The Role of Quality & Engagement Coordinators at the LSC

Supporting Neurodivergent and Disabled Students

Neurodivergent and disabled students often benefit from one-to-one support, such as study skills assistance or specialist mentoring for those with mental health difficulties. Student feedback shows this support can be crucial in determining whether a student passes or fails a subject, or continues their course instead of deferring due to academic pressures.

The Engagement Challenge

Despite being eligible for support funded by the Disabled Students’ Allowance or their university, many Higher Education students take up very little support or don’t engage at all. Why is this?

Understanding Student Struggles

University students face numerous challenges:

  • Multiple assignment deadlines
  • Various module requirements
  • Work placements
  • Daily living commitments
  • Second jobs to make ends meet

For students with ADHD or chronic anxiety, for example, these demands can make it difficult to focus or prioritise tasks, leading to forgotten meetings with tutors or mentors.

LSC’s Solution: Quality & Engagement Coordinators

The Learning Support Centre employs two dedicated Quality & Engagement Coordinators, one for the north and one for the south of the UK. Their roles include:

  • Proactively contacting students who have briefly engaged with support or stopped responding
  • Providing a friendly, no-pressure ear for overwhelmed students
  • Responding to student feedback
  • Reducing barriers to receiving necessary support

Supporting Higher Education Institutions

LSC also works with universities like Newcastle University and the University of York. Our Engagement Coordinators:

  • Ensure we meet agreed timescales for student support
  • Act as a valuable bridge between students, support workers, and university disability teams
  • Raise student issues directly with the university (with student permission)
  • Assist with timely resolution of problems

Conclusion: A Vital Role in Higher Education

The Quality & Engagement Coordinator role is essential to the high-quality service that LSC consistently delivers to students in Higher Education. It plays an integral part in supporting neurodivergent and disabled students throughout their academic journey.

Written by: LauraCook

Published on: 19 November 2024

Categories: News