Coordinator:
James Williams
Birmingham City University
United Kingdom
james.williams@bcu.ac.uk

SIG Title: Engaging students in partnership

The notion that students can or should be partners in higher education is increasingly familiar in contemporary higher education and it is one that needs exploration. Indeed, for some in the sector, the notion of students as partners provides an antidote to the consumerist model of higher education is a ‘partnership model’.

‘Partnership’ is clearly in the air again. But what does partnership really mean? How can we effectively engage students as partners? Where is the division between rhetoric and genuine, transformative partnership? These are questions we will discuss and answer in this year’s SIG: Student Experience.

It is now eight years since the Student Experience SIG was inaugurated and it is now time to reflect on future potential. In this informal meeting, we will reflect on past achievements, explore whether there is something we can recognise internationally as the ‘student experience’ and identify a potential ‘road-map’ for the future of the SIG.

With these thoughts in mind, we would like to welcome you to this year’s SIG: Student Experience to discuss the future: What is needed? What is possible?