UEL to pilot innovative approach to supporting new students

The University of East London (UEL) has been chosen by the Office for Students to pilot a national pre-arrival academic questionnaire (PAQ) and receive a Funding Innovation Grant to work with AdvanceHE and Jisc on the project.

This national pilot will bring together key partners to improve the experience of students, provide practical support to support universities and staff and influence national policy.

Dr Michelle Morgan, Dean of Students at the University of East London, who has been spearheading PAQs for over 20 years, said:

We are delighted to be chosen to pilot a national pre-arrival academic questionnaire for students with AdvanceHE and JISC.”

“The questionnaire has given us valuable insight into our students’ prior learning experiences, expectations on entry and any concerns they may have and has ensured the voices of our students help evolve the student experience from first contact through to pre-arrival, orientation and Induction.”

“We have used the questionnaire with our own new students at UEL over the past four years to improve our knowledge of the prior learning experience and study expectations by different student characteristics such as A-Level and BTEC students before they start at university. This report has fed into the National Curriculum Review led by Professor Becky Francis.”

Further information about the Office for Students award can be found on their website.