Inclusive Learning Communities
Developing peer networks to achieve success
AS I AM CAMPAIGN
The As I am campaign celebrates diversity and inclusion by shedding light on our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and students’ stories of belonging here at Manchester Met.
Ahead of As I am’s official launch in September 2022, we are currently collecting staff and student profiles to form part of this exciting and thought-provoking campaign. If you identify as being Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and would like to join this campaign to have your story shared, please complete this Expression of interest form and we will be in touch with further details.
If you have any questions, please contact Yolande Sumbele.
ABOUT
The Degree Awarding Gap (also previously known as the Attainment gap) refers to the difference between white students and Black, Asian and minority ethnic students being awarded a 1st or 2:1 degree classification.
Extensive research has been undertaken by a number of Higher Education Institutions to find out why this gap exists. These studies have concluded that when other factors (including age, gender, socio-economic background, and previous qualification) are controlled, a significant gap based on ethnicity still remains.
The Inclusive Learning Communities project is a partnership with our Students’ Union and aims to close the awarding gap by working collaboratively with staff and students to increase our BAME students’ sense of belonging to the University and to change the way they are included in our teaching practices.
A central element of our partnership with the Students’ Union is our BAME Ambassador scheme. Our BAME Ambassadors put on a range of campaigns and events for students and work with our faculties to influence change. One of the ways our BAME Ambassadors are doing this is through The Big Change Project. The project involved a series of interviews between the team of BAME Ambassadors and University staff which resulted in senior leaders in Faculties and Professional Services making commitments to improving the quality of BAME student educational experiences
Each of our four faculties are undertaking work to decolonise the curriculum and we have developed a portfolio of staff development resources with our Human Resources department and the University Teaching Academy which includes a series of best practice videos. We have also supported and developed cross-institutional campaigns such as the Many Faces.
See below for details of upcoming events or contact us for more information.
Read our service pledge which outlines our commitment to you, as well as our aims and values.
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What is an inclusive learning community?
We believe students are entitled to be a part of a community that supports the success of all students by creating a learning experience that values diversity, enables students to achieve their full potential, and removes barriers to participation and belonging.
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Why do we use the term 'BAME'?
At the University, we use this broad them to refer to groups of students who do not self-identify as White. Despite our use of the term, we acknowledge that the term can be problematic as it can obscure the identities and distinct experiences of those it refers to. We will therefore be keeping our use of the term BAME under review and expect our approach to evolve.
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How can you get involved as a member of staff?
We work with staff in a number of ways. If you would like to find out more about the project and how you can get involved, please take a look at our ILC staff intranet page.
One of the ways we work with staff is through our Community of Practice (CoP). We invite all staff who are passionate about enhancing the student experience to join us.
You can book on to our next CoP here.
The University Teaching Academy continues to develop its portfolio of resources and would welcome contributions to The Inclusive Curriculum Toolkit.
CONTACT US
If you have any queries about the project you can contact:
Yolande Sumbele: [email protected]
BAME AMBASSADORS
The BAME Ambassador Scheme is a student-led collaboration between The Union and the University which aims to improve student experience and close the awarding gap for Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) students.
Our BAME Ambassadors deliver a range of campaigns and events as well as work with university staff to make a positive change to BAME students’ experience.
Watch this video where Leonie and Bethany, BAME Ambassadors at the Students’ Union, explain what the Inclusive Learning Communities Project is and how you can get involved.
To find out more, check out their website. You can also engage with them through Instagram, read their blogs or listen to their podcast.
