University of Salford joins pledge to secure successful student futures

Developing a Student Futures Manifesto was the key recommendation from the Commission. The Manifestos will be a blueprint for how universities and students work together to improve the student experience.  

Dr Sam Grogan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience at the University of Salford commented: “Our students are our number one priority and we are delighted to be involved in this initiative to build on and develop the range of support that we offer for our students to reach their maximum potential. The past two years have been a challenge for all universities in the sector but also an incredible learning curve; we look forward to working closely with our students to continue learning and improving in everything we do.”  

As part of the Manifestos, Salford will co-produce and publish a series of actions within the six themes the final report of the Student Futures Commission identified for successful student futures:  

1. Support for students before they reach university 

2. An induction into university life for each year of study 

3. Support for mental health and wellbeing 

4. A clear outline of the teaching students will receive and the necessary tools to access it 

5. Activities inside and outside the curriculum that build skills, networks and communities 

6. A clear pathway towards graduate outcomes 

The manifesto will be a public statement of the commitments Salford is making, and showcase the positive initiatives being undertaken. It will be co-produced with students. 

Commenting on the University of Salford and the 20 universities which have already made the pledge, Chair of the UPP Foundation Student Futures Commission, Mary Curnock Cook CBE said: “A Student Futures Manifesto, co-created and co-owned by students and their university, will be a powerful expression of intent about what students need to support successful lives and careers. They will help to rebuild the full student experience through a partnership between universities and their students. It is a testament to the University of Salford and the wider HE sector’s commitment to successful student futures that 20 universities have already taken on this challenge.” 

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Notes:  

1. The UPP Foundation was created in 2016 by University Partnerships Programme (UPP), the leading provider of on campus student accommodation infrastructure and support services in the UK.  The UPP Foundation is a registered charity that offers grants to universities, charities and other higher education bodies.  
    

2. The UPP Foundation established the Student Futures Commission in partnership with Shakespeare Martineau, Group GTI, and Wonkhe.  The Commission has brought together evidence from across the higher education sector, students and students’ unions, experts from secondary education, graduate employment and representatives from the charity and voluntary sector. This included formal oral evidence sessions, written evidence, and two comprehensive polls of UK higher education students. Further information can be found on the Commission’s website: https://upp-foundation.org/student-futures-commission/ 
    

3. Universities making the Student Futures Manifesto pledge include: Buckinghamshire New University; Canterbury Christ Church University; De Montfort University; Edge Hill University; University of Essex; University of Hertfordshire; University of Huddersfield; University of Hull; Lancaster University; University of Lincoln; Liverpool John Moores University; London South Bank University; Manchester Metropolitan University; Northumbria University; Newman University, Birmingham; University of Salford; Sheffield Hallam University; University of the West of England Bristol; University of West London; University of Worcester.