Diversity Festival: Social and economic challenges: into, in and out of higher education

A panel discussion chaired by Professor Sarah Speight, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Education and Student Experience.

A live in person event at Djanogly Theatre, Lakeside Arts, live streamed for virtual attendees to join.

The university aims to welcome almost 25% of its annual student intake from groups experiencing social and economic challenges.

This session explores these challenges encountered when moving into, being in and moving beyond higher education and the support and services available to overcome these. Our diverse panel of staff, students and alumni share their lived experience to help raise awareness of social and economic challenges and explore what the university can do to welcome, inspire and better support staff and students at the university and beyond. 

Panel members:

• Sultan Chaudhury, UoN Students' Union Liberation Officer 2021/22
• Rebecca Craven, Research Masters student in the Department of Music and UoN Students' Union Mature Students' Officer
• Charlie Davis, Assistant Professor in Higher Education, University of Nottingham
• Zach Jones, Mentorship Coach and Associate Partner Elect, Lighthouse International Group (alumnus)
• Katherine Linehan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Equality, Diversity Inclusion and People, University of Nottingham
• Abigail Whitehead, Liberal Arts with History student in Cultures, Languages and Area Studies, University of Nottingham
• David Woolley, Director of Student and Community Engagement, Nottingham Trent University (NTU)

Recording available soon

Support available for University of Nottingham staff and students experiencing social and economic challenges

Support for students moving into higher education

• Support available to prospective students from socio economically disadvantaged backgrounds
• Schools and colleges outreach

Support for students in higher education

• Funding and financial support
• Bursaries and scholarships
• Nottingham internship scheme
• Support and wellbeing service
• Additional paid work opportunities

 Support for students in social sciences

• Faculty of social sciences widening participation placement programme
• Faculty of social sciences global placement grant

Support for staff

• Our employee assistance programme offers staff discounts, advice on budgeting, debt and adapting to a reduced income via our employee hub. Access the service by calling 0808 168 2143 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, excluding bank holidays) or log into the employee hub using your staff login.
• University of Nottingham has entered into an agreement with Notts and Lincs Credit Union (NLCU) to enable staff to benefit from a range of straightforward savings products and fair, manageable loans, with the option to save or make repayments directly and easily by salary deduction through payroll.
• All university staff can purchase a staff NUS extra (TOTUM) card starting from £14.99 which gives access to numerous exclusive offers and discounts from many popular retailers.

Support for staff and students

• University of Nottingham counselling service