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UEL nominated for the Times Higher Education Awards

Thursday 23 September 2010

Times Higher Education Awards

The University of East London has been shortlisted for the 2010 Times Higher Education Awards for widening participation initiative of the year. The Awards celebrate excellence and achievement within UK higher education institutions, and will be presented in November at a gala ceremony.

UEL has introduced a number of initiatives in line with the government’s agenda to increase the number of young people entering higher education from under-represented groups including lower income families, people with disabilities and ethnic minorities.

The University’s Pre-Entry Information, Advice and Guidance Service was developed in response to the need for applicants to receive support in a welcoming environment, at convenient locations and in ways that suit them. This initiative has been sustained over more than 10 years and is now embedded within the local community.

This service strives to reach out to those with the potential to succeed in higher education through providing information, individually tailored advice and guidance. The service also offers opportunities to build skills and knowledge to support progression to higher education.

Outreach across East London also takes place in partnership with local colleges, the Think Store in Stratford Shopping Mall and the Whitechapel Ideas Store. Potential students can attend coffee mornings, get advice as they do their shopping or pick up their library books.

UEL Vice-Chancellor Patrick McGhee says: “We are delighted to be nominated and recognised for our important work in widening participation and helping those who want to pursue a university education to realise their goals. Over the years we have strived to continually develop this service to meet the needs of our local communities and we will continue to build on this work into the future.”

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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