rachael Marie Phelps, Student Communications Officer, University of Southampton
Thea Hartman, Student Communications Coordinator, University of Southampton
13:30 - 14:30 LUNCH
14:30 - 15:15 Breakout sessions
How to effectively segment your student communications
Michael Lavery, CEO of Brand and Reputation and Interim Vice-President (Membership, Marketing & Communications) of CASE
Communicating with your academics to increase student engagement
Louise Wood, Head of Student and Commercial Communications, University of Chester
15:15 - 15:45
Campfire discussions
Roundtable discussions based on various topics, this is an opportunity to share experiences from your institutions with fellow peers.
15:45 - 16:00 Chairs Closing Remarks
David Gilani, Head of Student Engagement and Advocacy, Middlesex University
Ruth Wood, Head of Student Communications, Canterbury Christ Church University